The crypto market plunged sharply over the past 24 hours as renewed inflation concerns sent shockwaves through global risk assets, wiping out more than $1 billion in leveraged positions. Bitcoin led the downturn after a sudden spike in inflation expectations rattled traders and forced a rapid unwinding of long positions across major exchanges. The sell-off dragged the entire market lower, with altcoins suffering even deeper declines as volatility surged and sentiment deteriorated.
Inflation Concerns Spark Market-Wide Panic
Fresh U.S. economic data pointed to persistent inflationary pressure, fueling speculation that the Federal Reserve may delay the rate cuts traders had been pricing in for December. The possibility of prolonged tight monetary conditions triggered widespread fear, prompting investors to reduce exposure to high-risk assets.
As expectations shifted, crypto markets reacted violently, with a broad wave of selling that quickly intensified into a full-blown crash. Many traders positioned for a dovish Fed outlook were caught off guard as macro uncertainty shifted sharply against risk-on sentiment.
Over $1 Billion Crypto Liquidations Deepen the Sell-Off
The market downturn was amplified by more than $1 billion in long liquidations, one of the largest single-day wipeouts of the year. Bitcoin long positions accounted for a significant portion of the losses, while mid-cap and small-cap altcoins experienced even sharper corrections as cascading liquidations drained liquidity across order books.
The rapid collapse in open interest underscored the scale of the leverage flush, with funding rates turning negative across multiple exchanges. Analysts say the sudden liquidity shock widened price gaps and intensified the speed of the market breakdown.
Market Sentiment Turns Extremely Bearish
As the crash unfolded, the Fear & Greed Index plunged deeper into fear territory, reflecting the growing anxiety among traders. Volatility spiked sharply, and traders rushed to close positions, further pressuring prices.
With only 44% of S&P 500 stocks trading above their 50-day moving average and broader equities also weakening, correlations between crypto and traditional risk assets strengthened. Meanwhile, only 25% of the S&P’s industry groups are above their 10-week moving average, one of the lowest readings since the April sell-off, adding to the risk-off mood spilling into crypto.
What Comes Next for Traders?
The market may face additional downside