The crypto market sent shockwaves through trading desks on November 5, 2025 — as Bitcoin (BTC) briefly dropped near the critical $100,000 mark, while major altcoins like Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL) and XRP plunged between 6 % and 10 % amid a wave of forced liquidations.
The Numbers That Hurt
In the past 24 hours, over US $2 billion in futures contracts were liquidated, with long positions bearing approximately US $1.6 billion of losses. CoinDesk+1 Bitcoin fell about 5.5 % in the session and more than 10 % for the week. Ethereum dropped roughly 10 % to around $3,275, while SOL and other altcoins experienced 7–8 % declines.
What’s Driving the Sell-Off?
- Macro uncertainty: Market watchers point to worries about interest-rates, inflation and sagging risk-appetite globally—which tend to hit crypto hard.
- Leverage unwind: Heavy use of derivatives and leveraged bets meant that when price momentum reversed, many traders were forced out, adding fuel to the drop.
- Support levels cracking: Bitcoin traders noted that critical support lines around the $100K-$101K zone were under pressure. A breakdown there raises the risk of deeper moves.
Why It Matters
For investors and crypto-curious watchers alike, this isn’t just a normal pull-back. When major tokens fall in unison, with large liquidations involved, the risk of a sharper correction rises. At the same time, it may also offer buying opportunities—depending on your time-horizon and risk appetite.
Key Levels & What To Watch
- $100,000 for Bitcoin: If BTC holds above or rebounds from this level, it could stabilise. If it breaks below decisively, the next support may be lower. CoinDesk+1
- Altcoin vulnerability: With ETH, SOL, XRP dropping more steeply, these coins may lead the downside risk if sentiment keeps weakening.
- Liquidation clusters: The pattern of where traders were forced out can highlight “danger zones” in price—zones where forced activity could accelerate moves.
Final Word
The crypto market is currently in a risk-off mode. A rebound is possible if global risk appetite returns, regulation turns friendly, or fresh capital steps in. But the near term is uncertain. Whether you’re a HODLer, trader or just staying tuned, now’s a time for heightened awareness—not casual optimism.