Bitcoin News Today: Bitcoin Falls Below $18,000 as U.S. Genius Act Implemented, Whales Move $1.26B, Market Share Drops to 60%

Bitcoin fell below $18,000 for the first time in months, according to HTX market data, with a 24-hour decline of 0.15% [1]. The move reignited concerns among investors about the cryptocurrency’s near-term stability, particularly after a week marked by heightened volatility. Blockchain analytics firm Lookonchain reported that three large Bitcoin addresses, which had received BTC in December 2020 when prices were around $18,000, transferred a combined $1.26 billion earlier this month. While this activity is not directly linked to the recent price drop, it highlights the sensitivity of institutional and high-net-worth holders to key price levels [1].

The decline coincided with the implementation of the Genius Act, a U.S. legislative measure intended to strengthen crypto investment security. Although the law is seen as a long-term positive for market confidence, its immediate impact on Bitcoin’s price remains uncertain. BusinessPost noted that Bitcoin traded between $17,000 and $18,000 during the week of July 22, 2025, amid broader risk-asset pressure, including the Naira’s nine-month low [2].

Seasoned crypto investor Tone Vays warned of a potential breakdown in Bitcoin’s price, citing persistent macroeconomic uncertainties. He emphasized that the market is “teetering on the edge of another correction” and highlighted the fragility of bullish momentum [3]. Meanwhile, analysts at AInvest observed that Bitcoin’s market dominance has fallen to 60%, with capital shifting to altcoins like Ethereum and Litecoin. They noted that further declines could push Bitcoin toward the $18,000 level if current price structures deteriorate [4].

The selloff has sparked renewed interest in dollar-cost averaging (DCA) strategies among retail investors. A Reddit discussion debated the effectiveness of traditional DCA methods in Bitcoin’s volatile environment, with participants acknowledging that fixed-dollar allocations during sharp declines could either stabilize prices or intensify selling pressure [5].

Technical indicators present a mixed outlook. Bitcoin’s network difficulty and hashrate remain stable, but miners face margin compression due to rising energy costs and declining block rewards post-halving. Experts remain divided on whether hashrate directly influences Bitcoin’s price, with some arguing that production costs—not hashrate—ultimately determine its valuation [6].

Bitcoin’s short-term trajectory appears contingent on two factors: the actions of large holders and retail demand. The $1.26 billion transfer by “whales” signals caution but does not definitively signal a bearish outlook. Historically, such large-scale movements have coincided with both consolidation and breakout phases. Altcoin strength also suggests capital rotation toward smaller assets, a trend that could either drain Bitcoin’s liquidity or precede a broader market rebound.

Sources:

[1] [Bitcoin Whale Moves $1.26 Billion] [https://www.theblock.co/post/363915/bitcoin-whale-moves-1-billion-lookonchain]

[2] [Naira Collapses to Nine-Month Low as Bitcoin Dips] [https://businesspost.ng/economy/naira-collapses-to-nine-month-low-as-bitcoin-dips-to-18000/]

[3] [Veteran Crypto Trader Warns of Another Bitcoin Collapse] [https://www.tapesearch.com/episode/977-veteran-crypto-trader-warns-of-another-bitcoin-collapse-after-disastrous-week-here-s-his-target/6TcVrH4faggJaJ9wZBEkHZ]

[4] [Altcoins Surge 20% as Bitcoin Consolidates Post Genius Act] [https://www.ainvest.com/news/bitcoin-news-today-altcoins-surge-20-bitcoin-consolidates-post-genius-act-2507/]

[5] [Reddit Discussion on DCA Strategies] [https://www.reddit.com/r/Bitcoin/comments/1m5oh14/there_has_to_be_a_better_way-to_dca_bitcoin_right/]

[6] [Bitcoin Hashrate vs. Price Analysis] [https://newhedge.io/bitcoin/hashrate-vs-price]