Bitcoin News Today: Trade Fears and Regulatory Uncertainty Spark $400B Crypto Crash

The global cryptocurrency market experienced a dramatic 24-hour collapse, erasing approximately $400 billion in value as heightened trade war fears and regulatory uncertainties triggered a sharp sell-off. The turmoil was catalyzed by U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement of a 100% tariff on Chinese imports, which reignited concerns over a full-scale trade conflict. By midday on October 11, 2025, Bitcoin (BTC) had fallen below $110,000-a 10% decline from its previous 24-hour peak-while Ethereum (ETH) and other major tokens saw losses of 15%-30%. The CoinDesk 20 Index plummeted 12.1%, and the total crypto market capitalization dropped to $3.87 trillion Crypto Price Drop Continues: $16B in Longs Liquidated as BTC, …^[1].

The sell-off was exacerbated by the liquidation of over $16 billion in leveraged long positions, with Ethena's stablecoin USDe briefly dipping below $1, highlighting systemic stress in derivatives markets Crypto Price Drop Continues: $16B in Longs Liquidated as BTC, …^[1]. Analysts attributed the volatility to a confluence of factors, including Trump's aggressive tariff rhetoric, the U.S. government shutdown delaying key economic data releases, and ongoing regulatory scrutiny of crypto assets. The shutdown, which entered its seventh day, added to market uncertainty by obscuring visibility into inflation and employment trends, critical metrics for macroeconomic decision-making SEC Delays Decision on Seven Crypto ETFs Until October 2025^[4].

Bitcoin's price action reflected the broader risk-off sentiment. While it briefly stabilized at $113,294, the asset remained vulnerable to further declines as traders unwound speculative bets. Ethereum, XRP, and Solana (SOL) also faced steep sell-offs, with SOL dropping over 30% in a single day. The crypto fear and greed index shifted from a "greed" reading of 62 to a "neutral" 57, signaling a rapid erosion of investor confidence Why Is Crypto Down Today? – October 8, 2025^[2].

The trade war escalation underscored vulnerabilities in the crypto sector's reliance on global supply chains and geopolitical stability. Trump's threat to impose additional export controls on Chinese rare earth materials and critical software intensified fears of disrupted access to essential components for blockchain infrastructure and semiconductor production. Analysts at Bitfinex noted that while short-term corrections are typical in crypto cycles, the broader context-including a dovish Federal Reserve and renewed ETF inflows-suggests a bullish fourth quarter could still materialize if trade tensions ease Why Is Crypto Down Today? – October 8, 2025^[2].

Institutional flows offered mixed signals. U.S. Bitcoin spot ETFs recorded $23.81 million in outflows, while Ethereum ETFs saw $420.87 million in inflows over the same period. However, the broader market's dependence on macroeconomic stability was evident as traders shifted capital to safer assets. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq-100 also declined, reflecting a synchronized risk-off environment Why Is Crypto Down Today? – October 8, 2025^[2].

Regulatory developments further compounded uncertainty. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) delayed decisions on seven major crypto ETF applications until October 2025, citing the need for extended review amid the government shutdown . This delay, combined with unresolved legal challenges surrounding assets like XRP, added to the sector's volatility. Prediction markets now price in a 77% probability of XRP ETF approval by year-end, down from earlier levels .

Looking ahead, market participants are closely monitoring key levels for Bitcoin. If BTC holds above $121,700, it could retest $126,200 and potentially approach $130,000. Conversely, a breakdown below $120,000 may trigger a deeper correction toward $118,000 Why Is Crypto Down Today? – October 8, 2025^[2]. Analysts emphasized the importance of institutional adoption and technological innovation in mitigating long-term risks, but cautioned that immediate volatility would persist until trade tensions and regulatory clarity improve SEC Delays Decision on Seven Crypto ETFs Until October 2025^[4].