Cryptocurrency Markets Down Amid "Classic Correction", Bitcoin Touches $113,000

Cryptocurrency markets are down after Bitcoin touched $113,000. Bitcoin, Ethereum, and XRP are trading lower, while Dogecoin holds steady. The market correction is seen as a classic correction, with traders noting that Bitcoin remains below its 20-EMA and that a meaningful altseason is unlikely to emerge until Bitcoin asserts dominance.

Cryptocurrency markets are experiencing a significant correction following Bitcoin's recent dip below $113,000. Bitcoin, Ethereum, and XRP are trading lower, while Dogecoin maintains stability. This market correction is seen as a classic pullback, with traders noting that Bitcoin remains below its 20-EMA, indicating a potential pause in its upward trajectory. Meanwhile, a meaningful altseason is considered unlikely until Bitcoin asserts dominance.

Bitcoin's Market Dynamics

Bitcoin's recent performance highlights the challenges faced by the cryptocurrency's mining sector. Despite strong performers like CleanSpark ($257M net income) and Canaan (359% home miner sales growth), the sector is grappling with rising operational costs and network difficulty. The Bitcoin network difficulty increased by 10% in Q3 2025, squeezing margins for smaller operators Bitcoin Mining and Ethereum Accumulation: Strategic Implications for a Looming Altseason^[1]. Regulatory uncertainties further cloud the sector’s outlook. CleanSpark's cautious stance underscores these challenges .

Ethereum's Institutional Takeoff

In contrast, Ethereum is experiencing a surge in institutional adoption. Institutional inflows into Ethereum ETFs hit $33 billion in Q3 2025, dwarfing Bitcoin ETF outflows of $1.17 billion . This trend is driven by regulatory clarity, yield generation, and network upgrades. Ethereum's transition to a proof-of-stake model has aligned it with evolving regulatory frameworks, making it a safer bet for institutional capital. Staking yields of 4.8% and deflationary supply dynamics (via EIP-1559) have made Ethereum a cash-flow-positive asset . The success of Ethereum's post-merge upgrades has enhanced its utility as a foundational blockchain for DeFi and Web3 applications.

Strategic Implications

The interplay between Bitcoin mining challenges and Ethereum’s institutional adoption sets the stage for a potential altseason. Historically, altseasons emerge when Bitcoin's market dominance wanes, and capital flows into high-utility, innovation-driven assets. The current data points to three key drivers: capital reallocation, bullish on-chain metrics, and network effects . Ethereum’s MVRV Z-score and NVT ratio hit multi-year highs in Q3 2025, indicating strong investor confidence and undervaluation relative to network value Bitcoin Mining and Ethereum Accumulation: Strategic Implications for a Looming Altseason^[1]. Ethereum's growing role as the "world computer" for decentralized finance and applications is creating a flywheel effect, attracting developers and users at an accelerating rate.

Conclusion

The crypto market is at an inflection point. While Bitcoin remains a critical asset, its mining sector is facing structural headwinds that limit its ability to capture new capital. Conversely, Ethereum’s institutional adoption, yield advantages, and technological momentum are creating a fertile ground for an altseason. Investors who position themselves in Ethereum-based strategies—whether through staking, DeFi, or altcoin exposure—are likely to outperform those clinging to Bitcoin-only allocations.

As the dust settles in Q3 2025, one thing is clear: The next chapter of crypto’s evolution is being written on Ethereum’s blockchain.

References:
Bitcoin Mining and Ethereum Accumulation: Strategic Implications for a Looming Altseason^[1] Ethereum's Institutional Accumulation and Bullish Price [https://www.bitget.com/news/detail/12560604941869]
Why Ethereum is Winning Over Bitcoin in Q3 2025 [https://www.bitget.com/news/detail/12560604946875]
Canaan forecasts Q3 2025 revenue of $125M–$145M as home miner sales surge 359 percent [https://seekingalpha.com/news/4485844-canaan-forecasts-q3-2025-revenue-of-125m-145m-as-home-miner-sales-surge-359-percent]
CleanSpark Reports Third Quarter Fiscal 2025 Results [https://www.stocktitan.net/news/CLSK/clean-spark-reports-third-quarter-fiscal-2025-xecd6ileai3j.html]