Crypto Markets Teeter Near a Fragile Bottom

18-Nov-2025 Platinum Crypto Academy

Bitcoin tried to bounce at the start of the week, but the long upper wick on the daily candle makes it clear that sellers are still active on every move higher. Several analysts argue that the market may be close to forming a bottom and that most of the downside damage has already been absorbed. Bitwise CEO Hunter Horsley said on X that Bitcoin has effectively been in a six-month bear phase that is now nearing its end, adding that the broader setup for crypto “has never been stronger.” Still, sentiment data paints a more cautious picture. Analytics firm Santiment reminded traders that true market bottoms rarely form when everyone agrees on the exact level — bottoms tend to appear when sentiment is at its most uncertain and fearful, not when the crowd is unanimously calling for a reversal.

The bigger concern right now is the continued weakness in crypto investment products. Crypto ETPs have posted three straight weeks of outflows totaling $3.2 billion, including a massive $2 billion exit last week — the largest weekly outflow since February, according to CoinShares. A sustained return of inflows will be essential to validate any meaningful recovery in market structure.

Republic Technologies (formerly Beyond Medical Technologies) announced a $100 million convertible note facility aimed at building a large Ether treasury, using terms the firm says are unprecedented in the digital asset industry. The deal carries 0% interest, requires no collateral even if ETH declines, and avoids dilution-heavy structures seen in other raises — including BitMine Immersion’s recent $365 million deal. Republic intends to deploy this capital directly into expanding its ETH holdings, joining at least 18 other public companies accumulating Ether as part of a long-term treasury strategy.

Meanwhile, global crypto investment products recorded their steepest weekly outflows since February as broader risk sentiment weakened. CoinShares reported $2 billion flowing out of crypto ETPs last week, up 71% from the prior week, bringing the three-week total to $3.2 billion. Uncertainty around monetary policy and whale-led selling are driving the exits, with total ETP assets under management dropping to $191 billion — down nearly 30% from the October peak. The US market accounted for the overwhelming majority of outflows at $1.97 billion, while Germany stood out with modest inflows. Bitcoin and Ether products were hit hardest, with BTC funds seeing $1.4 billion in redemptions, roughly 2% of their AUM.

Bitcoin briefly gave up all its year-to-date gains over the weekend, dropping to $93,029 — a 25% pullback from its October all-time high and below its January opening price of $93,507. Despite the US government finally reopening after a record 43-day shutdown, relief has been limited. The year began with strong optimism as President Donald Trump ushered in the most pro-crypto administration to date, delivering rapid regulatory progress and accelerating corporate BTC adoption. Spot ETF inflows also surged. But ongoing tariff tensions and the prolonged shutdown have introduced volatility shocks, leading to repeated double-digit corrections even in an otherwise bullish macro backdrop.

Bitcoin is trying to stabilize after retesting the $93k zone, but sentiment remains fragile. A move back above $100k would reduce downside pressure, while a break below $93k risks accelerating the decline into the mid-$80k area. Ether continues to hover near key support, with $3,000 acting as the line in the sand losing it could open the door to $2,500, while reclaiming $3,450 would be the first sign of a recovery attempt. XRP remains stuck in a downward structure, with sellers dominating until the token can break above its downtrend line. Overall, the crypto market is in a defensive, high-volatility phase where relief rallies are possible, but sustained buying remains the missing ingredient. Traders should stay nimble and respect key levels on both sides of the market.

Bitcoin is trying to find its footing around the $93,000 mark, but the absence of a strong rebound shows that bears are still dominating the market. Every minor recovery attempt is being met with selling pressure near the psychological barrier of $100,000, turning it into a key resistance level to watch. If BTC fails to hold current levels and faces rejection near $100,000, the risk of a deeper pullback toward $87,800 and even $83,000 increases sharply. Bulls need to act quickly — a decisive move above the 20-day EMA at $102,022 would signal renewed strength and could trigger a push toward the 50-day SMA at $109,927. Until then, momentum remains fragile, and buyers must prove they can reclaim control in the near term.

Ether has managed to hold above the crucial $3,000 support, showing signs of buyer interest at lower levels, but the bears remain active below $3,350. The ETH/USDT pair may see some relief up to the 20-day EMA near $3,444, where sellers are likely to step in once again. If the price fails to sustain above this zone, ETH risks breaking below $3,000 — a move that could accelerate losses toward $2,500. On the other hand, a clean breakout above the 20-day EMA could open the doors for a rally to the 50-day SMA around $3,871. A close above that level would hint that the correction phase might be nearing its end, with the bulls regaining some traction.

XRP remains under pressure, sliding within a well-defined descending channel that reflects persistent selling on every bounce. Minor support lies at $2.15, but a breakdown below this level could pull the XRP/USDT pair down to the support line of the channel, where buyers are likely to make a stand. If that level fails to hold, the next downside target could be near $1.61. For the bulls to stage a meaningful comeback, XRP needs to climb above the 50-day SMA at $2.52 and secure a close above the downtrend line. Such a move would be the first sign of strength and could mark the beginning of a short-term trend reversal.

Bitcoin’s near-term trend remains under pressure, with the $93,000–$100,000 range acting as a key battleground. A break below $93,000 could extend the decline, while a push above $102,000 would be the first real sign of bullish recovery. Ether is trying to stabilize above $3,000, but unless it clears $3,450, the risk of further weakness persists. XRP continues to lag behind the majors, trading defensively inside its descending channel. Overall, the crypto market remains in a cautious consolidation phase traders should stay alert for potential breakdowns but be ready for sharp relief rallies as volatility tightens.

Earnings Disclaimer: The information you’ll find in this article is for educational purpose only. We make no promise or guarantee of income or earnings. You have to do some work, use your best judgement and perform due diligence before using the information in this article. Your success is still up to you. Nothing in this article is intended to be professional, legal, financial and/or accounting advice. Always seek competent advice from professionals in these matters. If you break the city or other local laws, we will not be held liable for any damages you incur.

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