Crypto Crash: Why the Top Cryptos Lost Up to 4% in One Week
Major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) fell 2.27% and 3.95% respectively in the week ending October 25, 2026, driven by macroeconomic factors, including higher inflation data, rising oil prices, and ETF outflows. Year-to-date, ETH is down 21.67%, BTC 8.34%, and other top coins also declined, except BNB which gained 2.05% for the week but is down 14.56% YTD.
How this was made
The 30-second read
Why it matters
The macro shock triggered broad risk‑off sentiment, pulling down major cryptos and causing significant ETF withdrawals.
Market read
Crypto assets suffered a coordinated sell‑off as macro inflation data lifted yields, prompting ETF outflows and forced liquidations.
What to watch
Liquidity in spot Bitcoin ETFs may stabilize if institutional inflows resume, providing a floor for prices.
Background
The week’s crypto decline was driven by a hotter‑than‑expected US CPI (3.7% vs 3.6%), rising oil prices, ETF outflows and leveraged liquidations.
Ticker impact
Bitcoin fell 2.27% this week to $80,217 after hotter‑than‑expected US CPI pushed yields higher.
downward pressure as investors flee risk assets after the CPI surprise.
CPI data lifted yields and the dollar, prompting ETF outflows and forced liquidations that hit Bitcoin.
Ethereum dropped 3.95% this week to $2,324, underperforming Bitcoin amid higher leverage and ETF outflows.
downward pressure as leveraged positions unwind and DeFi collateral demand falls.
Higher leverage on ETH futures amplifies sell pressure after the macro shock.
Binance Coin was the only top crypto to rise 2.05% this week, though still down YTD.
limited upside as broader macro risk remains elevated.
BNB’s gain reflects relative strength but macro headwinds still dominate.
Market effects
Higher inflation and yields pressure risk‑on assets, hurting crypto and related blockchain services.
US macro data reverberates globally, dampening crypto demand across major exchanges.
Crypto markets act as a barometer for risk appetite; the CPI shock signals broader risk aversion.
Counterpoint
If the Fed signals a quicker rate cut later, crypto could rebound sharply on renewed risk appetite.
Key entities
- Economic IndicatorUS Consumer Price Index
September CPI reported at 3.7%, above expectations, fueling rate‑hike expectations.
- Central BankFederal Reserve
Market expects delayed rate cuts, supporting higher yields.
