Crypto market news: BTC near $112K, ETH drops below $4,200 as fear grips traders

  • Bitcoin hovers above $112K, with bulls defending key support.
  • Ethereum drops 7% weekly as ETF outflows pressure sentiment.
  • Institutions stay invested, betting on a stronger Q4 recovery.

Crypto markets are still reeling from a fierce “Red September” selloff that has sent jitters through traders and investors alike.

There is a strong undercurrent of caution right now with investors watching the macro headlines, especially the Fed’s latest moves, and feeling heat from a resurgent US dollar and mounting regulatory uncertainties.

The fear factor is high among retail traders, especially with meme coins back in panic territory, but interestingly, big institutions haven’t cleared out.

That says a lot about the market’s long-term resilience.

For all the volatility, veteran investors seem to believe this selloff could be paving the way for a healthier Q4, especially if some regulatory clarity and macro relief finally show up.

Major crypto movers

Bitcoin’s been tossed around all week, trying to hold firm just above the $112,000 mark.

Despite all the drama, BTC’s daily change has been pretty muted, but it’s still down roughly 2% over the past seven days.

The tension is palpable; there’s talk that a slip below $112,000 could trigger another rapid drop, but so far, bulls are digging in their heels.

Ethereum is also fighting for higher ground, currently near $4,200.

Its weekly loss is steeper than Bitcoin’s, about 7% and analysts see ETF outflows and seasonal September trading patterns in play.

For Solana, it’s a similar story, with sellers driving the price toward $216, the coin shedding more than 2% in the latest session, and short-term holders running for cover.

XRP has been a mild outlier, eking out some gains where most heavyweights reversed. It bounced up to around $2.86 and stayed resilient after threatening a breakdown below key support.

DOGE, however, lost some of its shine, dropping just over 1% today as meme coin enthusiasm fizzled after the big liquidations.

Even with all the noise, the big coins aren’t in catastrophic territory, but the road to recovery is littered with caution tape.

Market update: News and broader trends

This latest bout of selling is being blamed on a handful of big-picture trends.

First and foremost, traders point to the Fed’s mixed messaging, a rate cut that should excite risk assets paradoxically made the US dollar even stronger, making it tougher for speculative bets on crypto to thrive.

Huge liquidations have unfolded, with more than $1.65 billion in leveraged longs forced out of the market.

Meme coins bore the brunt of the panic, but strong institutional flows suggest bigger players are sticking to their long game.

Regulatory uncertainty is a running theme, debates in the US and Europe over tougher anti-money laundering rules and crypto tax policies have stoked investor anxiety.

There are also worries over trade tensions and new tariffs added to US imports from India, Taiwan, and Canada, further muddying the waters and keeping risk appetite subdued.

Yet there’s a strange sense of optimism simmering.

Many believe the panic has set the stage for a more sustainable rally later in the year, especially if macro and regulatory conditions stabilize.

Institutional adoption, fresh network upgrades, and the possibility of new Bitcoin-related policies, perhaps even news from President Trump’s upcoming speech, are keeping hope alive that the tide could turn before year-end.

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BlackRock’s crypto ETFs generate $260 million annual revenue

  • BlackRock crypto ETFs earn $260M, with $218M from Bitcoin and $42M from Ether products.
  • Bitcoin ETF nears $85B AUM, holding 57.5% of US spot Bitcoin ETF market share.
  • ETF inflows may fuel Bitcoin rallies; inclusion in 401(k)s could push BTC toward $200K.

BlackRock’s cryptocurrency-focused exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have emerged as a highly profitable venture, generating $260 million in annualized revenue, according to recent data shared by Leon Waidmann, head of research at the nonprofit Onchain Foundation.

The revenue includes $218 million from Bitcoin ETFs and $42 million from Ether-based products.

The performance underscores the growing role of regulated crypto investment products in institutional finance.

BlackRock’s success is being closely watched by other traditional asset managers as a potential benchmark for launching similar offerings in the rapidly evolving digital asset sector.

Bitcoin and Ether ETFs as institutional gateways

Analysts highlight the significance of BlackRock’s ETFs in positioning cryptocurrencies as a serious asset class within traditional finance.

Waidmann likened the ETFs’ trajectory to Amazon’s early business model, noting that the funds provide a practical entry point into the crypto ecosystem for institutional investors and retirement accounts.

“This isn’t experimentation anymore,” Waidmann said. “The world’s largest asset manager has proven that crypto is a serious profit center. That’s a quarter-billion-dollar business, built almost overnight. For comparison, many fintech unicorns don’t make that in a decade.”

The performance of these ETFs may encourage more institutional players to enter the crypto market, extending the current market cycle beyond the typical four-year Bitcoin halving-driven patterns.

Analysts suggest that inflows from corporate treasuries and ETF products could continue to drive demand for both Bitcoin and Ether.

Market impact and fund growth

BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF is approaching a significant milestone, with total assets under management (AUM) nearing $85 billion.

This accounts for approximately 57.5% of the total US spot Bitcoin ETF market, according to blockchain data from Dune.

By comparison, Fidelity’s Bitcoin ETF holds $22.8 billion, representing 15.4% of market share, making it the second-largest US spot Bitcoin ETF.

The rapid growth of BlackRock’s fund is noteworthy given its short history, debuting on January 11, 2024.

In less than two years, it has climbed from being the 31st largest fund across both crypto and traditional ETFs to the 22nd largest, according to VettaFi.

Market analysts are optimistic that continued ETF inflows could support a renewed rally in Bitcoin prices.

Ryan Lee, chief analyst at Bitget exchange, suggested that the institutional appetite for crypto ETFs helps establish a bullish floor for risk assets, reinforcing a “buy the dip” strategy amid ongoing macroeconomic and policy uncertainty.

Additionally, there is speculation that the inclusion of cryptocurrency in US 401(k) retirement plans could further bolster demand for Bitcoin, with some projections estimating potential price targets as high as $200,000 by year-end, according to André Dragosch, head of European research at crypto asset manager Bitwise.

BlackRock’s crypto ETFs illustrate the increasing intersection of traditional finance with the digital asset market.

The funds’ performance demonstrates not only the profitability of regulated crypto products but also their capacity to attract institutional capital and provide a structured entry point for investors navigating the evolving crypto landscape.

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Aster price holds $1.7 as whales buy, perps volume hits $11B

  • ASTER price is consolidating near $1.7 and is supported by a daily trading volume of $2.1 billion.
  • With resistance at an all-time high near $2 and support at $1.48, ASTER’s price is largely bullish.
  • Upcoming token unlock could introduce volatility.

While several top coins are struggling with downside pressure, Aster’s native token is posting slight gains near $1.7.

The token’s price was up 13% in the past 24 hours, and a staggering 1,980% in the past week at the time of writing, driven by robust trading activity that had daily perps DEX volume hitting $11 billion.

ASTER’s growth as a platform in the decentralised finance (DeFi) space is key to bulls’ momentum.

Perps volume hits $11 billion as ASTER holds $1.7

ASTER’s price has held around $1.7 after retreating from its highs of $1.97 across major exchanges.

The current price reflects a 13% surge in the last 24 hours, outpacing top coins after Monday’s bloodbath.

The token remains well over 1,870% up since its all-time low of $0.084 on September 17, 2025.

Price consolidation sees ASTER rank among the best performers on the day.

Most notably, the decentralised exchange platform has recorded a staggering $11 billion in perps trading volume.

Spot trading volume also spiked, increasing by over 8% to $2.1 billion.

Multi-chain support and Aster’s Genesis Stage 2 rewards program, which allocates over 50% of tokens to community airdrops, has driven significant user engagement.

Bybit’s $100k reward pool campaign also boosted participation, with deposits and spot trading rising.

Meanwhile, Aster has benefitted from the endorsements of influential figures in the space, including Binance’s Changpeng Zhao.

ASTER price and its potential for parabolic gains have seen a whale double down on the token with 7.14 million ASTER tokens worth over $10.5 million.

The whale scooped the tokens via two wallets, Lookonchain noted.

The whale deposited 4.5 million Tether (USDT) into the Aster exchange and withdrew 7.14 million.

On-chain data showed the bull sat on an unrealised profit of $6 million.

What’s next for the ASTER price?

ASTER is testing resistance at $1.75, with upside potential toward $1.90 and the key $2.00 psychological mark.

A breakout above this range could open the door to fresh highs, particularly if sentiment across the broader crypto market turns supportive.

Near term, however, risks are building as profit taking coincides with an upcoming token unlock.

With millions of ASTER tokens set to enter circulation, selling pressure—particularly from airdrop claimants—could weigh on price momentum.

On the downside, $1.58 is emerging as the critical support level. A sustained break lower could see prices slip toward $1.48, where bulls may attempt to regroup.

Despite these risks, consolidation around current levels remains possible.

Should the market absorb selling and broader adoption of ASTER’s zero-knowledge proof–powered DEX infrastructure continue, a decisive break above $2 could mark the beginning of a stronger bullish leg.

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Can XLM price breach past the $0.5 mark?

  • Stellar’s recent performance reflects its growing alignment with XRP’s market dynamics, as bulls capitalise on demand.
  • XLM could break to $0.41 and target a $0.58-$0.80 price range.
  • Stellar’s XLM token is trading at $0.39, with a price increase of over 4% in the past 24 hours.

Stellar (XLM) price rose slightly on Tuesday, with about 4% gains pushing the XLM value to above $0.37.

The XLM token, which has gained amid upticks for Ripple’s XRP, outpaced the rival as several coins looked to put Monday’s rout in the rearview mirror.

Even though Stellar remains well off its all-time high reached in 2018, the latest spike signals a potential resilience as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and XRP hold onto gains.

NEAR Protocol is among the outperformers on Tuesday morning.

Stellar price today

Stellar’s XLM token is trading at $0.39, with a price increase of over 4% in the past 24 hours.

According to market data by CoinMarketCap, XLM’s price gains come as daily trading volume experiences a 10% down flip.

The volume of over $297 million is nonetheless robust.

Other than ETF buzz, Stellar has benefited from milestones such as asset tokenisation and regulatory shifts.

Stellar has also seen a major institutional interest in real-world assets.

During Meridian25, the Stellar Development Foundation announced access to more than $3 billion in RWA on Stellar.

Issuers tapping into XLM’s ecosystem include PayPal, Ondo Finance, Mercado Bitcoin, Centrifuge and RedSwan Digital Real Estate.

The recent launch of PayPal USD on the Stellar network has bolstered transaction activity.

Meanwhile, the increase in Stellar’s total value locked signals growing institutional confidence.

XLM price forecast

Technical indicators and network developments are key metrics to watch when looking at Stellar (XLM) price.

From a technical analysis perspective, XLM is poised at the key support level near $0.35.

The broader picture remains largely negative with XLM in a descending triangle pattern.

Both the daily RSI and MACD signal weakness, and prices could fall to $0.30 and revisit $0.21 in the short term.

XLM price chart by TradingView

However, analysts say crypto is still bullish despite the bloodbath seen on Monday.

If sentiment flips positive, analysts project that a significant upward move will materialise.

The RWA traction and partnerships like those with Mastercard and MoneyGram strengthen Stellar’s appeal for institutional adoption.

With institutional interest rising and technical upgrades enhancing its network, XLM is well-positioned for potential growth.

Bitcoin’s holding above $112k has bolstered bulls, though analysts suggest investors should remain vigilant of market volatility.

If bulls break to $0.41, a potential breakout will unfold and contribute to XLM’s march to $0.58.

Crypto analysts have pointed out that current Stellar price levels could be a great buy-the-dip opportunity.

 

 

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Crypto markets reel after $1.7B wipeout: Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Dogecoin struggle to recover

  • Bitcoin steadies near $112,574 after flash crash wipes $1.7B in leverage.
  • Ethereum trades at $4,198, struggling to recover momentum.
  • Macro worries, Fed policy, and liquidations keep traders cautious.

Cryptocurrencies continue to be defensive this Tuesday, September 23, as investors lick their wounds from the carnage that hit markets barely 24 hours ago.

After a high-stakes selloff erased over $1.7 billion in leverage overnight, even the biggest digital coins haven’t found their footing.

The mood? Anxious, with traders bracing for more bumps ahead as macro jitters and regulatory headlines swirl.

Bitcoin, Ethereum, and friends: Cautious trade after the crash

The fallout from Monday’s sharp drop is still echoing across exchanges. Bitcoin, still the market’s north star, is trying to pick itself up after dropping under $112,000.

As of this morning, it’s hovering around $112,574, just a fractional move higher that does little to erase the pain of the previous session.

Ethereum, too, is feeling the weight. The second-largest crypto by market cap changed hands at $4,198, a modest but underwhelming move after Monday’s slide to below $4,100.

Solana is faring no better, sitting at $219 while technical analysts debate whether buyers will step in or a further drop is in store.

XRP slipped to $2.84 as well, breaking a weeks-long upswing.

Meanwhile, Dogecoin is trading at $0.24, down 3.79%, offering little consolation to holders who have already seen the token shed more than 14% since its last peak.

The culprit? Monday’s flash crash was driven by a perfect storm: technical breakdowns, surging Treasury yields in the US, ongoing macroeconomic worries, and a rush of forced liquidations that left hundreds of thousands of traders on the wrong side of the trade.

There’s little appetite for bold bets as risk aversion lingers and volumes thin out.

Beyond prices: Policy shifts and broader market moves

It’s not all about the charts, though. In the background, the Fed’s rate outlook is shaping sentiment across risk assets.

The central bank’s slightly softer stance has analysts speculating about when relief could flow back into crypto, but for now, most remain cautious.

Meanwhile, Google’s ongoing push into blockchain infrastructure and a key crypto, blockchain, and AI conference kicking off in Zurich give the sector something to cheer about even in a tough week.

As September draws to a close, nobody is resting easy. Volatility is the only constant, and with both policy and sentiment in flux, everyone’s watching for either a relief bounce or another unforgiving leg down.

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