The cryptocurrency market has experienced a dramatic drop in trading activity, with volume plunging by 64% in the past week. This sharp decline comes after a period of optimism fueled by Bitcoin's recent all-time high of $108,353. However, the year-end holiday season and broader market dynamics appear to have dampened investor enthusiasm, particularly for speculative altcoins like AI/Big Data tokens and meme coins.
Blockchain analytics firm Santiment attributes the slowdown to seasonal factors, with traders stepping back to manage year-end finances. Meanwhile, metrics like the Coinbase Premium Index reflect reduced market participation, and liquidity across exchanges has thinned. Analysts suggest the market could still stage a surprise rally before 2024 ends if whale accumulation continues, but retail engagement remains subdued.
Bitcoin, the market's flagship asset, has struggled to maintain its momentum after breaking the $100,000 mark earlier in December. Trading between $90,000 and $108,000 for most of the month, BTC now sits at $94,400—a 1.24% daily decline. Analysts warn that a breakdown below $92,000 could trigger a deeper correction, potentially driving prices as low as $70,000.
Despite this bearish outlook, many investors are adopting a "HODL" strategy, as daily BTC exchange deposits have dropped to a record low of 30,000—a level not seen since 2016. This behavior underscores long-term confidence in Bitcoin as a store of value, even amid short-term volatility. Analysts note that reclaiming key resistance levels, particularly $97,300 and $100,000, could reignite bullish momentum, with targets as high as $168,000 on the horizon.
The broader crypto market reflects Bitcoin’s challenges, with total market capitalization standing at $3.43 trillion, a 2.2% dip in the past 24 hours. This downturn follows massive liquidations earlier in the month, where traders lost nearly $800 million, predominantly from long positions. XRP, DOGE, and other altcoins remain heavily correlated with Bitcoin’s movements, limiting their independent growth potential.
However, the reduced trading volume and low exchange deposits suggest a maturing market, as long-term holders increasingly prioritize stability over speculative gains. This shift may temper selling pressure during corrections and provide a foundation for more sustainable growth in 2025.