Bitcoin slips as risk-off, liquidations hit crypto

Why crypto prices are dropping: risk aversion explained

crypto prices are falling as investors de-risk. Heightened risk aversion is pushing capital out of volatile assets and toward cash-like instruments. This pattern mirrors broader risk-off moves in equities and credit.

When uncertainty rises, a stronger dollar and higher Treasury yields often coincide with tighter liquidity. In crypto, thinner bids meet market-wide selling, amplifying downside through volatility and market microstructure effects.

Why this matters for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and altcoins

Bitcoin and Ethereum act as bellwethers, while altcoins typically carry higher beta. In risk-off episodes, drawdowns can exceed those in equities as liquidity fragments and spreads widen.

Illustrating the backdrop, Bitcoin traded below $63,000 for a fourth straight session amid tariff headlines, geopolitical tension, and forced liquidations, according to Finance Magnates. Such narratives can heighten risk aversion across digital assets and accelerate de-leveraging.

Leverage and derivatives convert selling into speed. As collateral values fall, margin calls and forced liquidations trigger exits across spot and perpetual markets. Thin weekend and off-hours liquidity can deepen slippage and volatility.

On February 24, Bitcoin hit an intraday low near $62,800, down almost 5% in a day, as reported by ForkLog. Moves like this can cascade through funding, basis, and risk systems, creating feedback loops that extend declines.

At the time of this writing, Bitcoin trades around 63,317, with very high 10.68% volatility and an RSI near 32.6. Recent conditions include 12 green days in 30 (40%), underscoring choppy participation.

What to watch next: signals and stability risks

Risk-on/off gauges: DXY, Treasury yields, VIX, BlackRock ETF flows

Watch the u.S. Dollar Index and Treasury yields for liquidity tone; stronger dollar and rising yields usually align with risk-off. The VIX reflects equity stress. Track spot Bitcoin ETF net flows, including the largest flagship vehicle, for shifts in institutional demand.

Institutional and structural pressures: Goldman Sachs CTAs, stablecoin risks

Systematic CTAs can extend equity selloffs, tightening cross-asset liquidity and risk budgets for crypto. Regulators have flagged structural vulnerabilities around stablecoins during risk-off periods before elevated redemptions strain liquidity.

“Stablecoins remain under-regulated and backed by risky or non-cash assets,” said Michael S. Barr, Vice Chair for Supervision at the federal reserve. Such structures can face run dynamics if confidence weakens.

FAQ about risk aversion

How does heightened risk aversion spill over from stocks and bonds into crypto markets?

Risk-off lifts the dollar and yields, tightens liquidity, and shrinks risk budgets. Selling then transmits to crypto via ETFs, derivatives, and funding channels.

Are leverage and forced liquidations accelerating the current crypto sell-off?

Yes. Falling prices trigger margin calls, auto-deleveraging, and stop-outs. Liquidations add mechanical supply, thin order books worsen slippage, and volatility spikes, compounding downside.