Weekly Crypto Market Recap: Extreme Fear Dominates the Market

Weekly crypto market recap shows a tough stretch for digital assets from November 10 to 17, 2025. The market spent the entire week under pressure even as some macro risks started to clear. Total market capitalization fell more than 11 percent, sliding from about 3.66 trillion dollars to 3.23 trillion dollars by November 17. Bitcoin (BTC) led the move lower, breaking below the key 100,000 dollar level in the middle of the week before settling near 95,000 dollars, a clear sign of risk aversion. Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), XRP and BNB moved in the same direction, losing roughly 5 to 10 percent over the week as ETF outflows and fading post election optimism weighed on sentiment.

In the background, politics and policy sent mixed signals. The United States government shutdown, the longest on record at more than 40 days, finally ended on November 13 when the Senate passed a budget bill. That reopened federal operations and allowed economic data releases to resume, but it did not trigger a relief rally. Investors were still dealing with delayed inflation and jobs reports that kept the Federal Reserve in wait and see mode. Officials talked about possible liquidity support through bond purchases to steady reserves, yet kept interest rates unchanged, which cooled hopes for near term cuts.

Sector stories added more pressure. Doubts around the artificial intelligence trade grew after investor Michael Burry reportedly took short positions in names like Nvidia and Palantir, a signal that some see a bubble forming in parts of the tech rally. On the institutional side, there were bright spots such as Luxembourg allocating a small share of reserves to Bitcoin and new ETF products tied to XRP. Even so, United States spot ETFs as a group saw heavy net outflows worth hundreds of millions of dollars.

The overall tone was defensive. The Crypto Fear and Greed Index dropped to 17 by the end of the week, down from 29 a week earlier, firmly in the Extreme Fear zone. The Altcoin Season Index stayed around 31, which points to a Bitcoin led market where most altcoins lag behind. This recap walks through price action, technical setups, fundamentals, institutional flows, policy moves and possible paths ahead, using data from CoinMarketCap dashboards and recent market research.

Price Updates for Major Coins

Major cryptocurrencies spent the week under steady selling pressure, with price moves tracking broader shifts in sentiment. Below is a clear snapshot of how the top assets closed and how far they retreated from their weekly highs.

• Bitcoin (BTC): BTC started the week near $106,000 and briefly pushed toward $107,000 before sellers stepped in. By November 13 it slipped under $103,000, then broke below $100,000 and set a weekly low of $96,000 on November 14. It closed November 17 at $94,958.39, down 0.98% on the day and 11.9% below its weekly high. The move reinforced the ongoing bearish pressure.
• Ethereum (ETH): ETH opened around $3,400 but quickly lost momentum as sentiment weakened. A sharp drop sent it toward $3,200 on November 14, and it ended the week at $3,186.15, down 0.67% daily and 12.55% from its weekly peak. Persistent ETF outflows added to the decline.
• Solana (SOL): SOL stalled near $160 early in the week before giving way to heavier selling. It closed November 17 at $141, down 0.63% on the day and 17.44% from the week’s high. Even its usual resilience could not offset the broader market downturn.
• XRP: XRP opened near $2.30 on ETF optimism, but that momentum faded quickly. It drifted lower through the week and settled at $2.2541 on November 17, down 0.46% daily and roughly 12% from its weekly high. The key $2.30 support level failed to hold.
• BNB: BNB began the week around $990 and became one of the weaker large caps. It closed November 17 at $631.39, down 1.59% on the day and 8.3% below its weekly high. The drop underscored how even top-tier altcoins were hit by sustained selling.

Across the market, price action showed a slow, grinding decline where every small rebound met fresh selling. Buying interest stayed thin, and confidence weakened as the week progressed.

Market Overview

The broader crypto market pulled back sharply during the week. Total market capitalization dropped to $3.23 trillion by November 17, down $430 billion from the weekly peak of $3.66 trillion. Trading volume held near $165.61 billion, showing that activity remained steady even as prices slid, driven in part by liquidations and short positioning. The CoinMarketCap 20 Index closed at $201.7, down 0.96% on the day, reflecting widespread weakness across major assets.

Image 1: Crypto Market Overview dashboard from CoinMarketCap captures this downturn vividly. BTC trades at $94,958.39 (-0.98%), ETH at $3,186.15 (-0.67%), BNB at $631.39 (-1.59%), SOL at $141.00 (-0.63%), and XRP at $2.2541 (-0.46%).

The Fear and Greed Index shows a reading of 17, deep in the Extreme Fear zone. Below it, the market cap chart highlights a steep decline from late October highs near $4.0 trillion to the current $3.23 trillion, while volume bars remain anchored around $165.61 billion.

The Altcoin Season Index sits at 31/100, signaling a market dominated by Bitcoin performance, and the CMC 20 Index trendline continues its downward trajectory over the past 30 days.

Image 2: CMC Crypto Fear and Greed Index dashboard illustrates the sentiment plunge. The dashboard highlights a clear collapse in sentiment. The main gauge shows a reading of 17, placing the market deep in Extreme Fear. Recent checkpoints reinforce the slide: 18 yesterday, 29 a week ago, and 28 last month.

The yearly chart maps the index (green) alongside Bitcoin’s price (yellow) and trading volume (gray). It shows a long descent from the 88 Extreme Greed peak in November 2024 to the cycle low of 15 in March 2025. The latest downturn pushes the index back toward those lower levels, moving in lockstep with Bitcoin’s decline over the past weeks.

Image 3: CMC Altcoin Season Index dashboard highlights altcoin underperformance. The dashboard makes altcoin weakness easy to see. The index sits at 31, positioned firmly in Bitcoin Season on the orange-to-blue slider. Recent readings remain consistent, with 31 yesterday, 30 last week, and 28 last month.

The chart plots the index (blue) against altcoin market cap (brown), showing a long slide from the yearly high of 87 on December 4, 2024, to the cycle low of 12 on April 26, 2025. Current levels in the low 30s signal that Bitcoin continues to lead the market while altcoins struggle to gain traction.

Together, these visuals portray a risk-off environment where fear dominates and capital stays defensive, shaping a cautious tone throughout the week.

Detailed Technical Analysis and Outlook

Bitcoin (BTC)

Bitcoin continues to move inside a descending channel formed in mid-July. The pattern shows a steady line of lower highs and lower lows. The $93,000–$94,000 area remains the key support zone, while $100,000–$104,000 acts as a strong ceiling. A close under $93,000 can pull price toward $83,000, then $75,000, and finally $60,000. A breakout above $104,000 can open the path toward $115,000.

Price trades near $95,000, pressing against the lower boundary of the channel. The narrow range between $93,000 and $96,000 signals hesitation from both sides. The volume profile in this band shows heavy activity from earlier entries and selective accumulation.

On the chart, BTC remains under the 50-day and 200-day moving averages, and both curves slope downward. RSI stays close to 46, reflecting weak momentum. Bollinger Bands have tightened, hinting at incoming volatility. Previous sell-offs during this cycle came with strong volume, while recovery attempts carried lighter participation. The structure suggests limited strength from buyers.

Fundamentals still hold firm. Long-term holders control more than 70 percent of supply. Mining pools continue to accumulate. ETF outflows remain short lived, and hash rate levels sit near historic highs, showing strong network security.
Macro signals stay mixed. A softer United States dollar and rising expectations for 2026 rate cuts provide early support, while cautious equity markets and geopolitical tension limit enthusiasm. Bitcoin’s behavior continues to track major tech stocks, tying short-term direction to global liquidity flows.

A close under $93,000 with rising volume can drag price toward $90,000, then $85,000. A rebound toward $100,000 can still appear, though strong resistance sits in that region through the falling 50-day EMA. Without a clear catalyst such as renewed ETF inflows or a shift from the Federal Reserve, the descending channel continues to guide the trend.

The bias leans neutral to bearish. The channel structure remains in control until BTC delivers a clean close above $104,000. The $93,000–$96,000 band acts as a pause within the larger move, rather than a confirmed accumulation zone.

Trading during this phase demands discipline. Short positions near $100,000 require clear rejection signals. Long entries near $93,000 carry elevated risk and need tight stops under $91,500. Volume confirmation and ETF flows provide the most reliable signals for direction. In a declining channel, price action offers the clearest guidance for every decision.

Ethereum (ETH)

Ethereum trades inside a descending channel formed in mid-August. Key support levels sit at $3,000–$2,900 and $2,550. Resistance appears at $3,400, $3,850, and $4,320. Price hovers near $3,200, close to the lower boundary of the channel. The $3,000–$3,100 region acts as the first defensive layer. A slip under $3,000 can send ETH toward $2,900, then $2,550. A close above $3,400 can shift momentum into a short consolidation phase.

ETH has moved through a steady sequence of lower highs and lower lows since August. The push toward $3,850 faded quickly, followed by a drop toward $3,000. That level held once before sellers returned. The volume profile from $3,000–$3,400 shows heavy activity, reflecting a blend of trapped entries and profit distribution. This area functions more like a mid-trend range than a foundation for a new cycle. The slope of the channel signals continued pressure until price breaks above the upper boundary near $3,850.

On the chart, ETH trades under the 50-day and 200-day moving averages. Both curves lean downward. RSI near 44 reflects soft momentum. Bollinger Bands stay tight, hinting at a volatility expansion. During previous declines, volume spikes appeared on red days and faded during recoveries, showing limited interest from buyers.

Fundamentals remain steady. More than 29 million ETH sits in staking contracts. DeFi total value locked holds near $42 billion, showing a stable ecosystem after earlier reductions. The upcoming Fusaka upgrade in December aims to improve efficiency and may provide a lift if market conditions turn supportive. ETF outflows remain mild, pointing to short-term rotation rather than long-term exits.

Macro forces deliver mixed signals. The U.S. dollar shows signs of easing, and expectations for 2026 rate cuts are growing, both positive for risk assets. At the same time, global tension and cautious equity markets limit appetite for large positions. ETH continues to track major tech names due to high correlation with liquidity trends.

A close under the channel floor near $3,000 with rising volume can push ETH toward $2,900, then $2,550. A move toward $3,400 remains possible during a rebound, though resistance from the declining 50-day EMA creates a difficult path. Large catalysts such as ETF inflows or a shift from the Federal Reserve can change the picture, yet the current structure continues to guide price action.

The outlook leans neutral to bearish. The channel remains in control until ETH records a strong close above $3,850. The $3,000–$3,400 band reflects a mid-trend pause rather than a base formation.

Traders need clear signals before committing. Short entries near $3,400 work when price reacts sharply to resistance. Long positions near $3,000 require tight stops under $2,950 due to high risk. Volume and ETF flows remain the most reliable early indicators for a shift in momentum.

Solana (SOL)

Solana trades inside a descending channel formed in September 2025. The $100 level serves as the key structural support from the 2024 range, while $175, $200, và $240 mark major resistance zones based on previous swing highs. With price near $141, SOL is pressing against the lower boundary of the short-term channel. A slip under $100 can break the multi-year range, while a close above $175 can create a short burst of upward momentum.

The chart shows two overlapping structures. Over the short term, the channel from September reflects a clear pattern of lower highs and lower lows. Over the long term, the broader 2024 range between $100 and $300 remains intact. Price sits in the lower section of the short structure yet still holds far above the long-term floor. This creates a mixed setup where the immediate trend points downward while the higher timeframe range still provides support. The volume profile between $100 and $150 shows heavy activity. Some flows come from institutional entries, while earlier buyers reduce exposure in the same zone.

Price trades under both the 50-day and 200-day moving averages. Each curve trends downward, reinforcing the channel. RSI hovers near 33, signaling oversold conditions. Bollinger Bands are tight, suggesting an incoming expansion in volatility. During earlier declines in September and October, red candles carried strong volume while rebounds drew light participation, showing thin demand from new buyers.

Fundamentals remain strong. TVL sits near $13 billion after an earlier correction. On-chain activity stays high with more than one million active users. The Alpenglow upgrade scheduled for December aims to cut fees by roughly 40 percent, a meaningful catalyst for developers. The Evo stablecoin launch can also strengthen Solana’s DeFi layer. ETF flows remain mild, signaling profit rotation rather than long-term exit.

Macro conditions stay mixed. The United States dollar has weakened slightly and expectations for early-2026 rate cuts have grown, creating a supportive backdrop for risk assets. Global tension and uncertain sentiment across equities keep capital cautious. SOL often reacts strongly to memecoin trends and retail activity, so swings in broader altcoin sentiment influence short-term direction.

A break under $100 with higher volume can drag price toward $70, then $50, completing the projected move of the channel. A rebound toward $175 remains possible, though resistance from the declining 50-day EMA creates challenges. Unless the market receives a major catalyst such as heavy ETF inflows or a shift in Federal Reserve guidance, the descending channel continues to guide price movement.

The outlook leans neutral to bearish. The channel dominates until SOL delivers a clear close above $175. The $100–$175 band acts as a temporary swing zone instead of a long-term base. The broader 2024 range remains at risk if $100 fails.

Traders should remain patient. Short positions near $170–175 offer favorable structure when price rejects resistance clearly. Long entries near $110–120 carry elevated risk and require tight stops under $100. Volume spikes and ETF activity serve as the strongest signals for any change in momentum.

XRP

XRP trades near $2.28, close to the lower edge of its short-term descending channel. The first support level sits at $2.10, followed by $1.90, a major structural floor held since late 2024. The final line of defense rests at $1.60. On the upside, resistance appears at $2.60, $2.80, $3.08, and $3.35, all drawn from previous swing highs. Price action stays above the long-term floor at $1.90, giving XRP more room than many altcoins, even as near-term momentum leans downward.

The chart shows two layers of structure. The short-term channel from mid-July carries a clean pattern of lower highs and lower lows, while the long-term range between $1.90 and $3.00 remains intact. This creates a mixed setup where downward pressure persists inside a broader holding pattern. The volume profile between $2.10 and $2.40 shows heavy activity. Large players continue to engage in this zone, while earlier buyers trim exposure during each bounce.

Price trades below the 50-day and 200-day moving averages, and both curves slope downward. RSI sits near 43, pointing to soft momentum. Bollinger Bands remain narrow, signaling a volatility expansion soon. Recent rebounds have carried light volume, while red candles since July have shown stronger participation, a sign of weak buying strength.

Fundamentals offer a more supportive backdrop. SWIFT’s pilot programs worth $5 trillion highlight XRP’s growing role in traditional finance. On-Demand Liquidity volume remains near $1.3 billion, reflecting active use by institutions. Rumors around a potential ETF continue to circulate. ETF flows stay modest, pointing to rotation rather than long-term exit.

Macro forces remain mixed. The United States dollar has eased slightly, and expectations for early-2026 rate cuts continue to rise. Global tension and cautious sentiment across risk assets limit upside appetite. XRP often reacts to trends in cross-border payments and liquidity flows, so broader conditions in financial markets still influence short-term direction.

A close under the channel floor near $2.10 with strong volume can drag price toward $1.90 and then $1.60, completing the projected move of the channel. A rebound toward $2.60 stays possible, though the falling 50-day EMA and weak demand create meaningful barriers. Large catalysts such as ETF approval or a significant policy shift can affect direction, yet the current trend still favors gradual pressure.

The overall outlook leans neutral to bearish. The channel remains the primary guide until XRP delivers a clean close above $2.60. The $2.10–$2.60 band serves as a swing zone rather than a stable foundation, and the long-term range will face risk if $1.90 fails.

Trading in this environment requires clear confirmation. Short entries near $2.60 work when price rejects resistance cleanly. Long attempts near $2.10 involve elevated risk and need tight stops under $2.00. Volume shifts and ETF activity remain the best indicators for upcoming momentum.

Institutional Inflows and Developments

Institutional activity showed a mix of caution and selective accumulation. U.S. Bitcoin ETFs registered about $1.18 billion in net outflows over the week, including a sharp $866.7 million pull on November 13. Ethereum ETFs saw $597 million leave the market, while Solana ETFs moved the opposite direction with $46.1 million in inflows.

Several firms increased exposure. Strategy Inc added 487 BTC worth roughly $50 million. Strive accumulated 1,567 BTC valued at around $162 million. Bitmined expanded its position by 110,288 ETH worth $394 million. Tether continued building reserves as well, adding 961 BTC (about $97 million) and lifting total holdings to 87,296 BTC.

Sovereign and banking actions added more signals. Luxembourg allocated 1% of reserves to Bitcoin. A Czech bank initiated a $1 million digital asset experiment. Authorities in Georgia seized $1.18 million in crypto during enforcement activities.

Taken together, the flows reflect a market where institutions remain engaged even as short-term conditions stay volatile.

Macroeconomic Backdrop

The U.S. shutdown’s end restored data flows, but delayed reports clouded Fed decisions. Officials like John Williams signaled bond buys for liquidity, ending QT by December 1. Trump’s proposals—$2,000 citizen payments, 50-year mortgages, aim to boost spending but risk inflating assets further. AI skepticism grew with Burry’s shorts and SoftBank’s Nvidia exit, highlighting closed-loop investments. Globally, $7.5 trillion in money funds awaits rate cuts, potentially flowing to crypto.

Policy Wins and Updates

Positive strides included U.S. Treasury allowing ETH/SOL ETF staking and SoFi’s OCC approval for direct crypto holdings. Square enabled BTC payments for merchants, and Standard Chartered launched DeCard for stablecoin spending. International: UN’s blockchain academy, Kazakhstan’s $500M-1B crypto fund, UK stablecoin framework, EU digital euro progress, and Japan’s VASP regs. Brazil mandated VASP licensing, and UAE tested CBDC via mBridge. These foster integration but highlight regulatory tightening.

Specific Themes

Ethereum Resurgence: Despite outflows, staking approvals and Lee’s supercycle call suggest rebound potential, historical parallels to BTC’s 2017-2021 run.

Bitcoin Cycle: 2025 consolidation echoes past halvings, with whales dumping but retail accumulating; cycle may extend into 2026.

Other News: Leap Therapeutics rebranded to Cypherpunk, buying ZEC; NH Bank tested stablecoin refunds; Sui launched USDsui. Visa piloted USDC payments; JPMorgan expanded JPM Coin.

Final Outlook

Looking ahead, the market enters a potential accumulation phase, with low Fear & Greed signaling capitulation bottoms. Top trade ideas: Long BTC at $93,000 support, SOL for ETF momentum, ETH on staking yields. Risk management: Limit exposure to 5% per trade, use stops, diversify. While short-term pressures persist from liquidity concerns and AI unwind, policy tailwinds and institutional HODLing position crypto for recovery in Q1 2026. Stay vigilant—history shows fear often precedes greed.