Cryptocurrency Crash

Crypto Prices Plummet as Asian Countries Tighten Regulations

A massive crypto market crash wiped out significant value from nearly all top coins within 24 hours. This “blood bath” was triggered by new digital currency regulations in several Asian countries, causing widespread panic among investors. While major coins like Bitcoin and Ethereum saw significant drops, they performed slightly better than many smaller altcoins. The overall market capitalization for all leading cryptocurrencies has fallen sharply.

What is Causing this Sudden Market Plunge

The primary driver behind this big decline is regulatory pressure from Asia. Governments in China and South Korea have taken steps that spooked the market and led to a massive sell-off.

The main reasons for the sudden fall are actions taken by these governments against digital currencies. These actions have created a climate of fear, leading many investors to sell their holdings to avoid further losses.

Key regulatory actions include:

  • New regulations for digital currencies implemented by several Asian nations.
  • Beijing’s plan to block domestic access to Chinese crypto platforms.
  • South Korea’s government actively planning new rules against digital coins.

This wave of negative news from two of the largest crypto markets has played a major role in the huge dip we are seeing today.

The Impact on Major Cryptocurrencies

The market-wide downturn has affected almost every digital asset. According to coinmarketcap.com, the market capitalization of all top crypto coins has decreased significantly.

While most coins are deep in the red, there are a few exceptions. Neblio, Quantstamp, SmartCash, Ethos, and Tether are the only five coins that have managed to stay afloat during this 24-hour period. In contrast, some other crypto tokens have been slashed to half their value.

A Closer Look at Bitcoin’s Price Drop

Bitcoin, the world’s most valuable cryptocurrency, has not been immune to the crash. Its value has seen a steep decline over the past few weeks, directly corresponding with the negative news from Asia. The price has tumbled from its all-time highs, showing just how sensitive the market is to government regulations.

Time PeriodBitcoin Value (USD)
Earlier December 2017$19,800
Beginning of January 2018$13,000
Current Price (Wednesday)$11,000

This table clearly illustrates the sharp fall from its peak, a direct result of consecutive negative news.

Is This a Repeat of History

This is not the first time the crypto world has experienced a major drop. A similar event happened in the third quarter of 2017, specifically in September, when prices fell sharply.

However, that crash was followed by a quick recovery. The market bounced back in a short period, leading to the massive bull run at the end of the year. Based on this historical precedent, some analysts are predicting that the top coins will get back on their normal track as soon as next week.