The cryptocurrency market is down on Friday, underpinned by the US Federal Reserve's decision to keep interest rates stable at 4.25% to 4.50% for the fifth consecutive time. Investors are on edge as short-term volatility sparks delays in the altcoin season, while bulls bleed over $600 million and bearish bets surge.
Solana (SOL), Dogecoin (DOGE), and Cardano (ADA) are leading the decline among the top 10 crypto projects as a sudden sell-off wave hit the crypto market. The 24-hour drop in SOL, DOGE, and ADA averages around 7% while maintaining profits in the 30-day timeframe, reflecting the short-term nature of current volatility.
Crypto market data. Source: CoinMarketCap
The drop in the crypto market is primarily driven by a profit-taking spree in Bitcoin (BTC) by new investors, resulting in realized profits of over $6 billion, and the delay in interest rate cuts due to the US Federal Reserve's wait-and-see decision amid tariff negotiations.
Amid the broader market meltdown, the bullish sentiment takes a hit with the massive wipeout of long positions. CoinGlass’ data shows $635 million of positions liquidated over the last 24 hours. Out of the total liquidations, long positions accounted for $577 million, compared to $58 million in shorts, indicating an exodus of bulls from the crypto market.
Liquidation data. Source: Coinglass
Long liquidations in Solana, Cardano, and Dogecoin reach $34.86 million, $5.74 million, and $18.37 million, compared to $22 million, $286,800, and $847,710 in short liquidations. This creates an imbalance of sell-side dominance, evident by a surge in bearish positions.
Total liquidation data. Source: Coinglass
Based on the long vs short positions, Solana short positions account for 51.96% outpacing 48.04% of long futures over the last 24 hours. Similarly, Cardano and Dogecoin short positions have surged to 52.48% and 51.88%, respectively.
Futures Long vs Shorts. Source: Coinglass
Investors remain on edge as traders increase bearish exposure in short-term volatility, resulting in a decline in sentiment. CoinMarketCap’s Crypto Fear and Greed Index, at 57, down from 62 on Thursday, indicates a sudden shift in investor sentiment. Still, the sentiment gauge remains near a neutral level, suggesting that investors’ appetite is holding firm.
Crypto Fear and Greed Index. Source: CoinMarketCap