Crypto Market Suffers Worst Quarter in History as Bitcoin Death Cross Signals Prolonged Downturn

Cryptocurrency markets faced turbulence on March 31, 2025, as Bitcoin slid 1% to $82,088 and Ethereum dropped 1.63% to $1,807, according to real-time exchange data.
The global crypto market cap fell 1.05% to $2.83 trillion, reflecting investor caution ahead of U.S. tariff announcements and weak ETF inflows. Analysts cited macroeconomic uncertainty and institutional withdrawals as key drivers of the downturn.
Bitcoin’s decline tested critical support at $80,405, while Ethereum struggled to hold $1,750 after failing to breach $2,100 resistance. The sector recorded its worst quarterly performance in history, with Bitcoin losing 35% since January and Ethereum dropping 34%.
ETF outflows accelerated, sinking to $35.42 billion in January—a 27% year-over-year decline. Traders noted parallels to 2022’s bear market but emphasized structural differences in liquidity.
Solana bucked the trend with a marginal 0.02% gain to $125.84, supported by bullish technical forecasts targeting $153. Most altcoins fell, including XRP (-3.57%), Cardano (-3.43%), and Dogecoin (-2.9%).
Filecoin edged up 0.4% amid speculation about decentralized storage demand, while TRON rose 0.67% following network upgrades. Memecoins reversed brief weekend rallies as risk appetite faded.
Technical Indicators Signal Persistent Bearish Sentiment
Technical indicators signaled persistent bearish sentiment. Bitcoin’s 50-day moving average crossed below its 200-day average—a “death cross” last seen during 2022’s collapse. Ethereum’s Bollinger Bands widened to March’s highest volatility levels.
“The market remains undervalued but lacks stabilization triggers,” said analyst Michaël van de Poppe. The Crypto Fear & Greed Index hit 12 on March 25, reflecting extreme investor caution.
Regulatory uncertainty compounded pressures. Traders awaited April 2 U.S. tariff details and Friday’s PCE inflation data. Polymarket odds suggested a 75% chance of XRP ETF approval by July, potentially reviving altcoins.
Kalshi data showed 59% likelihood the U.S. Strategic Reserve would acquire Bitcoin if Donald Trump won November’s election. Open interest in Bitcoin futures fell $13 billion since February, indicating reduced institutional participation.
Retail traders shifted focus to Solana and Toncoin derivatives, with SOL volumes hitting $355 million. Litecoin hovered near $85, needing a breakout above $87 to challenge $98 resistance. Cardano gave up 60% of its mid-March gains tied to rumored federal reserve inclusion.
Market makers reported thin liquidity exacerbating price swings, particularly in mid-cap tokens. “This isn’t 2022’s forced selling—it’s strategic repositioning,” one Singapore-based trader said.
Spot volumes fell 18% week-over-week as investors awaited clearer signals. Analysts warned that Bitcoin must reclaim $90,000 to prevent altcoin capitulation.
The sector’s path forward hinges on ETF flows and regulatory developments. While Solana’s resilience offers cautious optimism, most assets face technical and macroeconomic headwinds.
As Van de Poppe observed, “Recovery requires Bitcoin leading—altcoins can’t rally alone.” Traders now watch whether April’s policy shifts will stabilize markets or extend the downturn.