Cryptocurrency markets traded mixed on Friday, with Bitcoin holding above $84,000 while Ethereum and most major altcoins recorded sharp declines, reflecting continued rotation into relative stability amid broader risk caution.
Bitcoin (BTC) was marginally higher at $84,086.69, up 0.05%, maintaining a market capitalisation of $1.68 trillion. Trading volumes remained elevated at over $70 billion in the past 24 hours, indicating sustained participation despite limited price movement.
In contrast, Ethereum (ETH) fell 3.57% to $2,706.36, wiping out more than $100 per token, with its market capitalisation slipping to $326.8 billion. Ether-linked assets also saw parallel weakness, with Lido Staked ETH and wstETH both declining around 3.6–3.8%.
Altcoins Extend Losses
Broader altcoin sentiment remained negative.
XRP dropped 3.19% to $1.74
BNB declined 0.61% to $856.61
Cardano (ADA) slid 3.77% to $0.32
Dogecoin (DOGE) eased 1.10% to $0.12
Stablecoins Tether (USDT) and USD Coin (USDC) remained pegged at $1, with USDT posting the highest turnover at nearly $139 billion, underscoring its role as the primary liquidity conduit during volatile sessions.
Selective Strength, Limited Upside
Among notable gainers, Solana (SOL) rose 0.39% to $117.95, while Hyperliquid (HYPE) outperformed with a 4.78% gain, standing out in an otherwise risk-off environment.
Market View
Market participants said Bitcoin’s relative stability compared with Ethereum and high-beta tokens suggests short-term capital preference for liquidity and size, rather than directional risk-taking.
“Flows indicate consolidation rather than accumulation,” said a digital assets strategist, adding that traders remain cautious ahead of macro cues and regulatory developments.
