Crypto Traders Await a Recovery Rally As Bitcoin and Ethereum Tumble Big

Whether the Santa Clause rally saves cryptos this year remains to be seen. For now, market participants must be hoping for major cryptos to bottom out soon.

While the volume for major cryptocurrencies will likely be lower amid the holidays, the volatility will likely surge amid the options contract expiry. Major cryptocurrencies Bitcoin and Ethereum have been trading much lower today. Interestingly, these had an astounding December last year. It remains to be seen how things play out by the year-end. As more and more crypto tokens get added to the ecosystem, the world remains balanced about their widespread adoption.

cryptocurrency, crypto, blockchain

Image source: Getty Images

Bitcoin

The world’s biggest cryptocurrency, Bitcoin has been trading sharply lower today, falling below $54,000 levels. As seen multiple times in the past, BTC gets uncomfortable around $65,000 levels and has seen a substantial value erosion from those levels. In its recent drop, the most popular crypto token has lost 25% in the last two weeks.

The levels above $65,000 could open up more upside for BTC traders. On the downside, the levels around $53,000 could act as a support for BTC.

Developments against the common crypto adoption in India also weighed on Bitcoin and other digital currencies this week. However, many big names are expecting a big move in BTC by the year-end. Wall Street strategist Thomas Lee of the Fundstrat Global Advisers has given Bitcoin a jaw-dropping $100,000 price target by the year-end.

Dogecoin

The meme cryptocurrency Dogecoin lost its glitter in the second half of this year. The first half brought almost 14,000% gains, while 70% of them have vanished so far since May. Investor interest peaked then, mainly driven by celebrity tweets, taking the token to an astronomical high and breaching $0.75 levels.

Unlike Bitcoin, Doge is not based on blockchain technology and is mainly backed by social popularity. Interestingly, the meme coin has been in existence since 2013 and is older than some popular names like Ethereum and Cardano.

Dogecoin has been trading in the ballpark range of $0.20 and $0.33 for the last several months. A move toward its high end could be seen if the crypto environment rallies by year-end.

Ethereum

The world’s second-largest cryptocurrency Ethereum has had a steep run this year, gaining 500% so far. However, at the time of writing, it was trading close to $4,000, with a more than 8% drop for the day.

Ethereum is valued at nearly $480 billion of market cap and accounts for a 20% market share in the digital currency network. Like Bitcoin, Ethereum uses blockchain technology that can be used for recording and verifying registers. However, it has more extensive applications and is thus, considered superior relative to several peer crypto tokens.

Whether the Santa Clause rally expands from traditional assets to digital ones this year remains to be seen. Moreover, if the super-bullish price targets for cryptos come to fruition by the year-end is also anybody’s guess. However, the fall seems unstoppable for now. Market participants must be hoping for major cryptos to bottom out soon.

Fool contributor Vineet Kulkarni has no position in any of the stocks mentioned.

More on Investing

woman looks ahead of her over water
Stocks for Beginners

What the Average Canadian TFSA Balance Looks Like at Age 50

Make the most of your self-directed TFSA portfolio and get an edge over Canadians neglecting the tax-free investment vehicle.

Read more »

Concept of multiple streams of income
Dividend Stocks

A TFSA Pick Yielding 7% With Dependable Cash Payments

This TSX income fund's monthly $0.10-per-share distribution is like clockwork.

Read more »

Piggy bank and Canadian coins
Tech Stocks

How to Use Your Annual TFSA Room to Double Your Contributions

Your 2026 TFSA limit is $7,000. But smart investors use quality stocks like Microsoft to make that room work twice…

Read more »

TFSA (Tax free savings account) acronym on wooden cubes on the background of stacks of coins
Dividend Stocks

The Simplest and Most Effective TFSA Strategy to Kick Off 2026

Add these two TSX stocks to your self-directed TFSA portfolio to get the right mixture of defensiveness and long-term growth.

Read more »

tsx today
Stock Market

TSX Today: What to Watch for in Stocks on Thursday, April 16

After four straight days of gains pushing the TSX closer to record highs, today’s flat opening signals investors may turn…

Read more »

some REITs give investors exposure to commercial real estate
Dividend Stocks

A 7.6% Dividend Stock Paying Cash Every Month

This TSX stock offers reliable monthly income with strong underlying fundamentals.

Read more »

c
Investing

This Canadian Stock Is Down 20% and Nearly Perfect for Long-Term Investors

Considering the essential nature of its service, its healthy growth prospects, and discounted stock price, this Canadian stock offers attractive…

Read more »

frustrated shopper at grocery store
Investing

This Canadian Stock Is 16% Off Its Highs and Built to Hold Forever

This Canadian company has been consistently delivering solid financials and significant long-term growth prospects.

Read more »