Why Galaxy Digital Stock Plunged to its Lowest Level Since October

The ongoing cryptocurrency market selloff could hurt the near-term growth prospects for companies like Galaxy Digital.

Jitendra Parashar

Author Bio Jitendra Parashar is a financial journalist who has been writing for The Motley Fool Canada since June 2020. With more than 13 years of experience in financial journalism, equity research, and market analysis, he helps investors understand market developments and identify long-term investment opportunities. Before joining The Motley Fool Canada, Jitendra spent several years at Market Realist covering U.S. equities, major economic developments, and developments in the automotive and technology industries. He also worked in commodity and currency research at brokerage firms, gaining insight into how economic trends, central bank decisions, and geopolitical events influence financial markets. Jitendra writes for beginner investors, dividend seekers, and Canadians looking to build wealth over the long term. He also contributes to the daily TSX Today series, explaining key Canadian market developments and highlighting news investors should watch. Based in India, Jitendra follows Canadian and U.S. markets closely. Outside of work, he enjoys travelling in the Himalayas, street and nature photography, and exploring programming and artificial intelligence. Education MBA in Finance and International Business Bachelor's degree in Journalism Areas of Expertise Canadian and U.S. financial markets, long-term equity investing, dividend investing, macroeconomic and geopolitical trends, automotive stocks, emerging technologies, and artificial intelligence. Social Media Profiles LinkedIn Muck Rack Favorite Investment Quote “Simplicity is the master key to financial success.” — John C. Bogle

Published January 19, 2022 11:30 am EST

What happened?

The shares of Galaxy Digital Holdings (TSX: GLXY) fell by 10.2% in intraday trading on Tuesday. The stock ended the session at $19.92 per share with about 9.5% losses. Notably, it’s the fourth consecutive week GLXY stock has witnessed a correction; this correction has taken it to its lowest level since October 2021. As a result, the stock has lost 29.3% of its value in the last 30 days compared to 2.5% advances in the TSX Composite benchmark.

So what?

Galaxy Digital is a New York-based financial services and investment firm with a market cap of about $6.6 billion. The company primarily focuses on its digital asset and cryptocurrency investment services. It was founded by the popular American investment banker and cryptocurrency supporter Michael Novogratz, who currently leads the company as its CEO.

While there was no company-specific news to blame for Galaxy Digital stock’s recent big losses, the ongoing massive selloff in the cryptocurrency market could be the reason for its sharp losses. In early November, Bitcoin prices reached their all-time high near $69,000 per BTC. Since then, it has dived by nearly 40%. Similarly, Ethereum prices have also plunged by more than 15% in January so far after witnessing 20% value erosion in December.

A continued downtrend in cryptocurrencies could potentially scare away investors, hurting the financial growth prospects of companies like Galaxy Digital. At the time of writing, Bitcoin and Ethereum prices are trading with 3.1% and 5.4% losses in the last week, respectively. It could be the main reason why GLXY stock has seen more than 12% value erosion in the last five sessions.

Now what?

In November 2021, Galaxy Digital’s CEO Novogratz cited cryptocurrency adoption trends and price increases for his bullishness about the company’s future. Arguably, the cryptocurrency adoption trend has largely been positive in the last year. However, the recent crypto market crash certainly underlines the big risks involved in cryptocurrency-related investments.

While a potential cryptocurrency market recovery in the coming months could help Galaxy Digital stock regain investors’ confidence, I don’t consider GLXY a good investment for investors with a small risk appetite.