Top Reasons Why Crypto Market Is Down Today

The crypto market today extended its pullback as rising yields, expensive oil, and policy uncertainty weakened demand for risk assets.

The total market capitalization dropped by 0.43% to $2.69 trillion, and the CMC20 index dropped by 0.53% to $164.40. The Fear and Greed Index retained greed at 72, which meant that traders were still optimistic, even as the prices declined.

Liquidations were 165.44M with 114.75M in longs. The open interest increased by 4.37% to $423.07 billion and the derivatives volume increased by 0.52% to $610.36 billion.

CMC data

Crypto Market Dips as BTC, ETH, and XRP Retreat From Recent Gains

Bitcoin price hovered below $78,800 Tuesday and stayed beneath $80,000 after last week’s gains. Ethereum price dropped 1% to $2,482, while XRP price eased to $1.39.

The majority of the key tokens recorded weekly gains, which indicated consolidation instead of a strong turnaround.

Nevertheless, the support of Bitcoin at $77,000 might be tested one more time in case macroeconomic pressure becomes more strong. Better August payrolls boosted Treasury yields and consolidated anticipations of tight monetary policy.

The traders pegged the probability of a quarter point Federal Reserve increase at about 60%. An increase in rates tends to damage cryptocurrencies by decreasing the demand on speculative assets.

Federal Reserve increase at about 60%

US-Iran War Tensions Lift Oil and Increase Pressure on Crypto

Oil prices increased inflation concerns as tensions escalated between the United States and Iran. Brent crude topped at more than $97, its highest point in six weeks after ship and military property attacks.

Earlier updates placed oil above $94, its highest level in three months. The economic warfare threat by Iran caused unease over the supply interruptions along the Strait of Hormuz.

Tehran reported that it was almost ready to reach an agreement with Oman on shipping management. Nonetheless, high prices of energy might continue inflation high until the consumer price index report on Friday.

Increased inflation would be favorable to increasing tightening and stressing Bitcoin and other risky assets.

CLARITY Act Vote Looms as Regulatory Uncertainty Grips Crypto

Regulatory uncertainty undermined it in the run-up to the procedural vote on the CLARITY Act September 15. A cloture vote will be attempted by the Senate at 2:15 p.m. ET.

The measure must have a minimum of 60 votes before it can be debated in full. The bill of 309 pages would provide clarity in the areas of oversight between the SEC and CFTC.

Policymarket odds of enactment in 2026 dropped as low as 16% on September 6 compared to 82% in February.

Polymarket cap data

A rejected vote would increase uncertainty and decrease confidence in the short-term in digital asset markets.

Key Crypto Events to Watch This Week Ahead of FOMC Meeting

The ten-year Treasury auction on Wednesday will be a test of the demand on United States government debt. Slow demand may drive the increase in yields and restrict the financial situation.

Thursday includes PPI, initial jobless claims, current home sales, and a 30 year Treasury auction. To provide a test of inflation that is likely to have significant impact than the CPI, which will be released on Friday, PPI will be presenting the first significant test of inflation in the week.

Reduced jobless claims would validate labor strength and might enhance the argument in favor of elevated rates.

The CPI on Friday is the most significant announcement to crypto traders. A hot core reading would push the odds of a rate hike to as high as two-thirds and put Bitcoin at risk of falling below its $77,000 bottom.

On September 16, the Fed meeting will announce its resolution, and a roundtable of SEC concerning trading during 24 hours is on September 17. The combination of these events might cause a significant volatility this month and define the further course of the crypto market.



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Author

  • Crystal Kim is a New York-based markets and investing reporter with more than 10 years of experience. Prior to joining Investopedia in July 2025, she covered crypto for Axios.

Crystal Kim

Crystal Kim is a New York-based markets and investing reporter with more than 10 years of experience. Prior to joining Investopedia in July 2025, she covered crypto for Axios.