Price Analysis

Crypto Prices Today: Bitcoin Dips Below $116K, Ethereum Holds Near $4.3K, Altcoins Retreat

Bitcoin Drops 2.2% to $115.5K, Ethereum Slides 3.19% to $4.34K as Global Crypto Market Declines 2.32%

Bhavesh Maurya

As of August 18, 2025, the global cryptocurrency market capitalization stands at $3.9 trillion, reflecting a 2.32% decline over the past 24 hours. The broader crypto market has experienced a mild pullback, influenced by macroeconomic uncertainty, fading optimism over Federal Reserve rate cuts, and profit-taking after recent highs.

Bitcoin (BTC): Dips Below $116K

Bitcoin price is currently trading at $115,541, with a 2.20% decline in the past 24 hours. Intraday trading has ranged between $115,005 and $118,519, with BTC struggling to maintain stability above the $116K level.

A sustained push above $118,000 could set the stage for a rally toward $122,000-$125,000, while solid downside support remains at $115,000.

Analysts attribute Bitcoin’s current weakness to renewed inflation concerns and reduced expectations of dovish central bank policies. Despite the short-term dip, many experts remain optimistic, highlighting strong institutional accumulation and Bitcoin’s resilience in holding above the $115K support.

Ethereum (ETH): Holds Near $4.3K

Ethereum price is trading at $4,343, marking a 3.19% decline in the last 24 hours. ETH has moved between $4,288 and $4,570 over the past 24 hours, with bearish momentum limiting its upward moves.

A decisive breakout beyond $4,450 could push ETH toward $4,600-$4,700, while failure to maintain above $4,350 might prompt a retest of $4,300.

The ongoing Ethereum ecosystem expansion, including continued growth in staking and institutional adoption of DeFi platforms, remains a critical driver of long-term optimism. Analysts project ETH could target $5,900-$7,100 by late 2025 if macro conditions stabilize.

Altcoins:

Avalanche (AVAX)

AVAX price is trading at $24.10, down 2.10% in the past 24 hours after failing to sustain momentum above the $25 zone. Avalanche’s network upgrades and cross-chain development continue to support its fundamentals.

Support is at $23, with a potential recovery toward $25-$26 if sentiment improves.

Chainlink (LINK)

Chainlink is priced at $24.87, up 2.19% in the last 24 hours. Growing adoption of Chainlink’s oracle solutions continues to attract institutional interest despite the recent dip.

Support is at $24, while resistance is seen at $26. A break above $26 could trigger a move toward $28.

Polygon (MATIC)

Polygon is currently trading at $0.2248, reflecting a 2.65% decline. Partnerships with Web3 projects and scaling solutions support its long-term value proposition.

Support is at $0.23, with resistance near $0.25. A breakout could drive MATIC toward $0.30.

XRP (XRP)

XRP is trading at $3, down 4.18% in the last 24 hours. Its growing utility in cross-border payments and partnerships with global banks continues to support long-term growth prospects.

Support lies at $2.8, while resistance is at $3.25. A clear move above resistance could push XRP toward $3.30-$3.40.

Memecoins:

Dogecoin (DOGE)

DOGE is priced at $0.2265, down 3.69% in the last 24 hours. Community support and frequent social media trends continue to keep Dogecoin relevant in the memecoin space.

Support is at $0.20, with resistance at $0.24. A breakout could send DOGE toward $0.26-$0.28 if volume rises.

Pepe (PEPE)

PEPE is trading at $0.00001084, down 3.79% in the past 24 hours. After recent speculative spikes, PEPE is consolidating in a narrow range.

Support is at $0.0000010, while resistance is seen at $0.0000011. A move above this could push PEPE toward $0.0000014.

Market Outlook: Institutional Interest Remains Despite Pullback

The 2.32% decline in total crypto market capitalization underscores the fragility of short-term momentum, as traders remain cautious amid economic uncertainty. However, institutional adoption, scaling solutions, and steady growth in DeFi and Web3 continue to form the backbone of optimism for the medium-to-long term.

Final Thoughts

With the total crypto market cap now at $3.9 trillion, Bitcoin’s slip below $116K and Ethereum holding near $4.3K highlight the current retracement phase. Altcoins such as Avalanche, Chainlink, Polygon, and XRP have dipped but remain fundamentally strong, while memecoins like Dogecoin and Pepe continue to display high volatility driven by their communities.

Despite short-term headwinds, analysts remain confident that the crypto market is poised for further growth as innovation, institutional adoption, and network development continue to expand.