Here’s Why Crypto Prices Are Falling Today: BTC, ETH, XRP and More

The crypto prices are falling today, with the total market cap plunging more than 1% to $2.32 trillion. Bitcoin (BTC) retraces from just below $70K and and Ethereum (ETH) tanks 2% to 24-hour lows of $2,008, erasing all recent gains.

Top altcoins such as XRP, BNB, SOL, DOGE, Cardano (ADA), and others also slipped 2-5% in the past 24 hours. The Crypto Fear & Greed Index has slightly improved to 13 but remains under ‘extreme fear’ sentiment.

Crypto Prices Falling on $8.3 Billion BTC and ETH Monthly Options Expiry Today

Crypto prices are falling today as investors brace for $8.3 billion in monthly options expiries for BTC and ETH. According to crypto derivatives exchange Deribit data, over 109K Bitcoin options with a notional value of $7.38 billion are set to expire today.

The put/call ratio is 0.65 and max pain price is $72,000. It indicates that traders and TradFi institutions are hedging for downside protection. The max pain point shifted from $75,000 to $72,000 is the last 24 hours.

In the last 24 hours, put volume has surpassed call volume, with a put/call ratio of 1.14. This signals that traders are adjusting their positions for a downside move in Bitcoin price.

Meanwhile, almost 474K ETH options with a notional value of $964 million are set to expire today, with a put/call ratio of 0.77.

The max pain price is $2,200. Traders expect Ethereum price to waver in the coming days as they remain divided amid high volatility in the crypto market.

In the 24 hours, call volume exceeded put volume, with a bullish put/call ratio of 0.65. ETH options traders are opening calls for a $3,200 strike price by March 27.

Crypto Traders Brace for US PPI Data After Lower Jobs Data

BTC, ETH, XRP, and other crypto prices fell today as macro data showed the US labor market continues to strengthen, increasing the odds of the Fed holding rates steady. The U.S. initial weekly jobless claims came in below expectations on Thursday.

The January PPI inflation report drops later today, which will impact Bitcoin price and the broader crypto market. Market participants will look to this macro data for further guidance on inflation, particularly after last week’s hot PCE inflation data.

The PPI report is estimated to show month-over-month inflation slowing to 0.3%, down from 0.5% in December. The Fed is expected to keep rates on hold at least until June. Investors are also monitoring uncertainties around US tariffs and geopolitical tensions amid US-Iran nuclear deal talks.

Crypto Prices Falter Today as Experts Weigh in on Risks

Matrixport claims Bitcoin has barely moved this week, despite shifting structure. “Roughly $2.5 billion in gamma exposure is rolling off, $26 billion has left the market since the highs, and positioning is on the verge of a reset,” it added.

The research firm claims the next decisive move will only be driven by liquidity. The most consequential phase of this cycle is likely to begin soon as crypto prices wavers today.

Bitcoin’s recent rally was misleading, but the path is stable. Sharp downside moves followed by rebounds happened as a result of options positioning. As prices fell, market makers were forced to sell futures to hedge their exposure, amplifying the decline and accelerating the move toward $63,000.

Popular analyst Willy Woo predict Bitcoin price crash to $45K, but a global macro breakdown could cause further falls. The bullish trend is expected to return in Q1 or Q2 2027.

Crypto analyst Ali Martinez revealed $73,726 as key resistance for BTC, as per Glassnode MVRV Pricing Bands. Also, major support levels are $54,703 and $51,558.