Crypto Markets Today: BTC Price Nears June Low as $1.4B in Liquidations Rock Altcoins

The crypto market experienced a significant sell-off, pushing Bitcoin near its lowest level since June and Ether to its lowest since August, catalyzed by a strengthening U.S. dollar index (DXY) hitting 100 for the first time since July. This dollar strength is linked to analyst expectations that the Federal Reserve will slow its rate-cutting cycle, negatively impacting risk assets like crypto. The selling pressure resulted in approximately $1.4 billion in derivatives liquidations across major exchanges. While many altcoins suffered, with Aster plunging 18% and Solana and BNB hitting new lows, privacy coins like Monero and Zcash, along with older tokens DCR and DASH, outperformed the broader market. Derivatives data shows rising Bitcoin volatility expectations, and options markets indicate persistent downside concerns for BTC, though Ether options suggest some bullishness post-February 2026 expiry.

(Source：CoinDesk)