Updated
Updated · Yahoo Finance · Aug 17
Bitcoin, Ethereum Open 0.3% and 0.4% Lower as Bear Market Clouds Breakout Calls
Updated
Updated · Yahoo Finance · Aug 17

Bitcoin, Ethereum Open 0.3% and 0.4% Lower as Bear Market Clouds Breakout Calls

3 articles · Updated · Yahoo Finance · Aug 17

Summary

  • $62,829.64 bitcoin and $1,874.10 ethereum openings on Aug. 17 marked slight daily declines, though both rebounded by 9:17 a.m. ET to $63,413.32 and $1,894.98.
  • More than 3% weekly losses for bitcoin and a 1.8% drop for ethereum reflect a market still struggling to find a bottom despite softer economic signals that may ease near-term rate pressure.
  • Analysts remain split on what comes next: Adam Livingston cites bitcoin's recent low volatility as a breakout signal, while others expect further declines before the bear market ends.
  • The longer backdrop remains weak, with bitcoin still down 46.5% from a year earlier and ethereum off 57.7%, underscoring how far both remain from their 2025 record highs.

Insights

With Bitcoin volatility at an eight-month low, is the market coiling for a massive liquidation rally or a plunge to new depths?
As Layer 2 networks cannibalize fees and ETF outflows persist, can record institutional staking save Ethereum from falling further behind Bitcoin?
Will the slowing U.S. economy and rising unemployment force a Federal Reserve pivot that finally thaws the prolonged 2026 crypto winter?