Bitcoin and ether stabilized on Thursday even as risk sentiment across the crypto market stayed firmly cautious, leading to sharper declines among several altcoins. AERO, STRK and FET were the notable laggards, extending the broader downturn driven by “fear”-level sentiment indicators.
Bitcoin continued to build support near $103,000, while ether edged slightly higher but remained just under the $3,500 mark. Market gauges paint a mixed picture: the average crypto RSI is holding in neutral territory, yet the Fear and Greed Index sits at 25/100, underscoring the market’s defensive posture.
Altcoins saw heavier selling pressure. AERO plunged 18% after unveiling a merger with Velodrome, while STRK and FET posted double-digit losses as traders recoiled from higher-risk assets.
In contrast, XRP emerged as an outlier on the day, gaining 3.5% following a surge in options market activity that fueled short-term bullish momentum.
Analysts say the market now needs a clear catalyst to resolve the current consolidation. Bitcoin is hovering between confirming a deeper retracement from its October peak or establishing a firmer base around $98,000. Meanwhile, the U.S. dollar — stable near 99.8 — remains a critical macro factor; a move above 100 could intensify pressure on crypto and other risk-sensitive sectors.
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