Crypto Spot Volumes Collapse by 60%: The Calm Before the Bullish Storm?

Spot trading floors just went quiet—too quiet. A 60% plunge in crypto spot volumes isn't just a dip; it's a market holding its breath.

The Silence Before the Surge

Forget the noise. This collapse in activity isn't a sign of decay. It's the classic consolidation pattern—the deep breath markets take before a major move. Retail traders step back, weak hands get shaken out, and liquidity pools up on the sidelines, waiting for a signal.

Institutional Accumulation on Autopilot

While the public data screams fear, the private ledgers tell a different story. This is when the smart money builds positions, away from the spotlight and the volatility that comes with high retail participation. It's a stealth phase, where real conviction gets priced in before the headlines catch up—a process Wall Street would probably overcomplicate with a 100-slide deck.

A Storm is Brewing

History doesn't repeat, but it often rhymes. These periods of low volatility and depressed volumes have consistently preceded the most explosive rallies in crypto. The energy isn't gone; it's being stored. When the dam breaks, that pent-up demand doesn't trickle back—it floods the market.

The current lull isn't an ending. It's the setup. The storm clouds are gathering, and the first crack of thunder is always the loudest.

In brief

• Crypto spot trading volumes have dropped by 60%, falling from over 500 billion to about 250 billion dollars.
• Bitfinex and analysts believe this drop could precede a recovery, with signs of silent accumulation.
• The Crypto Task Force meeting on December 15 could either reignite confidence or deepen the current crypto market decline.

The drop in spot volumes questions the crypto market

According to recent data, cryptocurrency spot trading volumes have dropped 66% since January 2025. After exceeding 500 billion dollars at the beginning of the year, volumes now stand around 250 billion, with sessions dropping as low as 200 billion. This sharp drop occurs amid a slowdown in capital inflows via crypto ETFs, especially those linked to Bitcoin, and persistent macroeconomic uncertainties.

Historically, such periods of low activity, called “lulls”, have often preceded major rebounds in the crypto ecosystem. In 2019 and 2020, similar volume drops were followed by increases of 200% to 500%. Today, 80% of altcoins have recorded corrections over the last seven days, while Bitcoin has corrected by 30% since October 2025. These figures raise a crucial question: is this drop a prelude to a new bullish phase?

Next phase of the crypto cycle: a buying signal to seize?

For Bitfinex, prolonged calm periods in crypto markets are not necessarily alarming. They often reflect a phase of silent accumulation, where institutional players temporarily withdraw while awaiting more favorable macroeconomic catalysts. Indeed, the “lulls” could well precede a significant recovery, provided market conditions improve.

Several optimistic signals are emerging and analysts believe that BTC could target $180,000 in 2026 after the recent Fed rate cuts. However, market sentiment remains cautious, with a Crypto Fear & Greed Index in “extreme fear” territory (23/100), reflecting widespread investor distrust.

Crypto Task Force meeting on December 15: a turning point for Bitcoin?

The Crypto Task Force, led by the SEC, is holding a roundtable on December 15 addressing financial surveillance and privacy protection in the cryptocurrency sector. Discussions will focus on crypto ETF regulation, transaction transparency, and stablecoin oversight—crucial subjects for institutional investors.

This event, broadcast live on SEC.gov, could have major repercussions on the future of bitcoin and other digital assets. Two scenarios are emerging. In an optimistic context, a clear regulatory framework could restore investor confidence and favor a rebound in trading volumes.

Conversely, overly strict restrictions could deepen the current decline and delay the next bullish phase. Decisions made at this meeting will therefore be instrumental for the crypto market’s development in the coming months.

The combination of a historic drop in spot volumes, optimistic cyclical analysis, and impending regulatory decisions places the crypto market at a pivotal crossroads. The coming days, especially announcements from the Crypto Task Force, could well determine if this calm phase precedes a bullish storm or an extension of the crypto winter. In your opinion, should investors anticipate a recovery or prepare for a new period of uncertainty?

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