Bitcoin Slides Below $87K as Stocks Hit Record Highs, Defying Crypto Slump

Why is crypto crashing while the stock market soars? As of December 24, 2025, Bitcoin (BTC) failed to hold the $90,000 level, triggering a broad market decline just as global equities notch new records. The divergence signals a clear shift in investor sentiment, favoring the perceived safety of stocks over high-risk digital assets.

A Tale of Two Markets

The total crypto market capitalization fell 1.4% to $2.97 trillion, dipping back below the $3 trillion mark, according to CoinDesk. Bitcoin is trading around $86,900, while Ether (ETH) slid 1.5% to roughly $2,927. Other major tokens posted larger losses, with Solana (SOL) down nearly 3% and XRP off almost 2%.

In stark contrast, global stocks are rallying. MSCI’s All Country World Index rose for a fifth straight session, lifting its year-to-date gain to 21%. This reinforces the sense that capital is leaning toward safety and established corporate earnings rather than high-beta crypto bets.

Capital Outflows Paint a Clear Picture

Flows data shows investors are stepping back. According to CoinShares, global crypto investment products saw $952 million in outflows last week, ending a three-week streak of inflows. Bitcoin products saw $460 million in outflows, while Ethereum funds shed $555 million.

However, there were notable exceptions. XRP and Solana funds defied the trend, with inflows of $63 million and $49 million, respectively. This suggests that while the broader market is suffering, some investors are placing selective bets on specific altcoins.

Analyst Warns of 'Increased Pressure from Sellers'

Alex Kuptsikevich, chief market analyst at FxPro, said the market is showing signs of heavier seller control. "The market was unable to repeat the robust rebound from the local bottom, indicating increased pressure from sellers," Kuptsikevich said in an email. He added that larger players are behaving as if the market is shifting into a bear phase, potentially signaling more pain ahead.