Crypto Trading Volume Dips, Altcoins Hit Hard in 2025 Year-End

• Trading volume hits yearly lows, with altcoins losing up to -80%, while Bitcoin remains largely stable.

• 2025 sees a unique Bitcoin year: minor red, but altcoins suffer severe declines, signaling market divergence.

• Ethereum tests ~$2,900-$3,076 levels; traders eye reversals and potential swings before 2026.

Crypto markets are showing signs of fatigue as trading volumes drop to yearly lows. According to Santiment, traders are increasingly stepping back, with the final weeks of 2025 seeing the lowest two-week stretch since last year.

The research highlights that Bitcoin remains relatively stable, whereas Ethereum and altcoins like Solana, Cardano, and Dogecoin are experiencing much weaker activity. Besides seasonal holidays, flat price movements are contributing to reduced engagement.

Weekly trading data for Bitcoin, Ethereum, BNB, Solana, ADA, DOGE, XRP, TRX, and LINK reveals a clear decline. The chart illustrates that current volumes are now nearly at December 2024 levels, historically a slow period for market participation.

From March to October 2025, markets witnessed stronger volume during rallies. However, November and December marked a sharp cooling phase. Consequently, fewer traders are buying or selling, reflecting broader hesitation or a “wait-and-see” sentiment.

Bitcoin’s Unique Year, Altcoins’ Struggles

Dami-Defi points out that 2025 marks a unique year for Bitcoin. “$BTC barely bled but altcoins got completely obliterated,” the analyst wrote. Typically, Bitcoin follows a three-year green, one-year red pattern, yet this year’s red is atypical. Instead of a steep drop, Bitcoin’s opening and closing prices remain close.

Altcoins, on the other hand, suffered large losses, averaging about -80%. Furthermore, despite Bitcoin’s relative strength, this disparity made 2025 feel like a bear market for the majority of altcoin holders. The bear market may conclude earlier than anticipated, perhaps in Q1 2026, according to analysts.

Ethereum Trading Dynamics and Key Levels

Ethereum also remains a focal point for traders. Analyst Lennaert Snyder shared that $ETH bounced after testing ~$2,900 liquidity. “The sweep below ~$2,920 I mentioned yesterday happened and triggered longs. Enjoy the gains if you took the trade,” he said.

Currently, Ethereum trades at resistance. Snyder plans shorts if the price shows a shift in market structure or fails to sustain ~$3,076 highs. Additionally, longs are likely near ~$2,800 lows once reversal signals emerge. Hence, traders remain poised to capitalize on potential swings before 2026.