Bitcoin Price Slides to $104,000 as Market Fear Hits ‘Extreme’ Levels
John: Hey there, folks! I’m John, a veteran writer for Blockchain Bulletin, where I break down the wild world of crypto in simple, straightforward terms. Today, we’re diving into the recent slide of Bitcoin’s price to $104,000 and the extreme fear gripping the market—I’ll explain what’s happening, why, and what it might mean moving forward. For readers who want a full step-by-step guide, you can also check this exchange guide.
Lila: Hi everyone, I’m Lila, John’s curious assistant who’s always learning about crypto. John, what’s causing this big drop in Bitcoin’s price, and should beginners like me be worried?
Basics of Bitcoin Price Movements
John: Let’s start with the fundamentals, Lila. Bitcoin’s price is driven by supply and demand, influenced by factors like investor sentiment, global events, and market liquidity. As of 2025-10-18, we’ve seen Bitcoin dip to around $104,000, down from higher levels earlier this month—think of it like a rollercoaster that just hit a steep drop after a thrilling climb.
Lila: Rollercoaster? That sounds exciting but scary. So, what exactly is this ‘fear index’ everyone mentions?
John: Great question! The Crypto Fear & Greed Index measures market emotions on a scale from 0 (extreme fear) to 100 (extreme greed). Right now, it’s flirting with extreme fear levels, similar to what we saw during past dips, like the 2022 bear market. (And hey, if fear were a movie, this would be the suspense thriller part—popcorn optional!)
Background on the Current Slide
John: To understand this slide, let’s look back. Bitcoin hit all-time highs above $120,000 earlier in 2025, fueled by institutional adoption and halving effects from 2024-04-20. But starting around 2025-10-16, it crashed to $107,000, then further to $104,000 by 2025-10-17, as reported by Bitcoin Magazine.
Lila: Wow, that’s a quick fall. What triggered it?
John: Reports point to trade tensions between the U.S. and China, plus broader market corrections. For instance, on 2025-10-17, Bitcoin Magazine noted the price sliding amid these pressures, with no immediate signs of reversal. In the past, similar events like the 2020 COVID crash on 2020-03-12 led to recoveries, but each cycle is unique.
Current Market Sentiment
John: As of now, sentiment is overwhelmingly fearful. The Fear & Greed Index has hit ‘extreme fear’ zones, with CryptoQuant reporting Bitcoin open interest at 2025 lows on 2025-10-18, signaling potential for a reversal if panic subsides.
Lila: Open interest? That sounds technical—care to simplify?
John: Sure thing—open interest is the total number of outstanding futures contracts in the market. When it’s low, like now, it often means traders are cautious, which can precede a bounce-back. Posts on X reflect this too, with users noting the drop below $105,000 and over $1.2 billion in liquidations in the last 24 hours as of 2025-10-17. (It’s like the market’s having a collective ‘uh-oh’ moment—no judgment here!)
Potential Reasons for the Fear
John: Several verified factors are at play. Trade tensions, as mentioned in Bitcoin Magazine’s 2025-10-16 report, have spooked investors. Plus, on-chain metrics from CryptoQuant show exchange reserves at decade lows, limiting sell-offs but not eliminating fear.
Lila: So, it’s not just random panic?
John: Exactly—it’s tied to real events. For example, Coinpedia reported on 2025-10-17 that Bitcoin fell below $106,000, amplifying global worries. Historically, extreme fear has marked buying opportunities, like after the 2018 crash when Bitcoin bottomed around $3,200 on 2018-12-15.
Looking Ahead: Predictions for 2025
John: Peering into the future, analysts from CoinCodex and Changelly provide forecasts. As of 2025-10-16, CoinCodex predicts Bitcoin could rally to $130,000 by year-end if it stabilizes above key supports like $100,000.
Lila: That’s hopeful! Any specific dates or events to watch?
John: Absolutely—keep an eye on October’s close, as Polymarket data from X posts on 2025-10-17 shows 33% betting Bitcoin under $100,000 by month-end. Looking ahead to 2026-2030, Changelly’s 2025-10-17 update forecasts steady growth, potentially reaching $200,000+ by 2030, based on historical trends. (Fingers crossed it’s not just wishful thinking—like hoping your coffee stays hot all day!)
Risks and Safeguards
John: Crypto isn’t without risks—volatility can lead to big losses, as seen in this slide. Regulatory changes, like potential U.S. policies in late 2025, could add uncertainty.
Lila: How can we protect ourselves?
John: Good safeguards include diversifying your portfolio and using secure wallets. Remember, this is based on trusted sources like regulatory news from CoinDesk—no guarantees, though.
Tips for Investors
John: For those navigating this, here are some practical tips:
- Monitor reliable indicators like the Fear & Greed Index daily via sites like Alternative.me.
- Stay informed with updates from Cointelegraph or Bitcoin Magazine for real-time news.
- Avoid panic selling—historical data shows recoveries often follow extreme fear, as in the rebound after 2022-11-21’s low.
- Use dollar-cost averaging to buy gradually, reducing timing risks.
- Always verify facts from official sources before acting.
Lila: Those tips make sense—thanks for the list!
John: Wrapping this up, the Bitcoin slide to $104,000 amid extreme fear is a reminder of crypto’s ups and downs, but history shows resilience. Stay educated, be patient, and remember, markets can turn. And if you’d like even more exchange tips, have a look at this global guide.
Lila: Key takeaway: Don’t let fear drive decisions—knowledge is your best tool in crypto!
This article was created using the original article below and verified real-time sources:
- Bitcoin Price Slides to $104,000 as Market Fear Hits ‘Extreme’ Levels
- Bitcoin (BTC) Price Prediction 2025, 2026-2030 | CoinCodex
- Bitcoin (BTC) Price Prediction 2025 2026 2027 – 2030
- CryptoQuant sees Bitcoin open interest variation hit 2025 low, nearing extreme fear region