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Bitcoin and Ethereum slip as analysts debate where the bear market bottoms out
At a glance
- Bitcoin opened at $62,829.64 on Aug. 17, 2026 and traded up intraday to $63,413.32 (9:17 a.m. ET); a later quote showed $64,085.72 (10:25:44 AM UTC).
- Ethereum opened at $1,874.10 and rose to $1,894.98 by 9:17 a.m. ET; a later quote showed $1,894.32 (10:25:47 AM UTC).
- Bitcoin is down more than 3% over the past week and about 46.5% year-over-year; Ethereum is down 1.8% for the week and about 57.7% year-over-year.
- Softer economic signals have reduced the immediate risk of further rate hikes, which can support risk assets including crypto, but the longer bear market leaves analysts divided on whether prices have bottomed.
- Some analysts, including Adam Livingston, interpret Bitcoins recent low volatility as a potential breakout signal, while others expect deeper falls before a durable bottom.
- Investors should choose between full coin ownership (with private keys) or regulated exposures like ETFs according to their risk tolerance and custody preferences.
Market snapshot and short-term moves
Bitcoin (BTC-USD) opened at $62,829.64 on Monday, August 17, 2026 about 0.3% below Sundays open and rose to $63,413.32 as of 9:17 a.m. ET. A later intraday quote in the articles chart area shows Bitcoin trading at $64,085.72 as of 10:25:44 AM UTC, reflecting the intraday swings that have characterised the market.
Ethereum (ETH-USD) opened Monday at $1,874.10, down 0.4% from Sundays open, and moved up to $1,894.98 by 9:17 a.m. ET. Another intraday quote registers ETH at $1,894.32 as of 10:25:47 AM UTC.
Over the past week, Bitcoin is down more than 3% while Ethereum has fallen 1.8%. Monthly and annual comparisons show deeper strains: Bitcoin is about 1.5% lower than a month ago and roughly 46.5% below its level a year earlier. Ethereum is up 0.6% versus a month ago but down about 57.7% from a year ago.
The article notes Bitcoins all-time high of $126,198.07 on Oct. 6, 2025, and its all-time low of $0.04865 on July 14, 2010. For Ethereum the all-time high was $4,953.73 on Aug. 24, 2025, and the all-time low $0.4209 on Oct. 21, 2015.
Whats driving sentiment
Investors remain torn. Softer economic data released last week have reduced the near-term risk of additional interest-rate hikes, a dynamic that can lift demand for risk assets including cryptocurrencies. Still, this bear market has run long enough that market participants and analysts disagree on whether the recent price action signals a bottom or the early stages of further declines.
At least one analyst, Adam Livingston, has pointed to Bitcoins recent low volatility as a potential breakout signal arguing muted price swings sometimes precede a decisive move. Other analysts counter that the currency could continue to fall before a durable bottom forms, leaving a wide range of possible outcomes.
Bitcoin and Ethereum remain highly volatile and high-risk assets. Prices can move rapidly on economic news, regulatory developments, or shifts in market positioning. The piece reminds readers that cryptocurrencies are evolving rapidly and that both direct ownership and regulated vehicles (such as bitcoin ETFs offered by brokerages) are available depending on whether an investor wants custody of private keys or simpler price exposure.
Practical takeaways
Short-term traders will be watching volatility, volume and macro data for clues about the next directional move. Longer-term investors should weigh whether they want full ownership of coins and private keys or exposure through regulated products that remove custody headaches.
Regardless of horizon, the usual cautions apply: allocate only what you can afford to lose, expect sharp price swings, and consider diversification and appropriate risk controls. For readers who want to learn more, the article links to guides on how to buy and trade crypto and broader explainers on how Bitcoin and Ethereum work.
The market remains in flux: small intraday gains and losses can mask a broader debate among analysts about timing and valuation. For now, Bitcoin and Ethereum are trading modestly lower on the day, and market participants will be parsing economic signals and market structure for signs of a sustainable bottom.
