With the COVID public health emergency officially ending in May 2023, it’s now possible to look back and assess just how dramatically the crypto market transformed during the pandemic years.

Here’s what would have happened if someone had invested $100 at the start of the pandemic — $50 in Bitcoin and $50 in Ethereum on 31 March 2020.

How much Bitcoin $50 would have bought in March 2020

• Bitcoin price on 31 March 2020: $6,438.64
• Investment: $50

Amount of BTC purchased:

$50 ÷ $6,438.64 = 0.0077656 BTC

Value today (3 December 2025), at $93,517.32 per BTC:

0.0077656 BTC × $93,517.32 = $726.22

Your $50 Bitcoin investment alone would now be worth $726.22.

How much Ethereum $50 would have bought in March 2020

• Ethereum price on 31 March 2020: $133.59
• Investment: $50

Amount of ETH purchased:

$50 ÷ $133.59 = 0.3742795 ETH

Value today (3 December 2025), at $3,060.84 per ETH:

0.3742795 ETH × $3,060.84 = $1,145.61

Your $50 Ethereum investment would have grown to $1,145.61.

Total value of a $100 investment at the start of COVID

• Bitcoin today: $726.22
• Ethereum today: $1,145.61

Combined total value today:

$726.22 + $1,145.61 = $1,871.83

A simple $100 split between BTC and ETH during the pandemic crash would now be worth approximately $1,871.83.

That’s an almost 19x return in just over five years.

Bitcoin, Ethereum lead the decline

Bitcoin fell below $86,500, dropping 4.63% in 24 hours, while Ethereum sank over 5% to $2,830. XRP, Binance Coin and other large-cap assets also slipped sharply, deepening the market’s 30-day downtrend.

With volatility returning to the forefront, investors are asking one question: Why is crypto down today?

Top Reasons Why Crypto Is Down Today

1. Heavy leveraged liquidations

One of the biggest triggers behind today’s fall is the unwinding of highly leveraged positions.

• Over $16 million in Bitcoin long positions were liquidated in a single day.

• Previous liquidations in October wiped out nearly $19 billion of levered bets after Bitcoin hit an all-time high.

As these long positions are force-sold, prices drop sharply, creating a chain reaction across the market.

2. Bitcoin breaks critical support levels

Bitcoin slipped below key technical supports:

• $90,954 support zone

• $87,000 Fibonacci levels

Losing these levels accelerates selling pressure as traders cut losses or exit positions. Market participants are now watching whether Bitcoin will retest $80,659, its October low.

3. Risk-off sentiment hits global markets

Sean McNulty, APAC derivatives trading lead at FalconX, described today as a “risk-off start to December.”

Low inflows into Bitcoin ETFs and an absence of dip buyers are adding pressure. With investors turning cautious:

• Safe-haven assets see inflows

• Crypto sees outflows

• Liquidity thins, making price swings sharper

4. Macroeconomic fears intensify

Broader macroeconomic concerns amplified the selloff.

• Fears of a Bank of Japan rate hike

• Japanese government bond yields hitting a 15-year high

• Volatile Asian market sentiment impacting global risk assets

As global markets turn cautious, crypto—already a high-risk domain—feels the heat immediately.

5. Weekend low liquidity worsened the move

The drop occurred early Sunday–Monday when liquidity is naturally weaker.

Low liquidity amplifies every sell order, causing:

• Faster declines

• Longer red candles

• Higher volatility

This is why major cryptos fell within minutes, triggering panic across social media.

6. Investor sentiment turns negative

The decline has pushed trader mood firmly into “fear mode,” with many still recovering from the recent 20% monthly drop.

Posts on X (Twitter) reflected real-time panic:

• “What is Bitcoin down today?”

• “Crypto is going to zero rn.”

• “$400 million longs liquidated in minutes.”

Negative sentiment accelerates selling and keeps buyers cautious.

Is this the start of a deeper crash?

Analysts remain divided. While some see this as a healthy correction, others warn that if Bitcoin breaks below $80,000, a larger selloff could follow.

For now, the market remains volatile, and traders are watching:

• ETF inflow trends

• U.S. economic data for 2026

• Federal Reserve rate expectations

• Asian market reactions

• High-yield bond movements

Strong August rally followed by a loss of momentum

ETH experienced a powerful upward stretch through August, with consistent green candles and rising volume pushing prices higher. The trend was supported by favourable short-term sentiment, and the asset maintained a position above key moving averages. By mid-September to early October, however, the bullish structure began to weaken as repeated upside attempts met increasing resistance. The changing slope of moving averages hinted at a transition toward fatigue.

Clear downtrend sets in as moving averages turn bearish

From mid-October onwards, Ethereum entered a well-defined downtrend characterised by:

• Lower highs

• Lower lows

• Candles closing below both the 25-day and 99-day moving averages

The moving averages themselves rolled over into a downward trajectory, reinforcing the bearish structure. Selling volume picked up in early November, accelerating the decline and dragging ETH toward the $2,600–$2,700 zone — its weakest level in months.

Bounce from $2,623 marks first constructive recovery attempt

After weeks of sustained pressure, ETH printed its first significant rebound off the $2,623 low. The recent candles show higher lows forming, and a few green bars have appeared with moderately improved buying volume. While the rebound is not yet strong enough to challenge the dominant downtrend, it indicates that aggressive selling may have eased.

Major moving averages remain heavy overhead resistance

Despite the recent rise toward $3,000, Ethereum continues to trade under key resistance levels:

• MA(7) near $2,897

• MA(25) near $3,174

• MA(99) around $3,983

These averages act as layered barriers that ETH would need to reclaim before any sustained structural improvement can form. Remaining below them keeps the larger trend in a cautionary zone.

Volume behaviour suggests early phase of stabilisation

Trading volume surged during the steep November decline, signalling capitulation-type selling. Since then, volumes have reduced and become more balanced between buyers and sellers. This moderation typically aligns with early consolidation phases, where market participants reassess after a sharp move.

Market structure shifting from aggressive decline to potential base-building

Based solely on visible chart behaviour:

• The downtrend remains intact, but its intensity has weakened.

• ETH’s rebound from $2,623 indicates the first signs of short-term stabilisation.

• A preliminary base may be forming in the $2,600–$3,000 region, though confirmation is absent.

• Moving averages still lean bearish and collectively cap the upside.

Ethereum now sits in a transitional zone — between the exhaustion of its downtrend and the early stages of a potential consolidation.

Disclaimer: This article is a neutral technical analysis of publicly visible chart data. It is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice or a prediction of future performance.

In this guide, we break down what NFTs are, how they work, and why they continue to matter in 2025.

What Is an NFT?

An NFT is a unique digital asset stored on a blockchain, acting as a tamper-proof certificate of ownership. Unlike cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin or Ethereum — which are fungible, interchangeable, and identical — each NFT is one-of-a-kind.

Fungible = interchangeable (like cash)
Non-fungible = unique (like a painting)

When someone purchases an NFT, what they actually acquire is a verified ownership record, secured by blockchain technology. Even though the associated digital file (art, music, etc.) can be viewed online, the NFT certifies who owns the original.

How NFTs Work

NFTs are created through a process called minting, where a digital file is transformed into a blockchain-verified asset.

How minting works:

1. A creator uploads a digital asset to an NFT platform.
2. The asset is recorded on the blockchain as a unique token.
3. A smart contract attaches details such as:
   • ownership rights
   • transfer rules
   • resale royalties for creators

This smart contract ensures transparency and automates every future sale. Minted NFTs live on decentralized networks such as Ethereum, Solana, Polygon, and Flow, each offering different transaction speeds, fees, and security models.

Understanding Non-Fungible Meaning

Non-fungible simply means unique and irreplaceable.

Example:

• One US dollar can be swapped for any other dollar → fungible.
• The Mona Lisa cannot be swapped for an identical copy → non-fungible.

NFTs behave like the digital equivalent of rare collectibles or artworks — no two are exactly the same.

What Is NFT Art?

NFT art consists of digital artworks tokenized on a blockchain. Tokenization guarantees:

• authenticity
• proof of ownership
• royalties for creators
• global transferability

Artists mint their digital pieces on marketplaces like OpenSea, SuperRare, and Foundation, enabling collectors worldwide to purchase authenticated originals.

The NFT art world gained mainstream attention when Beeple’s “Everydays: The First 5000 Days” sold for $69 million at Christie’s in 2021.

Why NFTs Matter in 2025

Even after a massive market correction where 95% of early NFTs lost value, the technology behind them remains powerful.

NFTs now provide real-world utility in areas such as:

1. Ticketing & Access

NFT tickets prevent fraud and unlock exclusive rewards.

2. Gaming

Players truly own in-game items and can trade them freely.

3. Luxury Authentication

Brands like Prada and Rolex use NFTs to verify product authenticity.

4. Real Estate Tokenization

Property deeds and transactions are moving on-chain for faster settlements.

NFTs have evolved beyond speculative art and now function as digital proof-of-ownership tools across industries.

Why People Buy NFTs

Investors and collectors buy NFTs for several reasons:

Digital Ownership & Status

Owning rarities or limited editions reflects prestige in online communities.

Investment Potential

Some NFTs appreciate significantly over time, especially those with strong communities or historical relevance.

Creator Royalties

Artists earn a percentage of every resale — a major shift from traditional art markets.

Rarity & Scarcity

NFTs let creators control supply, boosting collectible value.

How NFTs Make Money

NFTs generate earnings through:

1. Primary Sales

Buying newly minted NFTs at launch.

2. Secondary Market Trading

Reselling on marketplaces like OpenSea.

3. Creator Royalties

Automatic payments embedded in smart contracts every time the NFT changes hands.

The Technology Behind NFTs

NFTs rely entirely on blockchain infrastructure:

Blockchain

Provides transparency, immutability, and public verification.

Smart Contracts

Automate ownership transfers, royalty payments, and uniqueness verification.

Distributed Ledger

Records every transaction permanently.

Different blockchains offer different benefits:

• Ethereum: most secure & widely used
• Solana: fast, low-cost transactions
• Polygon: eco-friendly and scalable
• Flow: optimized for gaming and entertainment

Should You Invest in NFTs?

NFT investing is no longer about fast flips — it is about utility, longevity, and fundamentals.

Smart investors look for:

• strong project purpose
• reputable creators
• transparent roadmaps
• well-audited smart contracts

NFTs are considered taxable assets in the U.S., with sales generally falling under capital gains tax.

As with any investment, there are risks:

• volatility
• illiquidity
• counterfeit projects

Due diligence is essential.

Final Thoughts

NFTs are entering a new chapter — one focused on utility, authentication, and real-world integration, rather than hype. From gaming economies and luxury authentication to digital identity and real estate tokenization, NFTs are quietly becoming the backbone of digital ownership.

They are no longer just about pixel art and speculation.
They are about the future of how we own, trade, and verify everything digital.

The company also shared additional details in a recent community AMA, outlining how Collect is being engineered and what collectors can expect as the transition begins.

Why VeVe Is Building Its Own Blockchain

Since launch, VeVe has focused on licensed digital collectibles from brands such as Marvel, Disney, DC, and Star Wars. However, mainstream blockchains—built mainly for finance, gaming, or general NFTs—don’t offer the specific protections licensors require. These include:

• strict metadata authenticity

• provenance and edition integrity

• stronger IP control

• reliable royalty enforcement

• secure long-term ownership

Collect is being built to address these exact needs. Instead of adapting VeVe to a general-purpose chain, the new blockchain is designed around the priorities of major entertainment brands and their collector communities.

What Collect Brings to the VeVe Ecosystem

According to VeVe, the user experience will remain identical: showrooms, AR features, drops, marketplace functions, and app layout are unchanged.

The improvements come behind the scenes.

On-chain royalties and IP protection

Collect embeds licensor rights directly into the protocol, ensuring automatic royalty recognition whenever a collectible is traded.

Preserved provenance and metadata

Edition numbers, mint order, and ownership history will migrate intact. A collectible that is #1 on VeVe will remain #1 on Collect.

Future-ready technical infrastructure

Collect strengthens:

• metadata durability

• provenance guarantees

• licensing stability

• interoperability paths

• blockchain performance optimized for fandom rather than finance

This allows VeVe to scale without compromising the integrity of licensed IP.

Key Updates From the Community AMA

Insights from the AMA—hosted by Dr Collect (formerly Dr Profit)—offered a clearer view of Collect’s technical design. The new blockchain will operate as an Ethereum-compatible Layer 2, giving it access to the wider Ethereum ecosystem while still allowing licensors to control how assets move off-platform.

The AMA also confirmed:

• enhanced metadata storage, including IPFS integration

• improved transparency around asset permanence

• detailed documentation to be released when Collect’s official site launches in December 2025

Full migration begins in January 2026.

Self-Custody Coming in Phase 2

One of the most anticipated updates—self-custody of VeVe collectibles—will arrive after the main migration stabilizes. Collectors will be able to transfer digital items to personal Web3 wallets such as MetaMask, providing full blockchain ownership outside the VeVe ecosystem.

Self-custody will remain optional. Casual collectors can continue using VeVe as before, while advanced users gain the ability to store items independently and interact with external tools or marketplaces, subject to licensor approval.

Why Self-Custody Matters

Allowing collectors to hold assets in their own wallets expands trust and control. Digital items are no longer tied to a single app, and collectors can manage them across supported Ethereum-compatible platforms. This aligns VeVe with broader Web3 standards while preserving the licensor protections that define its ecosystem.

The move also represents Ethereum’s largest single-day percentage jump since November 24, when it climbed 4.23%. The second-largest cryptocurrency has now advanced in three of the past four trading sessions, attempting to stabilize after a difficult month.

Despite today’s rebound, Ethereum remains down 21.72% month-to-date, putting it on track for its worst month since February 2025, when it fell nearly 33%. ETH is also down 9.68% year-to-date, reflecting ongoing market pressure following its August peak.

Ethereum is currently trading:

• 39.03% below its all-time intraday high of $4,955.23 (Aug. 24, 2025)

• 16.96% lower than a year ago

• Up 108.10% from its 52-week low of $1,387.85 (Apr. 9, 2025)

During today’s session, ETH traded as high as $3,042.60, up 3.79% at the intraday peak.

Data reflects the 5 p.m. ET price snapshot on Kraken, compiled by Dow Jones Market Data.

Disclaimer: The information provided is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or investment advice. Stock market and cryptocurrency investments are subject to market risks. Always conduct your own research or consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Crypto trading is legal, but not recognised as currency

In India, buying, selling, and holding cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, or stablecoins is legal. The government has not banned crypto trading, and major exchanges continue to operate in compliance with Indian law.

However, crypto is not considered legal tender. This means it cannot be used as official currency to settle debts or make compulsory payments. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has repeatedly cautioned users about risks but has not imposed any prohibition since the Supreme Court overturned the RBI banking ban in March 2020.

Regulatory environment: No dedicated crypto law yet

India does not yet have a specific law that governs cryptocurrency. Instead, various government bodies have issued guidelines and taken regulatory steps:

1. RBI’s stance

• The RBI has expressed concerns about financial stability, money laundering, and investor protection.
• Banks are allowed to offer services to crypto users as long as they perform proper due diligence.
• RBI continues to push for strong regulations but has not banned crypto.

2. Ministry of Finance

• The government has introduced Virtual Digital Asset (VDA) classification under the Income Tax Act to regulate taxation.
• Discussions on a future regulatory framework (or crypto bill) have been ongoing, but no legislation has been passed yet.

3. FIU registration for exchanges

• In December 2023, major crypto exchanges operating in India were required to register with the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU-IND).
• Exchanges must comply with anti-money-laundering rules and report suspicious transactions.

How cryptocurrencies are taxed in India

Taxation is the most clearly defined part of India’s crypto policy. Since 1 April 2022, cryptocurrencies fall under the category of Virtual Digital Assets (VDAs) with strict tax rules.

1. 30% tax on profits

• All gains from the sale or transfer of cryptocurrencies are taxed at 30%.
• This applies irrespective of whether the gain is short-term or long-term.
• No deduction is allowed for expenses except the cost of acquisition.

2. 1% TDS on every trade

• A 1% Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) applies to every crypto trade above ₹10,000 in a year on Indian exchanges.
• This TDS is collected by exchanges and deposited with the government.
• Traders can claim credit for this TDS while filing their income tax returns.

3. Crypto gifts are taxable

• Gifts of crypto are taxable in the hands of the recipient if the value exceeds ₹50,000, unless exempt under relatives’ category.

4. Losses cannot be set off

• Losses from crypto cannot be:
  • set off against other income, or
  • carried forward to future years. This is the strictest part of the tax regime.

GST implications

While there is no separate GST law for crypto:

• Crypto exchanges pay 18% GST on their service fees.
• Traders do not pay GST on the crypto itself.
• The government may introduce additional GST classifications in the future.

What the future may hold

India is moving towards a regulated crypto ecosystem:

• Discussions on a global regulatory framework continue under the G20 agenda.
• Experts expect clearer rules once the government finalises its stance.
• Meanwhile, the RBI is developing the Digital Rupee (CBDC) as an official alternative.

Crypto trading in India is legal but tightly taxed and cautiously monitored. Investors can trade freely through compliant exchanges, but must follow the 30% tax rule and 1% TDS requirements. While a dedicated crypto law is still awaited, the existing framework ensures that trading remains allowed, regulated, and taxable.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and does not constitute financial or tax advice.

The day’s biggest winners came from the smaller‑cap end of the market, where BANANAS surged to about $0.0054 with a gain of nearly 55 per cent, putting it at the top of the gainers’ list. Other notable risers included DODO at roughly $0.0304 and ORCA at $1.30, each advancing more than 20 per cent in a single session, with tokens such as OM, ACE and PENDLE also logging solid double‑digit percentage increases.

On the downside, RESOLV headed the top‑losers column, slipping to around $0.105 with a decline of more than 22 per cent over 24 hours. PARTI and WLFI also faced heavy selling pressure, each dropping more than 8 per cent, while PROM, MMT and several other names recorded mid‑single‑digit to high‑single‑digit losses as traders rotated profits out of recent outperformers into fresher momentum plays.

Data as on 10:09AM IST.

According to data from The Block, US-listed spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded $129 million in net inflows on November 25, reversing a trend of continuous outflows that had pushed BTC to multi-month lows. Ethereum and Solana ETFs also posted $79 million and $58 million in inflows, indicating a selective rotation into liquid altcoins.

Analysts say the renewed ETF demand is encouraging but not yet strong enough to mark a decisive trend shift.

Timothy Misir, head of research at BRN, said the inflows offered the market “its first meaningful bid in days,” helping Bitcoin defend the $84,000–$90,000 accumulation band.

“Flows have become supportive but not yet decisive,” Misir noted, adding that on-chain stress remains elevated, with almost one-third of Bitcoin supply still underwater. He highlighted that long-term holders and institutions continue to accumulate, while most sellers are short-term participants reacting to recent volatility.

Misir also said mixed macro indicators — including a US Producer Price Index reading that met expectations — kept uncertainty around the Federal Reserve’s next move.

“Inflation data neither obliges the Fed to rush cuts nor stay rigid. Markets must price two-way outcomes this week,” he added.

Gabe Selby, head of research at Kraken-owned CF Benchmarks, said the market is witnessing Bitcoin’s “first real institutional stress test,” as ETF infrastructure amplifies both access and price discovery during downturns.

“November 2025 is tracking as the worst month ever for ETF flows,” Selby said. “But we see this as more profit-taking than panic selling. Bitcoin jumped from about $60,000 last November to nearly $126,000 earlier this year. Some investors are exiting — others, including major institutions, are doing the opposite.”

With ETF flows stabilising and long-term holders signalling confidence, analysts say Bitcoin may be forming a base — but upward momentum will depend on whether inflows can sustain in the days ahead.

Glassnode’s Percent Supply in Profit metric for ETH, XRP, and SOL has continued to decline since October. The indicator tracks the share of tokens last moved at a lower price than today; when it falls, it signals that fewer holders are in profit and more are carrying losses.

According to Glassnode, the percent of supply in loss for major assets is:

• BTC: 34.91%

• XRP: 36.70%

• ETH: 38.37%

• SOL: 74.84%

The situation is reinforced by rising Realized Loss, which measures the total USD value of coins moved when their previous cost basis was higher than the current price. This reflects the behaviour of newer traders who entered during recent declines.

As of November 25, ETH, SOL, and XRP all posted their highest 7-day average realized loss since the April market drop. Glassnode notes that losses among new altcoin investors are increasing as prices struggle to rebound, signalling “growing stress across the speculative end of the market.”

The mounting loss pressure may prompt more investors to exit in order to preserve capital, potentially deepening downward momentum. Meanwhile, attention within the market appears to be shifting toward altcoins with stronger narratives, including Privacy Coins and Neobank Coins.