On July 24, 2025, Bitcoin experienced a notable price decline, dropping from its recent all-time high of approximately $123,000 to around $115,500, representing a decrease of roughly 6-7%. This downturn, while not unprecedented given the volatile nature of cryptocurrencies, has sparked significant discussion among investors and market analysts. This note aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the factors contributing to this price drop, drawing on recent data, social media insights, and news reports to offer a detailed understanding of the market dynamics at play.
Background on Bitcoin’s Price Movement
Recent data from reliable sources indicates that Bitcoin reached a peak near $123,000, likely around mid-July 2025, before beginning its descent. For instance, on July 14, 2025, prices were around $119,117, and by July 24, 2025, they had fallen to $115,500, based on historical price trends. This decline aligns with observations from X posts and market data, suggesting a significant correction following a period of rapid appreciation.
Detailed Reasons for the Price Drop
1. Profit-Taking After All-Time Highs
One of the primary drivers of the recent price drop appears to be profit-taking by investors. After Bitcoin surged to a new all-time high near $123,000, many traders and long-term holders, often referred to as “whales,” decided to lock in their gains. This behaviour is typical in financial markets, where assets experience pullbacks after significant rallies as investors cash out. An X post by
@techmarketcycle on July 20, 2025, noted, “Bitcoin recently hit a new ATH near $123K, prompting many investors—especially long-term holders and whales—to lock in profits,” highlighting this trend. Another X post by
@TheJessePeralta on July 23, 2025, reinforced this, stating, “Bitcoin recently peaked near $123K and has since slid below $118K. Traders and whales appear to be cashing in, triggering selloffs.” This profit-taking likely contributed to increased selling pressure, pushing prices downward.
2. Cascading Liquidations of Leveraged Positions
The price decline has also been exacerbated by cascading liquidations of leveraged positions, particularly long positions. When Bitcoin’s price begins to fall, it can trigger automatic liquidations of leveraged bets, where traders borrow funds to amplify their positions. This can create a feedback loop, as liquidations add to the selling pressure, further driving down the price. Data from CoinGlass, a reliable source for liquidation information, shows that in the last 24 hours as of July 24, 2025, there were $583.62 million in long liquidations compared to $145.64 million in short liquidations, totaling $729.26 million, with 213,462 traders affected. The largest single liquidation was on OKX – BTC-USDT-SWAP, valued at $17.35 million, indicating significant leveraged activity. This suggests that the drop in price led to a substantial number of long positions being forcibly closed, amplifying the decline.
3. Outflows from Bitcoin Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)
Institutional interest, as reflected in Bitcoin ETFs, has also waned, contributing to the price drop. Recent data from Farside Investors indicates that spot Bitcoin ETFs experienced net outflows of $131 million on July 22, 2025, ending a 12-day inflow streak. Further, cumulative net outflows over the past week exceeded $285 million, with specific days like July 24, 2025, seeing approximately $86 million withdrawn, according to CryptoBriefing. An X post by
@CoinpediaNews on July 22, 2025, mentioned, “A $130M #ETF outflow… hit #crypto hard today,” aligning with this data. These outflows suggest that institutional investors are either taking profits or reducing their exposure to Bitcoin, adding to the downward pressure on its price. This shift is particularly notable given the strong inflows earlier in the year, with some reports indicating over $120 billion in inflows in 2025, but recent weeks have seen a reversal.
4. Macroeconomic Uncertainty and Fed Policy
The broader economic landscape, particularly uncertainty surrounding the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy, has also played a role. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has emphasised a cautious approach, stating on July 1, 2025, that the Fed plans to “wait and learn more” about the impact of tariffs on inflation before lowering interest rates, as reported by Reuters. This wait-and-see stance has created uncertainty in financial markets, including cryptocurrencies, as investors weigh the potential effects on risk assets like Bitcoin. President Donald Trump’s criticism, calling Powell a “numbskull” on July 22, 2025, and demanding rate cuts, has added to market jitters, potentially affecting investor sentiment. An X post by
@0xSparkless on July 21, 2025, noted, “Another major factor is that governments are increasingly regulating $BTC and introducing stricter rules,” which could be linked to broader macroeconomic concerns. This uncertainty likely contributed to the recent price decline.
5. Potential Government Sales by the UK
Adding to market concerns is the news that the UK government is considering selling a substantial amount of seized Bitcoin. Reports from The Telegraph and CryptoSlate indicate that the UK holds at least 61,000 BTC, valued at over $7 billion, seized primarily from a 2018 Chinese Ponzi scheme. An X post by
@blockbriefly on July 20, 2025, mentioned, “The UK government’s consideration of selling £5 billion worth of seized Bitcoin… has likely increased concerns about an increase in supply,” suggesting potential selling pressure. This move, aimed at addressing budget deficits, could add significant supply to the market, especially given the UK’s position as the third-largest Bitcoin holder among governments. However, legal challenges, including claims from victims, may delay any sale, but the anticipation alone could be impacting prices.
Supporting Data and Observations
To provide a clearer picture, below is a table summarising key data points from recent market activity:
| Date | Event | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| July 14, 2025 | Bitcoin reaches near $123,000 (ATH) | Triggers profit-taking |
| July 20, 2025 | UK considers selling $7B in seized Bitcoin | Potential supply increase |
| July 22, 2025 | Bitcoin ETFs see $131M outflow | Institutional selling pressure |
| July 24, 2025 | $583.62M in long liquidations (24h) | Amplifies price drop |
Additionally, historical price data shows fluctuations, with prices on July 23, 2025, at $119,955, dropping to $118,629 on July 24, and stabilising at $115,500 by the end of the day, indicating a continued downward trend in the short term.
Market Sentiment and Future Outlook
X posts and news articles suggest mixed sentiments, with some viewing the dip as a “healthy correction” (e.g.,
@CoinpediaNews on July 22, 2025, stating “#BTC still in the growth zone—not in a crash spiral”), while others warn of further downside due to macroeconomic factors and potential government sales. The market’s reaction to Fed policy and ETF flows will likely be critical in determining whether Bitcoin finds support at current levels or faces further declines. Given Bitcoin’s history of volatility, long-term holders may see this as a buying opportunity, but short-term traders could face continued uncertainty.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Bitcoin’s recent price drop from around $123,000 to $115,500 as of July 24, 2025, can be attributed to a combination of profit-taking after reaching all-time highs, cascading liquidations of leveraged positions, outflows from Bitcoin ETFs, macroeconomic uncertainty surrounding Fed policy, and the potential sale of seized Bitcoin by the UK government. While the cryptocurrency market is known for its volatility, understanding these underlying causes provides valuable insights for investors. As the market digests these developments, future movements will depend on institutional flows, regulatory clarity, and macroeconomic stability.