Crypto Market Update: BTC and Major Altcoins Pullback as SAND Surges 70%

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The cryptocurrency market experienced a notable shift on November 25, as Bitcoin (BTC) and several major altcoins retreated amid growing investor caution. Despite the broader selloff, select tokens like The Sandbox (SAND) and Decentraland (MANA) defied the trend with impressive gains. This movement reflects the volatile yet opportunity-rich nature of digital assets in today’s evolving blockchain landscape.

Total crypto market capitalization dipped 2% to $3.3 trillion, while 24-hour trading volume declined by 5% to $200 billion. Market sentiment also cooled, sliding from 94 ("extreme greed") to 82 on the Fear & Greed Index—still in “greed” territory but signaling a potential pause in bullish momentum.

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Bitcoin and Major Altcoins Retreat Amid Profit-Taking

Bitcoin Price Trends

Bitcoin led the downturn, dropping over 1% in the past 24 hours and briefly dipping below $96,000. It is currently trading at $97,601, with a daily range between $95,788 and $98,546. BTC maintains a dominant position in the market with a $1.93 trillion valuation, representing 58.16% of total market dominance. Its 24-hour trading volume remains strong at $52 billion.

Veteran trader Peter Brandt recently warned of an impending selloff, citing technical indicators despite maintaining long-term optimism for Bitcoin’s trajectory. His comments have sparked renewed debate among analysts about whether this pullback is a healthy correction or the start of a deeper consolidation phase.

Ethereum Shows Weakness

Ethereum followed suit with a nearly 3% decline, now trading at $3,344. The price fluctuated between $3,288 and $3,435 over the last day. ETH holds a market cap of $402 billion and commands 12% of the overall market share. With a 24-hour volume of $28 billion, Ethereum continues to be a cornerstone of decentralized finance (DeFi) and smart contract innovation.

Solana and XRP Under Pressure

Solana (SOL) slipped by almost 4%, trading at $250 after moving between $243 and $259. Its market cap stands at $118 billion, securing its place as the fourth-largest cryptocurrency. Trading volume reached $5.33 billion, reflecting sustained interest despite price weakness.

XRP faced steeper losses, falling 7% to $1.38. Its price swung from $1.30 to $1.49 within 24 hours. With a $78 billion market cap and $12 billion in daily volume, XRP retains significant influence in cross-border payments. However, regulatory narratives continue to weigh on sentiment.

Meme Coins Face Broad Sell-Off

Meme-based cryptocurrencies saw widespread declines:

These movements highlight the sensitivity of meme coins to broader market sentiment and speculative trading dynamics.

Top Gainers: Metaverse Tokens Shine

While most major cryptos retreated, metaverse-focused projects surged forward—led by The Sandbox and Decentraland.

The Sandbox (SAND) Soars 70%

SAND exploded upward by 70% in just 24 hours, reaching $0.83. Trading volume surged an astonishing 650%, indicating strong institutional and retail buying pressure. The rally may be linked to renewed interest in virtual real estate and gaming ecosystems powered by blockchain technology.

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Decentraland (MANA) Jumps 30%

MANA climbed 30% to $0.75, bouncing from a low of $0.5592 to a high of $0.7574. This surge aligns with increasing engagement in virtual events and NFT integrations within Decentraland’s platform.

Axie Infinity (AXS) Gains Momentum

AXS rose 16% to $8.50, recovering from recent lows amid signs of improved user activity and gameplay incentives on the Ronin network.

Notable Losers Outside Top 10

Some mid-cap assets suffered significant losses:

These pullbacks may reflect profit-taking or reduced confidence in certain layer-1 platforms amid increasing competition.

Market Outlook: Short-Term Volatility vs Long-Term Potential

Despite today’s corrections, technical charts across multiple timeframes suggest BTC and ETH are stabilizing. Early signs of recovery point to possible bullish momentum returning in the coming days. Meanwhile, SAND’s breakout signals growing enthusiasm for immersive digital experiences built on Web3 infrastructure.

Analysts remain divided: some view this as a healthy consolidation before another leg up, while others caution about overbought conditions earlier in the week that could lead to further downside.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Bitcoin drop today?
A: The Bitcoin price decline appears driven by profit-taking after recent highs, combined with cautious investor sentiment and commentary from prominent traders like Peter Brandt warning of a selloff.

Q: What caused SAND to rise 70% suddenly?
A: While no single catalyst has been confirmed, the surge likely stems from increased speculation around metaverse adoption, NFT integrations, and rising user engagement in The Sandbox ecosystem.

Q: Are meme coins still a good investment?
A: Meme coins remain highly speculative. While they can deliver rapid gains during bullish cycles, their lack of fundamentals makes them risky during market downturns.

Q: Is the crypto market still bullish overall?
A: Despite today’s pullback, long-term indicators remain positive. BTC and ETH show signs of recovery, and institutional interest in digital assets continues to grow.

Q: How does market sentiment affect crypto prices?
A: Sentiment levels—like the Fear & Greed Index—influence trader behavior. High greed often precedes corrections, while fear can signal buying opportunities.

Q: Which altcoins showed strength during the selloff?
A: The Sandbox (SAND), Decentraland (MANA), and Axie Infinity (AXS) were standout performers, benefiting from renewed interest in blockchain-based gaming and virtual worlds.


Although short-term volatility persists, the underlying momentum in sectors like decentralized gaming and virtual economies suggests lasting innovation beyond price swings. As always, investors should conduct thorough research and consider risk management strategies when navigating dynamic crypto markets.

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