Crypto Digest: Elevated crypto volatility amid risks
A trifecta of factors has led to a sizeable sell-off in crypto markets.
Group Research - Econs5 Mar 2025
  • Risk-off mood, an ETH heist, and uncertainty over the US crypto reserve had weighed on cryptos.
  • These fears triggered large ETF outflows, leading to sizeable declines in BTC and ETH prices.
  • Trump supports five coins for the US crypto reserve, raising hopes, uncertainty, and volatility.
Article image
Photo credit: Unsplash Photo
Read More

Elevated crypto volatility amid risks

Cryptos have fallen in tandem with equity markets amidst a risk-off mood in February, with Trump’s tariff threats on major US trading partners posing risks to growth and inflation. This had contributed to a more hawkish Fed stance, and weaker consumer confidence.  The S&P 500, as well as the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite fell by 3% and 6% respectively from 19 Feb till month-end.

Compounding fear and doubt was a Dubai-based exchange’s loss of over 500k of ETH-linked tokens on 21 Feb due to an attack. Total tokens lost were valued at USD1.5bn, making this the largest crypto heist in history by value (though it ranks low as a proportion of crypto market cap). The attack spilled into the Bitcoin network through transfers via BTC-ETH bridges, even though no Bitcoin was lost. This attack, purportedly by North Korea, raised concerns over custody risks in centralised crypto exchanges, igniting a crypto market selloff and USD2.5bn of BTC ETF outflows.  While the exchange did secure ETH loans and maintained its liquidity, its efforts to freeze the transfers of stolen tokens were not as successful. Across 6 previous high-profile hacks and frauds, BTC had seen an average 19% max drawdown in the one-month period following the event.

Trump posted on 2 Mar that he supports a “Strategic Crypto Reserve” comprising of BTC, ETH, XRP, SOL, and ADA. His post initially stirred hopes that the crypto reserve will happen, but his inclusion of lesser-known tokens also raised uncertainty on whether it will gather enough support from Congress. Trump’s actions had thus exacerbated crypto price swings.


To read the full report, click here to Download the PDF.


Chang Wei Liang

FX & Credit Strategist
[email protected]

Edmond Fok

Research analyst, Financials Sector
[email protected]



Subscribe here to receive our economics & macro strategy materials.
To unsubscribe, please click here.
 
 

Topic

Explore more

E & S FlashGlobal
Disclaimers and Important Notices

GENERAL DISCLOSURE/ DISCLAIMER (For Macroeconomics, Currencies, Interest Rates & Digital Assets)

The information herein is published by DBS Bank Ltd and/or DBS Bank (Hong Kong) Limited (each and/or collectively, the “Company”). It is based on information obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but the Company does not make any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to its accuracy, completeness, timeliness or correctness for any particular purpose. Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice. This research is prepared for general circulation.  Any recommendation contained herein does not have regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation and the particular needs of any specific addressee. The information herein is published for the information of addressees only and is not to be taken in substitution for the exercise of judgement by addressees, who should obtain separate legal or financial advice. The Company, or any of its related companies or any individuals connected with the group accepts no liability for any direct, special, indirect, consequential, incidental damages or any other loss or damages of any kind arising from any use of the information herein (including any error, omission or misstatement herein, negligent or otherwise) or further communication thereof, even if the Company or any other person has been advised of the possibility thereof. The information herein is not to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any securities, futures, options or other financial instruments or to provide any investment advice or services. The Company and its associates, their directors, officers and/or employees may have positions or other interests in, and may effect transactions in securities mentioned herein and may also perform or seek to perform broking, investment banking and other banking or financial services for these companies.  The information herein is not directed to, or intended for distribution to or use by, any person or entity that is a citizen or resident of or located in any locality, state, country, or other jurisdiction (including but not limited to citizens or residents of the United States of America) where such distribution, publication, availability or use would be contrary to law or regulation.  The information is not an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any security in any jurisdiction (including but not limited to the United States of America) where such an offer or solicitation would be contrary to law or regulation.

[#for Distribution in Singapore] This report is distributed in Singapore by DBS Bank Ltd (Company Regn. No. 196800306E) which is Exempt Financial Advisers as defined in the Financial Advisers Act and regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. DBS Bank Ltd may distribute reports produced by its respective foreign entities, affiliates or other foreign research houses pursuant to an arrangement under Regulation 32C of the Financial Advisers Regulations. Where the report is distributed in Singapore to a person who is not an Accredited Investor, Expert Investor or an Institutional Investor, DBS Bank Ltd accepts legal responsibility for the contents of the report to such persons only to the extent required by law. Singapore recipients should contact DBS Bank Ltd at 65-6878-8888 for matters arising from, or in connection with the report.

DBS Bank Ltd., 12 Marina Boulevard, Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 3, Singapore 018982. Tel: 65-6878-8888. Company Registration No. 196800306E.

DBS Bank Ltd., Hong Kong Branch, a company incorporated in Singapore with limited liability. 18th Floor, The Center, 99 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong SAR.

DBS Bank (Hong Kong) Limited, a company incorporated in Hong Kong with limited liability.  11th Floor, The Center, 99 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong SAR.

Virtual currencies are highly speculative digital "virtual commodities", and are not currencies. It is not a financial product approved by the Taiwan Financial Supervisory Commission, and the safeguards of the existing investor protection regime does not apply.  The prices of virtual currencies may fluctuate greatly, and the investment risk is high. Before engaging in such transactions, the investor should carefully assess the risks, and seek its own independent advice.