LIVE Crypto Market Updates – August 18, 2025: Bitcoin Tests $115K, XRP Drops Below $3, DeFi Shines

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As of August 18, 2025, the crypto market is showing a bearish trend, with Bitcoin testing the $115,000 level after a 2.08% decline and XRP slipping below the $3 mark. Ethereum is also down, trading under $4,400 after a 3.5% drop. While most sectors are following the downward trajectory, decentralized finance (DeFi) remains a bright spot, showing resilience with a 1.81% gain. Chainlink has surged 14.32% following news of a new on-chain reserve mechanism and a strategic partnership with ICE, the parent company of the NYSE. Maker, Aerodrome Finance, and DEFI.ssi also posted gains, highlighting the continued strength of DeFi amid broader market weakness.

Meme coins are facing a tough day as $PUMP dropped to $0.003138, reflecting a broader decline in the sector. Despite the temporary bloodbath, investors are monitoring the situation closely, noting aggressive token strategies and a strong market presence that could mitigate long-term losses.

Binance continues to dominate the market for newly listed tokens in 2025, leading in spot trading volume with a 34% market share and total listings valued at $133 billion, according to CryptoQuant.

Raydium’s $RAY token has dipped to $3.35, but the project is conducting a major buyback program and rolling out significant upgrades, keeping traders hopeful for a rebound. Its fundamentals remain strong, backed by billions in TVL and support from a major exchange, suggesting the current pullback might be a temporary reset before further gains.

On the institutional side, Michael Saylor’s Bitcoin strategy added 430 BTC over the past week, bringing total holdings to 629,376 BTC, with an average purchase price of $119,666. Meanwhile, Matrixport predicts that Bitcoin could retest the $112,000 support level as investors await the Federal Reserve’s September FOMC meeting. Market sentiment is cautious, with BTC currently trading in the $112K–$117K range, while the Jackson Hole conference is not expected to have a significant impact.

Overall, the market reflects a mix of cautious bearish sentiment for major coins and optimism in certain DeFi sectors, with investors closely watching institutional activity, regulatory developments, and upcoming economic events for potential market direction.

FAQ: August 18, 2025

What is the current price of Bitcoin?
Bitcoin is trading around $115,000 after a 2.08% drop today.
How is Ethereum performing?
Ethereum has dipped 3.5% and is currently under $4,400.
What’s happening with XRP today?
XRP slipped below $3 amid broader market weakness.
Which sector is performing well despite the market downturn?
DeFi is showing resilience, with a 1.81% gain, led by Chainlink surging 14.32%.
What news drove Chainlink’s recent surge?
Chainlink’s rise is attributed to a new on-chain reserve mechanism and a strategic partnership with ICE, the parent company of the NYSE.
How are meme coins performing today?
Meme coins like $PUMP are struggling, with $PUMP dropping to $0.003138.
Which exchange is dominating new token listings?
Binance leads in spot trading volume and new token listings, securing a 34% market share in 2025.
What is happening with Raydium ($RAY)?
$RAY dropped to $3.35, but ongoing buybacks and upgrades may fuel a potential rebound.
What significant institutional moves are impacting the market?
Michael Saylor’s recent strategy added 430 BTC, bringing his total holdings to 629,376 BTC at an average price of $119,666.
What should traders watch for next?
Investors are monitoring Bitcoin’s potential retest of $112,000 support and upcoming economic events, including the Federal Reserve’s September FOMC meeting.