The crypto market lost nearly $24 billion on July 28 as Bitcoin [BTC] slipped below $64,000 amid a global semiconductor sell-off that triggered a broader retreat from risk assets.
While the chip rout accelerated the decline, crypto markets had already been showing signs of weakness after several sessions of spot Bitcoin ETF outflows ahead of this week’s Federal Reserve meeting.
Global chip sell-off spills into crypto
Bitcoin traded near $63,130 at press time, down nearly 1% over the past day. The cryptocurrency fell from an intraday high above $63,700 and briefly dipped below $63,000.
Ethereum [ETH] declined almost 1% to around $1,883, while XRP and Solana [SOL] fell 1.30% and 1.77%, respectively.
Hyperliquid [HYPE] recorded one of the sharpest losses among major cryptocurrencies, dropping more than 3% during the session.
The decline followed a sharp sell-off in Asian technology stocks. South Korea’s Kospi plunged 10.8%, marking its largest one-day decline since 2020. Samsung Electronics fell 13.4%, while SK Hynix lost 14.7%.
The market reaction came after reports that a state-backed Chinese manufacturer had begun producing domestic deep-ultraviolet lithography machines. Investors viewed the development as a potential challenge to established semiconductor-equipment makers.
At the same time, concerns over AI infrastructure spending added further pressure.
Although crypto has no direct exposure to semiconductor manufacturing, the broader risk-off move spread from technology stocks into digital assets.
ETF outflows weaken Bitcoin demand
The global market sell-off arrived as crypto demand was already cooling.
US spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded three consecutive trading sessions of net outflows, ending a seven-day inflow streak that had supported Bitcoin’s rally.
The funds saw $225.1 million in net withdrawals on July 23, followed by $240.1 million on July 24. Another $11.6 million left the products on July 27, bringing total outflows across the three sessions to $476.8 million, according to SoSo Value data.
Those withdrawals removed an important source of spot demand as Bitcoin struggled to hold above $64,000.
Fed uncertainty adds to cautious sentiment
Investors also remained cautious ahead of the Federal Reserve’s policy decision on July 29.
While markets largely expect interest rates to remain unchanged, traders continue to watch the central bank’s outlook for clues on the timing of future policy moves.
The uncertainty has encouraged investors to reduce exposure to risk assets, including cryptocurrencies.
Crypto market loses nearly $24B
TradingView’s total crypto market capitalisation excluding stablecoins fell by $23.37 billion on July 28, leaving the market valued at around $1.86 trillion at press time.
The chart shows that July’s recovery stalled just below $1.95 trillion, where buyers failed several times to extend the rally before sellers regained control.
Meanwhile, the Relative Strength Index [RSI] dropped to 44.44, indicating bearish momentum has strengthened. However, the market has not yet entered oversold territory.
The $1.85 trillion level now represents the nearest support. A break below that area could expose $1.80 trillion, followed by the June and July lows near $1.75 trillion.
On the upside, the market would first need to reclaim $1.90 trillion before challenging the stronger resistance zone between $1.94 trillion and $1.96 trillion.
Final Summary
- The crypto market fell as a global semiconductor sell-off triggered a broader retreat from risk assets.
- Bitcoin ETF outflows and cautious sentiment ahead of the Federal Reserve meeting had already weakened market momentum before the latest decline.