Bitcoin fell as much as 3.4% on May 15 to around $78,600, its lowest level in two weeks, marking a sharp decline for the leading cryptocurrency after stalling near $80,000 in recent weeks [1, 2]. Ether also declined nearly 4%, falling to about $2,200 during the same session [1, 2].
The declines in cryptocurrencies coincided with drops across stock and bond markets as investor sentiment soured amid rising concerns over inflation and high oil prices [1, 2]. The selloff extended to risk assets in general, including stocks, as fears grew that central banks may tighten policies further to combat inflation [2].
Market stress was heightened by geopolitical tensions, with the ongoing US-Iran conflict and the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz pushing oil prices higher and weighing on market sentiment [2]. Michael O'Rourke, chief market strategist at Jonestrading, said, "Global bonds are selling off, pushing interest rates higher and fueling risk-off action in speculative instruments like cryptocurrencies" [2].
Bitcoin is on track for its first down week since late March, after a sustained period of sideways movement that followed a sharp peak above $126,000 in early October 2025 [1, 2]. Despite some positive regulatory developments in the US digital asset market this year, bitcoin has declined 11% year-to-date [2].
The recent price fall to $78,600 on May 15 represents a significant retracement from October’s peak and signals a period of caution among investors amid broader financial market volatility [1, 2].
