Ether Slips Below $3,000 as Bitcoin and Global Risk Assets Retreat

Ether (ETH $2,953) led losses among major cryptocurrencies, dropping over 7% in the past 24 hours and falling below $3,000 for the first time since January 2.

Bitcoin (BTC $89,306) also slid, down 3% below $90,000 during U.S. morning trading on Tuesday. The selloff followed turmoil in Japan’s government bond market and renewed U.S. tariff threats against Europe, triggering broad declines in risk assets.

Altcoins broadly underperformed, while Bitcoin’s market dominance—the share of total crypto capitalization held by BTC—rose to 59.8%, according to TradingView.

“Volatility is back. Bitcoin is likely to trade lower alongside risk assets, with altcoins bearing the brunt in the short term,” said Paul Howard of trading firm Wincent.

Global equities fell, with the Nasdaq down nearly 2%, the Nikkei down 2.5%, and Germany’s DAX off 1%. Safe-haven metals surged, with gold up 3% and silver rising 7% to new record highs.

Following Tuesday’s decline, Bitcoin has given up much of its 2026 gains, now trading just 3% above its January 1 level.