Cryptocurrency Downturn

Definition ∞ A Cryptocurrency Downturn signifies a period of sustained price decline across a significant portion of the digital asset market. This market phase is characterized by decreasing asset values, reduced trading volume, and diminished investor confidence. Such periods often follow rapid price appreciation or are influenced by broader macroeconomic factors. It represents a contractionary phase in the cryptocurrency market cycle.
Context ∞ Cryptocurrency downturns frequently dominate financial news, impacting investor sentiment and regulatory discussions. Reports often analyze the causes, such as macroeconomic shifts, regulatory pressures, or specific protocol vulnerabilities. Understanding these market cycles is essential for assessing risk and opportunity within the volatile digital asset sector.