Market Fatigue

Definition ∞ Market fatigue describes a state of investor weariness or disinterest following prolonged periods of stagnant prices, high volatility, or repeated negative news. This condition often results in reduced trading volume, decreased participation, and a general lack of conviction among market participants. It can precede significant price movements as less committed investors exit the market.
Context ∞ The discussion around market fatigue in the digital asset space often relates to extended bear markets or periods of sideways price action after significant rallies. A key debate involves identifying the specific catalysts that could reignite investor interest and overcome prolonged periods of apathy. Observers watch for signs of declining trading activity, reduced social media engagement, and decreasing new user adoption as indicators of market exhaustion, potentially signaling a bottoming process.