October 2025 brought a devastating downturn to the crypto market, with record-breaking liquidations and global political unrest shaking even the most experienced investors. One notable victim was a trader with a flawless record, who suffered a $38 million loss during what analysts describe as the sector’s harshest month in almost ten years, according to
Experts described the event as a “liquidity purge,” with open interest plummeting to levels not seen since early 2025. By October 29, the overall market value had shrunk by $370 billion, erasing years of progress. Traders who had previously navigated market cycles with skill found themselves caught in a storm of excessive leverage, scarce liquidity, and global uncertainty. One investor, who had maintained a perfect win record through bold long positions in
The Federal Reserve’s decision to cut rates by 25 basis points on October 31, initially viewed as a positive move for risk assets, instead intensified the selloff. Many traders saw it as a cue to exit, resulting in $890 million in liquidations within a day. Bitcoin slipped 0.5% to $109,727, while Ethereum fell to $3,852. The Crypto Fear & Greed Index dropped to 29, its lowest point since the
Alternative cryptocurrencies suffered the most. Bitcoin’s market share climbed above 60%, suggesting a postponed altseason in 2025, according to
The crash highlighted deep vulnerabilities within the crypto sector. Excessive leverage, heavy exposure to U.S.-China trade tensions, and the Federal Reserve’s hawkish signals created a cycle of fear and selling. By October 29, the market had shed 1.5% of its capitalization, standing at $3.7 trillion. While some experts see this as a mid-cycle pullback, others warn of more serious underlying issues. “This wasn’t just a correction—it was a purge,” one market commentator wrote.
Now that the chaos has subsided, traders are left to assess the fallout. For the trader with a perfect record, the $38 million loss is a stark reminder of how quickly even the most disciplined strategies can unravel in such a volatile market.