The Bitcoin price tanked 15% in August. Here's why

The tech-heavy NASDAQ, a solid proxy for risk appetite, fell 4.6% last month.

| More on:

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

Key points
  • Bitcoin price drops 15% in August
  • The world’s top crypto came under renewed pressure from rising interest rate outlooks
  • There was less interest in the token from institutional investors

The Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) price has broken back through the psychologically important US$20,000 mark, currently trading for US$20,226 (AU$29,801).

That's a healthy rebound from the lows of US$19,654 the world's top crypto was trading for just a few hours ago. Though Bitcoin remains down 58% year-to-date.

It's also a fair bit lower than where it kicked off August after the Bitcoin price gained 22% in July.

Here's what happened in the month just past.

A man sits at his computer with his head in his hands while his laptop screen displays a Bitcoin symbol and his desktop computer screen displays a steeply falling graph.

Image source: Getty Images

Bitcoin price hit by renewed risk-off sentiment

Depending somewhat on your time zone, as crypto valuations can move quickly, the Bitcoin price kicked off August trading for US$23,715.

By the end of the month, the token was worth US$20,209, down 14.8%.

Though less volatile than many months, August still saw some big price swings, with Bitcoin trading as high as US$25,135 and as low as US$19,600, according to data from CoinMarketCap.

The biggest headwind facing the token was increased hawkishness from the US Federal Reserve and other leading global central banks.

With inflation in most developed nations running at multi-decade highs and not looking to fall back within guideline ranges soon, investors sold off most risk assets in August as they braced for further interest rate hikes.

The tech-heavy NASDAQ, a solid proxy for risk appetite, fell 4.6% last month.

And the Bitcoin price, as we've seen through most of 2022, not only mirrored that fall but amplified it. The same way the token tends to amplify gains made by the NASDAQ.

Explaining the strengthening connection between the Bitcoin price and stocks this year, eToro's market analyst and crypto expert Simon Peters said, "Institutions have treated crypto holdings in much the same way as these equities, which is why there's greater correlation now than in the past."

At the current price, Bitcoin has a market cap of US$387 billion.

Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Bitcoin. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Bitcoin. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Cryptocurrencies

A Bitcoin symbol atop a spring, indicating the uncertain direction of cryptocurrency as a commodity
Cryptocurrencies

What could spark a Bitcoin price rebound in 2026?

Three powerful catalysts could determine whether Bitcoin’s brutal 2026 downturn finally begins to reverse.

Read more »

Red arrow crashing in the ground with a Bitcoin token next to it.
Cryptocurrencies

Down 48%, why a Bitcoin price rebound may be off the cards

Will Bitcoin and Ethereum ever recover their 48% and 61% price losses?

Read more »

Gold Bitcoins lying on a global finance currency chart with arrows shooting higher.
Cryptocurrencies

Could US lawmakers drive a rebound in the beaten-down Bitcoin price?

Bitcoin and Ethereum are both down almost 50% in a year. Could this be the catalyst crypto investors have been…

Read more »

Red arrow crashing in the ground with a Bitcoin token next to it.
Cryptocurrencies

What on earth's happening with the Bitcoin price?

Bitcoin, Ethereum, and gold have come crashing down from their record highs. But why?

Read more »

Red arrow crashing in the ground with a Bitcoin token next to it.
Cryptocurrencies

Why is the Bitcoin price down while shares hit highs?

The world's biggest digital asset is sliding just as record-breaking IPOs and the AI boom hoover up every spare dollar.

Read more »

A man sits wide-eyed at a desk with a laptop open and holds one hand to his forehead with an extremely worried look on his face as he reads news of the Bitcoin price falling today on his mobile phone
Cryptocurrencies

Why did the Bitcoin price just plunge more than 7%?

The Bitcoin price has crashed 37% over the last year. But why is it falling again today?

Read more »

A person's hand is seen operating a Bitcoin ATM
Cryptocurrencies

US$10,000 invested in Bitcoin at the start of the year is now worth…

Bitcoin, Ethereum, gold, or ASX 200 shares? Guess which asset has outperformed in 2026.

Read more »

A person's hand is seen operating a Bitcoin ATM
Cryptocurrencies

Why is the Bitcoin price outperforming amid the Middle East conflict?

Bitcoin and Ethereum have both outperformed since the onset of the Iran war. But why?

Read more »