Key Insights: Global crypto investor attention weakened sharply as market conditions deteriorated through early 2026. Google Trends data showed worldwide searchesKey Insights: Global crypto investor attention weakened sharply as market conditions deteriorated through early 2026. Google Trends data showed worldwide searches

Crypto News: Crypto Search Interest Slumped as Market Cap Halved

2026/02/09 17:00
4 min read
crypto news

Key Insights:

  • Crypto News, crypto search interest stayed near yearly lows despite the early February U.S. rebound.
  • Market cap contraction mirrored collapsing trading volumes and extreme fear readings.
  • Sentiment data matched levels last seen during the 2022 Terra collapse.

Global crypto investor attention weakened sharply as market conditions deteriorated through early 2026. Google Trends data showed worldwide searches for “crypto” hovered near one-year lows. It reflects deteriorating risk appetite. This shift occurred because a prolonged market drawdown erased confidence after a historic valuation peak.

The contraction followed a steep decline in aggregate valuations and liquidity across major digital assets. That reaction mirrored earlier bear cycles, in which retail interest faded before price stabilization. The crypto market cap dropped to about $2.4 trillion after peaking above $4.2 trillion in 2025.

Crypto News: Weak Search Activity Reflected Broader Crypto Sentiment

Google Trends records indicated global search interest printed a reading of 30 out of 100. The metric last reached peak interest in Aug. 2025, which coincided with the market’s valuation high. That decline persisted as prices failed repeated recovery attempts across large-cap tokens.

Source: Google TrendsSource: Google Trends

U.S. search behavior followed a similar trajectory before diverging in early February 2026. Domestic search interest rebounded to 56 after falling below 37 in January 2026. This divergence suggested localized speculative interest despite broader global fatigue.

The yearly U.S. low of 32 appeared during the April 2025 sell-off. That drawdown followed tariff-related policy actions under U.S. President Donald Trump, which pressured risk assets. Search behavior stabilized afterward but never returned to prior highs.

Google search trends often serve as a proxy for retail participation. Lower readings typically align with declining inflows and subdued spot demand during corrective phases.

Trading Volumes Confirmed Risk-Off Conditions

CoinMarketCap data showed crypto trading activity declined sharply during the same period. Total market volume fell to about $87.5 billion after reaching over $153 billion on Jan. 14. That contraction reflected reduced leverage usage and weaker speculative turnover.

Crypto Fear & Greed Index Chart | Source: CoinMarketCapCrypto Fear & Greed Index Chart | Source: CoinMarketCap

Lower volumes amplified price sensitivity to sell orders. Historically, thin liquidity conditions have increased volatility during downside extensions. This pattern also appeared during previous bear phases across Bitcoin and major altcoins.

Futures and options markets echoed similar caution. Funding rates flattened across exchanges as traders reduced directional exposure. That adjustment followed liquidation clusters earlier in the quarter.

Spot demand failed to absorb persistent sell pressure. Exchange balances stabilized rather than declining, signaling limited accumulation interest at current levels.

Crypto News: Extreme Fear Matched 2022 Crisis Levels

CoinMarketCap’s Crypto Fear & Greed Index dropped to a record low of 5 on Thursday. The indicator recovered slightly to 8 by Sunday, though both readings still signaled extreme fear. These levels matched sentiment conditions seen after the 2022 Terra ecosystem collapse.

The Terra implosion triggered cascading liquidations across centralized and decentralized venues. That event accelerated the 2022 bear market and erased billions in market value. Current sentiment metrics suggested similar psychological stress among participants.

Low sentiment often coincides with reduced retail participation. Institutional flows also slowed as macro uncertainty persisted. However, extreme fear historically preceded periods of price consolidation rather than immediate reversals.

The index tracks volatility, volume, social data, and momentum indicators. Its recent readings reflected synchronized weakness across these inputs.

On-Chain and Social Data Showed Capitulation Signals

Santiment analysis reported a sharp deterioration in crypto social sentiment. Negative commentary reached its highest level since Dec. 1, while positive commentary collapsed. This imbalance reflected widespread pessimism among traders and long-term holders.

Crowd behavior often shifts sharply near local lows. Elevated negative sentiment historically appeared during late-stage sell-offs. However, such conditions alone did not confirm a durable bottom.

Social metrics suggested investors actively searched for bottoming signals. Market participants monitored price structure, funding resets, and on-chain activity for confirmation. That behavior indicated caution rather than aggressive dip buying.

Wallet activity showed limited accumulation from large holders. Exchange inflow data remained elevated, suggesting ongoing distribution rather than absorption.

Near-term market direction depended on whether liquidity and volume stabilized over the next several weeks. Without sustained volume recovery, prices risked further consolidation before sentiment normalized.

The post Crypto News: Crypto Search Interest Slumped as Market Cap Halved appeared first on The Coin Republic.

Market Opportunity
Capverse Logo
Capverse Price(CAP)
$0.11055
$0.11055$0.11055
-1.72%
USD
Capverse (CAP) Live Price Chart
Disclaimer: The articles reposted on this site are sourced from public platforms and are provided for informational purposes only. They do not necessarily reflect the views of MEXC. All rights remain with the original authors. If you believe any content infringes on third-party rights, please contact [email protected] for removal. MEXC makes no guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the content and is not responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided. The content does not constitute financial, legal, or other professional advice, nor should it be considered a recommendation or endorsement by MEXC.

You May Also Like

Disney (DIS) Stock Takes Hit as Kimmel Controversy Rocks ABC Network

Disney (DIS) Stock Takes Hit as Kimmel Controversy Rocks ABC Network

TLDR Disney stock dropped 1.9% over the week, closing at $113.76 down from $115.96 high ABC suspended Jimmy Kimmel’s show after controversial remarks, sparking immediate market reaction Streaming segment turned profitable with ESPN partnerships driving growth Traditional TV division continues facing subscriber decline challenges Analysts maintain positive outlook with $5.85 EPS guidance for full year [...] The post Disney (DIS) Stock Takes Hit as Kimmel Controversy Rocks ABC Network appeared first on CoinCentral.
Share
Coincentral2025/09/21 22:09
Crypto in Drug Cases: South Korea Deploys Elite Unit to Combat Illicit Trade

Crypto in Drug Cases: South Korea Deploys Elite Unit to Combat Illicit Trade

BitcoinWorld Crypto in Drug Cases: South Korea Deploys Elite Unit to Combat Illicit Trade The digital age has brought remarkable innovations, but it has also presented new challenges for law enforcement worldwide. One significant concern is the alarming rise of crypto in drug cases, transforming how illicit transactions occur globally. South Korea, a nation at the forefront of technological adoption, is now taking decisive action to combat this growing threat, signaling a crucial shift in its approach to digital crime. Why the Surge in Crypto in Drug Cases? Why are criminals increasingly turning to virtual assets for drug deals? The answer lies in several factors that make cryptocurrencies an attractive, albeit deceptive, tool for illicit activities. These digital currencies offer perceived advantages that traditional payment methods often lack, making them a preferred choice for illegal transactions. Perceived Anonymity: While not truly anonymous, cryptocurrencies offer a layer of pseudonymity that can complicate tracing transactions for the untrained eye. Global Reach: Digital currencies enable cross-border payments with relative ease and speed, significantly facilitating international drug trafficking networks. Speed and Efficiency: Transactions can be processed quickly, often bypassing traditional banking hurdles and regulatory oversight, which is appealing to criminals. This shift has led to a noticeable surge in drug offenses, particularly among younger demographics, from teenagers to individuals in their thirties. The ease of online procurement, coupled with the perceived security of crypto payments, creates a complex landscape for authorities striving to curb the proliferation of crypto in drug cases. South Korea’s Dedicated Response: An Elite Virtual Asset Team In response to this escalating crisis, South Korean police are making a significant strategic move. They will be assigning all 41 of their newly recruited narcotics investigators for the latter half of the year to a specialized virtual asset team. This dedicated unit signifies a robust commitment to addressing the sophisticated nature of crimes involving crypto in drug cases. It’s a clear signal that traditional investigative methods alone are no longer sufficient to tackle the intricacies of digital financial crime. This proactive step underscores the gravity of the situation and the necessity for specialized expertise. By concentrating resources and talent, South Korean law enforcement aims to develop a cutting-edge capability to navigate the complex world of virtual assets and their misuse in criminal enterprises. How Will This Elite Unit Tackle Crypto in Drug Cases? What exactly will these 41 specialists do? Their mandate is comprehensive and multi-faceted, focusing on disrupting the entire financial flow of drug-related crimes. Their efforts will extend beyond simple arrests, targeting the very infrastructure that enables these illicit operations. Tracking Illicit Virtual Assets: The team will employ advanced forensic tools and techniques to follow the digital breadcrumbs left by cryptocurrency transactions, no matter how obscured. Cracking Down and Confiscating: Beyond tracking, their goal is to actively seize and confiscate illicit virtual assets, effectively cutting off funding for criminal enterprises and recovering proceeds for the state. Investigating Payment Gateway Operators: Many online drug deals rely on specific payment services that facilitate crypto transactions. The unit will target these operators to dismantle the infrastructure supporting illegal trade. Combating Money Laundering: A crucial part of their work will involve investigating organizations that launder criminal proceeds, aiming to block funds and recover assets for the state. This proactive approach aims not only to apprehend offenders but also to cripple the financial networks that enable the proliferation of crypto in drug cases, making it harder for criminals to profit from their illegal activities. Broader Implications and the Road Ahead This initiative by South Korean police holds significant implications, not just for domestic law enforcement but potentially as a model for international cooperation in combating digital crime. By developing specialized expertise in virtual asset forensics, South Korea is positioning itself to effectively combat modern illicit trade. The recovery of criminal proceeds is vital, not only for justice but also to deter future illicit activities by making crime less profitable. This specialized team represents a critical investment in the future of digital security and public safety. It ensures that the benefits of technological advancement are not overshadowed by its misuse in criminal endeavors, particularly concerning drug trafficking and its impact on younger generations. The deployment of South Korea’s elite virtual asset team is a testament to the evolving landscape of crime and law enforcement. As crypto in drug cases continues to pose a significant challenge, specialized units like this are essential to protect communities, especially younger generations, from the devastating impact of drug trafficking. It’s a proactive, informed, and necessary step towards a safer digital future where accountability extends into the virtual realm. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 1. What is the main reason South Korean police are deploying this new team? South Korean police are deploying this new team primarily in response to a significant surge in the use of cryptocurrency as the primary payment method for online drug deals and a rise in drug offenses among people in their 10s to 30s. 2. How many new officers are being assigned to the virtual asset team? All 41 of the new narcotics investigators recruited for the second half of the year will be assigned to this dedicated virtual asset team. 3. What specific tasks will the new virtual asset team undertake? The team’s mandate includes tracking, cracking down on, and confiscating illicit virtual assets. They will also investigate illegal payment gateway operators and money laundering organizations to block fund flow and recover criminal proceeds. 4. Why are criminals increasingly using cryptocurrency for drug deals? Criminals use cryptocurrency due to its perceived anonymity, global reach for easy cross-border payments, and the speed and efficiency of transactions, which can bypass traditional banking hurdles. 5. What is the broader goal of this initiative beyond just arresting individuals? The broader goal is to cripple the financial networks that enable drug trafficking, recover criminal proceeds, and dismantle the infrastructure supporting illicit virtual asset transactions, thereby deterring future criminal activities. Found this article insightful? Share it with your network to spread awareness about the global efforts to combat crypto in drug cases and the evolving strategies in digital law enforcement. Your shares help inform others and highlight the importance of these initiatives. To learn more about the latest cryptocurrency regulations and their impact, explore our article on key developments shaping digital asset security and law enforcement efforts. This post Crypto in Drug Cases: South Korea Deploys Elite Unit to Combat Illicit Trade first appeared on BitcoinWorld.
Share
Coinstats2025/09/22 14:45
Trump's grasp on GOP slips as nervous Republicans privately take on White House: report

Trump's grasp on GOP slips as nervous Republicans privately take on White House: report

White House insiders said this week that President Donald Trump and his closest allies are in turmoil trying to keep House Republicans from jumping ship — and it
Share
Rawstory2026/02/14 10:55