Crypto
On October 19, 2026, crypto markets traded mixed as improved macro risk appetite—Nasdaq futures rallied after Friday’s selloff and China’s GDP beat estimates—failed to fully reverse recent crypto weakness. Bitcoin and major assets struggled to beat September highs, altcoin breadth deteriorated, and XRP product flows and Korean exchange liquidity showed signs of strain, while BlackRock pushed deeper into tokenization and Deutsche Bank targeted Asia crypto custody expansion in 2027.
Key events
- Macro relief lifted risk assets: Nasdaq 100 futures gained almost 1% in early Monday trading after Friday’s selloff, and Bitcoin, Korea’s Kospi and Nasdaq futures rallied as China GDP beat estimates; this reduced Black Monday fears but crypto still struggled to beat September highs.
- Altcoin breadth weakened: nearly half of Binance-listed altcoins fell back below their 200-day moving average as Bitcoin dominance climbed, pointing to a more defensive market structure and pressure on altcoin positioning.
- XRP flows and Korean liquidity softened: U.S. spot XRP ETFs ended a 13-week inflow streak with their first weekly outflow in three months, while Upbit weekly trading volume fell 15.5% to 8.35 trillion won even as XRP led activity.
Market impact
Overall sentiment was mixed: macro relief and institutional adoption headlines provided support, but altcoin weakness, XRP ETF outflow, and lower exchange volumes kept risk appetite subdued.