The recent cryptocurrency market slowdown has forced more than one in three cryptocurrency traders to cut back on daily spending, according to a new survey from CEX.IO.
The survey, conducted among 1,100 active US-based CEX.IO users, shows that the current market decline is straining household finances, although it is still less severe than in 2022, when Bitcoin fell approximately 75% from its peak. Bitcoin is still about 40% below its October 2025 high, leaving many retail investors with unrealized losses.
36% of respondents said they reduced daily spending as a direct result of market conditions, and 10% described those cuts as significant sacrifices made to maintain their positions. 37% also reported delaying or canceling purchases due to cryptocurrency losses, including 21% who postponed major financial commitments such as buying a house, car, or making renovations.
“The 2025-2026 bear market has not produced the type of systemic shock seen in previous cycles (at least for now), but its effects appear to be showing up more quietly at the household level,” CEX.IO wrote.
Related: Crypto Market Sentiment Hits 3-Month High
Cryptocurrency Traders Navigating Recession Alone
The survey revealed that many merchants are managing the crisis in relative isolation. Only 5% said anyone else knows the extent and full value of their holdings, while most share limited information or keep their positions completely private.
Financial stress is also evident in cash flow trends. While 77% said they had not incurred debt linked to cryptocurrencies, 38% reported some form of financial disruption since October 2025. A quarter said they relied on savings to maintain stability and 12% admitted to missing or late payments.
Still, most respondents have not changed their plans drastically. Nearly half reported that cryptocurrencies make up more than 30% of their investment assets, but 73% said their approach to earning income remains unchanged.
Looking ahead, a combined 79% said they plan to maintain or increase their positions over the next six months.
Related: Bitcoin Price May Fall Below $70,000 Despite Strategy’s Latest Big BTC Buy
Crypto Offerings Shape Banking Choice
Another survey conducted by Börse Stuttgart Digital earlier this week found that cryptocurrency services are starting to influence how European investors choose their banks, with 35% saying they would consider switching institutions for better cryptocurrency deals.
The survey of around 6,000 investors in Germany, Italy, Spain and France also found that almost one in five expect their main bank to provide access to cryptocurrencies within three years, pointing to a gradual shift towards integrating digital assets into mainstream banking.
Magazine: How to resolve suspected insider trading at Polymarket and Kalshi
