Crypto downturn hits household budgets, survey finds

More than one in three US crypto traders have cut everyday spending due to current market conditions, according to a new CEX.IO survey

Summary

• CEX.IO found 36% of US crypto traders reduced daily spending due to current market conditions.
• About 37% delayed or cancelled purchases, including homes, cars, and renovation plans amid crypto losses.
• Despite the downturn, 79% of respondents plan to hold or increase crypto positions.

The exchange surveyed 1,100 active US-based users. The survey found that 36% of respondents reduced daily expenses because of the crypto downturn. Another 10% said those cuts involved major sacrifices to keep their crypto positions.

CEX.IO said 37% of respondents delayed or cancelled purchases due to crypto-related losses. The group included 21% who postponed major financial plans, such as buying a home, purchasing a car, or starting renovations.

Bitcoin remains about 40% below its October 2025 high. The decline has left many retail traders holding unrealized losses, even though the current downturn remains less severe than the 2022 bear market.

“The 2025–2026 bear market has not produced the kind of systemic shock seen in past cycles,” CEX.IO wrote

The exchange added that the pressure now appears in quieter ways at the household level.

Many traders keep losses private

The survey also showed that many crypto traders are managing losses alone. Only 5% said someone else knows the full value and size of their crypto holdings.

Most respondents either share limited details or keep their positions private. This shows that crypto losses may affect household budgets without wider family or social awareness.

Cash flow pressure has also increased for some traders. While 77% said they did not take on debt linked to crypto, 38% reported some financial disruption since October 2025.

Investors still plan to hold crypto

Despite the pressure, most traders have not changed their long-term crypto plans. CEX.IO found that 73% said their income strategy remains unchanged.

Nearly half of the respondents said crypto accounts for more than 30% of their investable assets. Looking ahead, 79% said they plan to hold or increase their crypto positions over the next six months.

A separate Börse Stuttgart Digital survey also showed growing interest in crypto services among European investors. About 35% said they would consider switching banks for better crypto offerings.

The poll covered around 6,000 investors in Germany, Italy, Spain, and France. Nearly one in five said they expect their main bank to offer crypto access within three years.