Cryptocurrency meltdowns, like the severe crash on October 10, 2025, where Bitcoin dropped over 10% and $19 billion in leveraged positions were liquidated due to U.S.-China trade tensions sparked by a 100% tariff announcement, occur roughly every 1–2 years, with major bear markets (50%+ declines) hitting about every 3–4 years, often tied to Bitcoin’s halving cycles or external shocks like regulatory bans, exchange failures, or macro events. Historical examples include the 2011 Mt. Gox hack (-80%), 2018 ICO bust (-60%+), March 2020 COVID crash (-50%), and November 2022 FTX collapse (-25%). These events, amplified by high leverage and speculation, are a recurring feature of crypto’s volatile nature, but recoveries are common, with Bitcoin historically rebounding strongly despite short-term pain. Expect similar crashes every 12–18 months as institutional adoption and macro risks persist.