Key altcoins are feeling the squeeze even more acutely, amplifying the fear across the ecosystem. Ethereum (ETH) is down to around $3,042, a modest 1-2% dip but part of a broader 13% weekly slide, hampered by network congestion and delayed upgrades amid DeFi outflows. Stablecoins like Tether (USDT) and USDC remain pegged near $1.00, providing a safe harbor for traders, but volatile assets are bleeding: Solana (SOL) and Ripple (XRP) have shed 3-5% in the session, with XRP last at about $2.07 despite earlier optimism from cross-border payment integrations. Dogecoin (DOGE) lurks at $0.139, down 2%, while Cardano (ADA) trades at $0.413, reflecting broader altcoin underperformance. The Crypto Fear & Greed Index has plunged to an extreme low of 25 bordering on "extreme fear" signaling panic selling and potential capitulation. Users should note that this environment favors dollar-cost averaging into blue-chip assets like BTC and ETH over chasing high-beta memes or unproven tokens, as leverage amplifies losses in thin liquidity.