ETH Hits 13-Month Low Amid Security Vulnerability and Bitcoin Slump

Key Facts

Amid escalating concerns over systemic risks in digital assets, the cryptocurrency market faced a sharp sell-off that breached long-term technical supports. ETH price crashed below $1,600, reaching its lowest point in 13 months, while Bitcoin dropped below the $60,000 threshold for the first time in months. According to reports, the discovery of a vulnerability in the Zcash protocol acted as a primary catalyst, triggering a broader market liquidation as investors reacted to potential security contagion.

This downturn reflects growing sensitivity to protocol-level risks, particularly within privacy-focused coins following the Zcash security alert. Per market data, Ethereum's current decline places it significantly below its 50-day moving average, mirroring a trend seen in major peers during periods of technical uncertainty. Market analysts note that the breach of the $60,000 level for Bitcoin has historically led to increased volatility across the decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem.

As of the close on June 5, 2026, ETH remains under pressure near its 13-month lows. Traders should closely monitor upcoming macroeconomic catalysts, including Fed Chair Powell's speech scheduled for May 31 per the economic calendar, which could influence broader market sentiment. Holding current levels will be critical to preventing further technical deterioration in the near term.