Aptos (APT) Faces a 7 % Decline Ahead of Scheduled Token Unlock

The crypto‑currency Aptos (APT) has slipped 7 % in the last 24 hours, falling from an early peak of $1.90 to a closing price of $1.7118 on 2025‑12‑11. The decline aligns with a broader downturn in the crypto market, where the CoinDesk 20 index was down 4.2 % at the time of reporting.

Why the Drop?

A key driver behind the sell‑off is the imminent unlock of 11.3 million APT tokens, representing 1.5 % of the total supply. These tokens are scheduled to flow to core contributors and early investors, raising concerns among market participants about a potential increase in circulating supply. The anticipation of this event has intensified selling pressure, prompting traders to reposition their portfolios ahead of the liquidity injection.

Technical analysis further reinforces the weakness. After rejecting a $1.90 resistance level, APT established a series of lower highs, signalling a potential downtrend that aligns with the broader market sentiment.

Trading Volume and Market Context

Volume spiked 38 % above the 30‑day average, driven by 6.81 million tokens traded during the early peak. This surge illustrates heightened volatility and liquidity demand as investors reacted to the unfolding news. The market cap, standing at approximately $1.26 billion, underscores Aptos’s relative size within the altcoin space.

Market‑Wide Implications

The broader crypto market experienced a 4.2 % decline on the CoinDesk 20 index, reflecting a collective caution among investors. While other assets—such as Hedera Hashgraph (HBAR) and meme coin BRETT—were mentioned in recent market commentary, the focus remains on APT’s immediate price dynamics and the potential impact of the token unlock.

Forward‑Looking Assessment

Given the scheduled unlock and the technical signals, market participants should monitor APT’s resistance levels closely. A rebound will likely require a reversal of the current downtrend, potentially triggered by a change in supply dynamics or a shift in investor sentiment. Until such a catalyst emerges, the prevailing outlook remains one of cautious neutrality, with short‑term volatility expected to persist as the token unlock approaches.