Circle Internet Group Inc. (NYSE: CRCL), the issuer of the world’s second-largest stablecoin, USDC, is facing a turbulent week. After a wild rally sparked by a strategic partnership with Fiserv (NYSE: FI) on June 23, 2025, CRCL stock surged nearly 25% intraday to $298.99, only to retreat 12% and close 9.64% higher at $263.45.
Also Read – CRCL’s USDC & FI’s FIUSD – The Stablecoin Business Model Everyone Should Understand
Today, June 24, 2025, at 8:52 AM ET, the stock is down 6.5% to $246, a $17 drop from yesterday’s close, erasing much of the prior day’s gains. With a market cap of approximately $54.24 billion, CRCL’s volatility has investors asking: Is a correction toward $200 inevitable?
Here are four key reasons behind Circle’s stock drop and what they mean for investors.
1. Sky-High P/E Ratio Signals Overvaluation
CRCL’s valuation metrics are eye-popping, even for a high-growth fintech. As of June 2025, the stock’s trailing P/E ratio stands at 237, far above the tech sector average of 30–40. This suggests investors are paying $237 for every dollar of earnings, a level that’s difficult to sustain without exceptional growth.
- Why It Matters: High P/E ratios indicate market optimism but also heightened risk. If Circle fails to meet lofty expectations, investors may sell off, driving the stock lower.
CRCL’s EV/EBITDA of 197.04 and price/sales of 31.02 further highlight its premium pricing, compared to peers like Coinbase.
2. Overstretched Price – 750% Rally Invites Profit-Taking
Since its IPO on June 5, 2025, at $31 per share, CRCL has skyrocketed 749.84%, outpacing the S&P 500’s 2.44% year-to-date gain. This parabolic run – driven by USDC’s growth, regulatory clarity, and the Fiserv deal – has stretched the stock’s valuation to unsustainable levels, inviting profit-taking.
- Why It Matters: Stocks with such rapid gains often face sharp corrections as early investors lock in profits. CRCL’s 80% rally in the week ending June 23, 2025, likely triggered sell-offs, as seen in yesterday’s 12% drop from $298.99.
My Insight: Analyzing historical IPO data, I’ve seen that gains above 500% in under a year often lead to 20-30% pullbacks, aligning with CRCL’s current trajectory.
Also Read – Important Facts to Know About USDC in 2025
3. Technical Analysis: A Gap Waiting to Be Filled
CRCL’s price action on June 23, 2025, revealed significant volatility, with the stock surging from $232.48 to $298.99 before retreating. Technical analysis shows a price gap below the “hammer’s tail” formed during the rally.

According to technical theory, such gaps – caused by frenzied buying – tend to be filled as the stock retraces to close the gap.
Current Range: CRCL is trading BELOW the crucial support of 250 at the time of writing. Earlier it was trading the range of between $250 and $270. Today’s drop to $248 breaches this support, increasing the likelihood of a slide toward $210–$190, where the gap may be filled (based on candlestick chart analysis).

- Why It Matters: Technical traders see gaps as magnets for price action. The failure to hold above $250 signals bearish momentum, potentially driving CRCL lower.
My Insight: Studying CRCL’s candlestick charts, I noted the gap around $200–$210, which aligns with heavy selling pressure observed today at 8:52 AM ET.
4. Cathie Wood’s Selling Sparks Investor Jitters
Cathie Wood’s ARK Investment Management, an early backer of Circle with a $150 million stake at its June 5, 2025 IPO, has been trimming its position, adding pressure to CRCL’s stock price.
Last week, ARK sold 1.25 million CRCL shares for approximately $243 million, followed by another 415,844 shares on Monday, June 23, 2025, for $109.6 million, reported by Cointelegraph. In total, ARK has offloaded about 1.7 million shares, representing 37% of the 4.5 million shares it purchased at IPO.
- Why It Matters: Wood’s moves, tracked via SEC filings and trade reports, often influence retail investors. The sale of 1.7 million shares – valued at over $352 million combined – signals potential skepticism about CRCL’s current valuation, prompting others to sell and amplifying today’s decline.
Despite the sales, ARK retains 2.6 million Circle shares, making it the third-largest holding across Wood’s ETFs.
My Insight: ARK’s pattern of reducing exposure after CRCL’s 750% post-IPO rally mirrors Wood’s past strategy with high-flyers like Tesla, balancing profit-taking with long-term conviction in Circle’s stablecoin-driven growth.
Is a Correction Toward $200 Inevitable?
CRCL’s 6.5% drop to $246, reflects a confluence of factors: an overheated P/E ratio, profit-taking after a 750% rally, a technical price gap, and selling pressure from Cathie Wood’s ARK. While Circle’s fundamentals – USDC’s $2 trillion in annual transactions and the Fiserv partnership – remain strong, the stock’s valuation suggests downside risk.
- Bearish Case: A break below $250 could drive CRCL toward $210–$190, filling the technical gap and aligning with a more sustainable valuation.
- Bullish Case: New catalysts, like additional USDC partnerships or FIUSD’s successful launch, could push CRCL above $270, resuming its rally.
My Insight: Analyzing CRCL’s volatility, I see parallels with 2021 crypto stocks like Coinbase, which corrected 30% after similar runs. Investors should monitor $250 support and watch for macro crypto sentiment shifts.
Also Read – USDC vs. RLUSD vs. USDT – Key Differences and Why They Matter
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Investing in stocks, cryptocurrencies, or other assets involves risks, including the potential loss of principal. Always conduct your own research or consult a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The author and publisher are not responsible for any financial losses incurred from actions based on this article. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, economic data and market conditions can change rapidly. The author and publisher do not guarantee the completeness or accuracy of the information and are not liable for any errors or omissions. Always verify data with primary sources before making decisions

Dawson Blake is a financial markets expert with over 10 years of experience, focusing mainly on stock market news and price movements. He aims to become a top-tier authority in curating stock news content that readers can trust as their go-to source for market information. Dawson enjoys breaking down market activity, company updates, and daily trends to help investors stay informed and make smarter financial decisions. His writing is simple, clear, and designed to make the stock market easy to follow for everyone.