Bitcoin prices dropped below $7,000 for the first time since mid-November on Monday, signifying a continuation of the market weakness seen in the past week.

CoinDesk's Bitcoin Price Index (BPI) hit a low of $6,888.45, representing a more than 15 percent decline since the start of the day's trading. At press time, the price of bitcoin had recovered somewhat, trading at $6,993.10 per the BPI.

All in all, the move marks a more than $1,200 decline from the opening of $8,186.65.

As reported by CoinDesk today, the overall cryptocurrency market is down more than 50 percent from the highs seen in early January, when the overall market capitalization was north of $800 billion. According to data provider CoinMarketCap, that capitalization is now at roughly $332 billion amid a broader drop in cryptocurrency prices.

Among the cryptocurrencies impacted are ether, which slid below $700, and bitcoin cash, the breakaway cryptocurrency which has fallen under $1,000 during the day's trading as of press time.

Observers have pointed to developments such as restrictions on access to overseas trading sites in China and a rising number of banks banning credit card purchases on crypto as reasons behind the market drop.

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