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Market Downturn: Bitcoin and Cryptocurrencies Decline Amid US Economic Data

Bitcoin experienced a sharp decline of over 6.2%, dropping to £76,529 ($95,405) amid falling stock markets and rising Treasury yields. Key economic indicators suggest delayed interest rate cuts from the Federal Reserve, with expectations significantly reassessing the chances of rate cuts before June due to robust employment data and service sector growth. Market volatility is also affected by potential changes to Donald Trump’s tariff plans, amplifying investor uncertainty.

In recent developments, the cryptocurrency market, led by Bitcoin, has experienced a notable decline alongside the stock market, coinciding with US economic data that has bolstered Treasury yields and fueled speculation regarding a delayed interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve. Bitcoin has seen a significant drop of over 6.2%, falling to £76,529 ($95,405) from more than £80,215 ($100,000). Other cryptocurrencies such as Ether, Solana, and XRP have similarly declined by over 6%, reflecting an increasing correlation between cryptocurrencies and traditional stocks.

Factors contributing to the selloff include profit-taking and stop-loss triggers, as noted by Bob Wallden, head of trading at Abra. The recent performance of the Treasury market has also contributed to cautious sentiment surrounding Bitcoin. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq indices have reported drops of 1.11% and 1.89%, respectively, influenced by Nvidia’s significant share decline despite announcements of new AI initiatives.

US service sector activity has expanded for six consecutive months, signaling economic resilience. The Institute for Supply Management’s latest report indicates an increase in the prices paid for service inputs, potentially resulting in inflationary pressures and diminished prospects for interest rate cuts in the near future. Adding to the uncertainty, the Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) shows job openings were higher than expected, against a backdrop of reduced hiring.

Additionally, speculation regarding potential changes to President-elect Donald Trump’s tariff plans has introduced further volatility into the markets. While initial reports suggested a less aggressive approach to tariffs primarily focused on critical sectors of the US economy, Trump has publicly contested the accuracy of these claims, adding to investor confusion regarding future trade policies. These developments collectively suggest that market participants anticipate stable interest rates during the upcoming Federal Reserve meeting, with less than a 50% likelihood of rate cuts prior to June. As the economic landscape evolves, investors are urged to approach their strategies with caution and due diligence.

The intersection of cryptocurrencies and traditional financial markets has become increasingly relevant in contemporary economic discussions. Economic indicators such as Treasury yields significantly influence risk assets, including cryptocurrencies. Recent US economic data, indicating growth in the service sector and job openings, has heightened speculation regarding the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy decisions. This backdrop underscores the importance of understanding macroeconomic trends and their effects on various asset classes, including the burgeoning cryptocurrency market.

The recent decline in Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies alongside falling stock indices underscores the growing interdependence between crypto-assets and traditional financial markets. The resilience in US economic indicators, coupled with speculation surrounding the Federal Reserve’s interest rate policy, has created a cautious environment for investors. As economic conditions evolve, the implications for both cryptocurrency values and broader market dynamics remain to be seen, highlighting the need for vigilance and informed investment strategies.

Original Source: www.ibtimes.co.uk

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