Highlights
- Bitcoin Drops Sharply Bitcoin (BTC) loses over 5%, falling below $97,000 as economic data reshapes monetary policy outlook.
- Broader Crypto Sell-Off Ethereum (ETH) and Solana (SOL) see declines of over 8% and 7%, respectively, amid liquidations exceeding $483 million.
- Tech Stocks Slide Nvidia and other tech companies face significant losses following robust economic indicators.
Bitcoin (BTC) and broader cryptocurrency markets experienced notable declines on January 7, 2025, amid stronger-than-expected U.S. economic reports. Bitcoin dropped to $96,909, marking a loss of over 5% in 24 hours, while Ethereum (ETH) fell by more than 8%, and Solana (SOL) shed 7%. According to Coinglass, the sell-off resulted in liquidations exceeding $483 million within a single day, reflecting heightened market volatility.
Economic Data Sparks Market Adjustments
The downturn in cryptocurrencies and technology stocks stemmed from two key economic reports. The Institute for Supply Management’s (ISM) December Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) rose to 54.1, surpassing November’s 52.1. This growth signals robust activity in the U.S. services sector, reinforcing the view of economic resilience.
Additionally, the November Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) showed job openings increased to 8.1 million, while hiring slightly decreased. The quit rate, an indicator of worker confidence, declined from 2.1% in October to 1.9%, suggesting a cautious labor market.
Federal Reserve Rate Cut Speculation
These reports have shifted expectations surrounding Federal Reserve monetary policy. Market participants now assign less than a 50% probability of a rate cut before June. At its upcoming January meeting, the Federal Reserve is widely anticipated to maintain current rates.
The 10-year Treasury yield rose in response to the economic data, signaling heightened expectations of tighter monetary policy. Rising yields often pressure risk-sensitive assets, including cryptocurrencies and high-growth technology stocks.
Technology Stocks Follow Crypto Slide
The sell-off extended to technology equities, with the Nasdaq Composite dropping 1.9% and the S&P 500 shedding 1.1%. Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA) declined 6.2%, despite CEO Jensen Huang unveiling new artificial intelligence initiatives at CES 2025. The broader tech sector’s retreat highlights the interconnected pressures facing growth-oriented markets.
This recent movement underscores the heightened sensitivity of cryptocurrencies and tech stocks to macroeconomic conditions. Robust economic indicators, rising Treasury yields, and recalibrated monetary policy expectations have fueled market adjustments.
As the Federal Reserve’s decisions continue to influence risk assets, cryptocurrencies and technology stocks may remain subject to volatility tied to economic performance and policy shifts.