
Crypto markets weakened sharply as Bitcoin slid to the low-$84K area, breaking below the recent $86K–$90K consolidation range amid a broad risk-off move. Ethereum fell back toward the $2.8K level, while SOL and other majors declined 5%–6%, with altcoins underperforming as volatility picked up across asset classes.
The selloff coincided with an abrupt reversal in precious metals. Gold, which briefly surged above $5,600 per ounce in early U.S. trade, retraced nearly 10% within minutes, falling back below $5,200. Silver followed a similar pattern, reinforcing the sense of a crowded positioning unwind rather than a clean continuation of the inflation-hedge trade.
Equities added to the pressure. The Nasdaq dropped roughly 2.2% after Microsoft plunged more than 11% following disappointing cloud growth guidance, marking one of its worst sessions since 2020. The tech-led drawdown reinforced defensive positioning across risk assets and removed a key pillar of recent market optimism tied to AI-driven earnings momentum.
Crypto tracked the broader move lower. Bitcoin’s decline to a 2026 low near $85,200 suggests the $86K–$87K support zone has given way, triggering fresh downside momentum rather than another leverage flush-and-stabilize cycle. Crypto equities mirrored the move, with major names trading back toward multi-month lows.
Macro indicators reflect rising stress. The VIX jumped above 19, while the dollar rebounded sharply, reversing recent weakness and tightening financial conditions at the margin. Together, these moves have increased headwinds for speculative assets, including crypto.
For now, the tone has shifted from consolidation to caution. With risk sentiment deteriorating and correlations rising, crypto appears vulnerable to further headline-driven volatility until markets regain clarity on rates, growth, and earnings durability. Stabilization will likely require a firm base above recent lows and a cooling in cross-asset stress rather than a quick reflex bounce.





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