Bitcoin experienced a significant correction this weekend, with its price dropping nearly 20% to just under $59,000.
This marks one of the largest declines since the FTX collapse in November 2022. The downturn was triggered by several factors, including weak economic data, large outflows from Bitcoin ETFs, and technical resistance levels being tested.
Since Thursday, global markets have been shaken by a series of economic concerns that have contributed to Bitcoin’s decline and wider market volatility.
The release of the U.S. Nonfarm Payrolls (NFP) report showed an unexpected rise in unemployment from 4.0% to 4.3% .
This poor jobs report increased fears of a potential recession, causing investors to pull back from riskier assets like cryptocurrencies.
In addition, Japan’s Nikkei 225 Index fell sharply by 18.2% over two days .
This drop was partly due to the unwinding of the Japanese carry trade, where investors borrow in yen at low-interest rates and invest in higher-yielding assets elsewhere.
The sudden sell-off in Japanese stocks contributed to a global ripple effect, further unsettling financial markets.
Bitcoin’s decline was exacerbated by significant outflows from Bitcoin ETFs, which saw $237.4 million withdrawn on August 2 alone .
The broader cryptocurrency market also suffered, with Ethereum and other major altcoins experiencing double-digit losses. Ethereum dropped by over 21% , while the total crypto market cap fell more than 16%, reaching around $1.87 trillion .
Technical analysis revealed that Bitcoin struggled to break through the $70,000 resistance level, leading to a correction as it tested support around $59,300 .
If Bitcoin fails to maintain this support level, it may continue to slide toward $56,500. However, some analysts suggest that this correction is a natural part of Bitcoin’s market cycles and could lead to a potential rebound later in the year .
Adding to the complexity, geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and significant market moves by major investors, often called “whales,” have contributed to the increased market pressure .
Billionaire Warren Buffett’s recent decision to liquidate a substantial portion of his stock portfolio further fueled uncertainty .
The current market environment highlights the interconnectedness of global financial systems and the challenges facing investors navigating these turbulent times.
As Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies continue to face headwinds, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining the market’s direction.