Headline: Bitcoin Slide Jolts Markets as Institutions Add and Regulators Tighten Scrutiny
The digital asset market endured a sharp shakeout, with bitcoin briefly slipping below $90,000 and erasing roughly $1.2 trillion in crypto market value before dip buyers stepped in. Even amid turbulence, institutional interest and selective altcoin strength underscored resilient risk appetite across the sector.
Bitcoin’s retreat sparked aggressive bottom-fishing, with loyal bulls still calling for a move toward $200,000. MicroStrategy reportedly added to its holdings around $102,000, a high-stakes bet given liquidation risks if volatility persists. Despite the pullback, crypto-linked equities now account for about 1.8% of global equity values, and benchmark indices showed momentum: the CoinDesk 20 rose 4.4% to 2,954.76, with APT up 10% and POL gaining 7.9% as all constituents advanced. Institutional demand remained evident as banks’ crypto custody balances climbed by €4.7 billion, signaling steady engagement from traditional finance.
Macro conditions turned less supportive after U.S. payrolls rose by 119,000 while unemployment edged higher, trimming the odds of a Federal Reserve rate cut in December. Regulatory scrutiny also intensified: the UK Serious Fraud Office opened a probe into a collapsed $28 million crypto scheme, arresting two suspects and urging impacted investors to report losses. Meanwhile, retail adoption in Asia continues to mature—Singapore’s crypto participation has reached 61%, though typical allocations remain a cautious 6–12%, with trust, education, and credible information channels cited as decisive factors. Beyond finance, real-economy signals were constructive: Port Houston reported an 18% year-on-year jump in TEU volumes on export strength, and Foxconn’s planned $450 million AI server facility is poised to support future logistics and digital infrastructure demand.
Key Points: – Bitcoin fell below $90,000, with total crypto market value down about $1.2 trillion before buyers returned. – Crypto-linked stocks now represent roughly 1.8% of global equities. – CoinDesk 20 index rose 4.4% to 2,954.76; APT +10% and POL +7.9%, with all 20 assets higher. – Banks’ crypto custody balances increased by €4.7 billion, signaling sustained institutional participation. – U.S. jobs grew by 119,000 as unemployment ticked up, reducing odds of a December Fed rate cut. – UK SFO is investigating a $28 million crypto fraud case; Singapore’s crypto adoption hits 61% with cautious allocation levels.
