Headline: Crypto Sells Off as Bitcoin Slips Below $100K; Tech Stocks Pop on AI Momentum
In a volatile session for global markets, digital assets sold off sharply while select tech names rallied on AI optimism. Risk appetite faded across crypto as investors digested slowing ETF inflows, liquidity pitfalls, and heightened geopolitical tensions, even as equity traders chased momentum in AI-linked themes.
Bitcoin slid below the $100,000 threshold to around $96,600, dragging Ethereum and XRP lower as holders took profits and rotated to cash. XRP fell 4.3% despite an ETF launch, finding interim support near $2.22 with traders cautious about a potential move below $2. A separate on-chain incident highlighted execution risk: a Cardano whale reportedly burned more than $6 million in ADA due to extreme slippage on an illiquid USDA swap, underscoring the importance of liquidity checks and transaction parameters in decentralized markets.
Equities told a different story. Tech stocks jumped about 5% on renewed AI enthusiasm, though analysts cautioned that valuations look increasingly stretched and vulnerable to earnings disappointments. Earnings-driven moves were stark: Intuitive Surgical surged 19.2% on a strong beat, while Integra LifeSciences dropped 23.7% after a revenue miss. Broader sector performance was mixed, with medtech benchmarks slipping by roughly 3.8% despite individual winners.
Geopolitical risk added another layer of uncertainty. China warned Japan of potential economic retaliation, pressuring consumer names such as Shiseido, which fell 9%, and raising concerns about a tourism hit that could cost Japan an estimated $14.2 billion. In the U.S., former President Trump endorsed a Senate proposal for 500% tariffs on countries that continue trading Russian energy—attention centered on China and India—further elevating global risk premiums.
Key Points: – Bitcoin fell below $100,000 to about $96,600 as ETF inflows slowed and risk-off sentiment took hold. – XRP dropped 4.3% despite an ETF launch, with support near $2.22 and downside risks eyed below $2. – A Cardano whale reportedly lost $6M+ in ADA due to extreme slippage on an illiquid USDA swap, highlighting on-chain execution risk. – Tech stocks rallied roughly 5% on AI optimism, but valuation concerns persisted. – Intuitive Surgical jumped 19.2% on strong earnings, while Integra LifeSciences slid 23.7% on a revenue miss; sector performance was mixed. – Rising geopolitical tensions—China’s warning to Japan and a proposed 500% U.S. tariff on nations trading Russian energy—added to market caution.
