Risk-Off Wave Sends Bitcoin ETFs Underwater as Yields Spike and Tech Stumbles
A sharp risk-off turn across global markets has pushed Bitcoin below the $90,000 mark, erasing its year-to-date gains and pressuring crypto-linked funds. With investors recalibrating expectations around Federal Reserve policy and digesting a surge in long-dated Japanese bond yields, risk assets from digital tokens to high-growth tech names are under strain.
Spot Bitcoin ETFs are now broadly underwater, with an estimated average cost basis near $89,600. While early allocations executed in the $40,000–$70,000 range remain in the black, the recent 28% slide from Bitcoin’s record peak has tightened margins and dampened sentiment across altcoins. Traders are weighing whether this is a cyclical reset or the start of a deeper bear phase, watching ETF flows and liquidity closely for signs of stabilization.
Macro headwinds are intensifying. Japan’s 40-year government bond yield climbed to roughly 3.68%, the highest since 2007, spotlighting fiscal concerns and drawing attention to an upcoming 20-year auction that could ripple through global rates. In equities, tech stocks snapped a seven-month winning streak amid renewed chatter about an AI bubble, though some strategists still see the earnings outlook as supportive for the medium term. Beyond tech and crypto, stress is visible in select real estate names, with MAA shares down 17.6% year-to-date after an FFO miss, even as some analysts project upside while others maintain bearish calls.
Key Points – Bitcoin slid below $90,000, down about 28% from its record, erasing 2024 gains. – Spot Bitcoin ETFs carry an average cost basis near $89,600; early buys at $40,000–$70,000 still show profits. – Japan’s 40-year JGB yield hit around 3.68%, a high not seen since 2007; a 20-year auction is in focus. – Tech stocks retreated on AI bubble concerns, breaking a seven-month streak, though some see the pullback as temporary. – Investors are watching Federal Reserve signals and ETF flow data to gauge whether this is a reset or a deeper downturn. – Beyond crypto and tech, MAA is down 17.6% year-to-date after missing FFO estimates, with mixed analyst views on the outlook.
Last updated on November 18th, 2025 at 08:54 am
