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Bitcoin Crashes Below $83K as ETF Outflows Exceed $1 Billion After Fed Holds Rates

Leveraged traders face liquidation pressure as Wall Street pulls over $800M in single day

Nonepaper Staff2 min read📰 8 sources
Bitcoin plunged to its lowest level of 2026 on Thursday, falling to $85,200 as risk-off sentiment gripped global markets. The decline came even as gold briefly surged to $5,600 before retreating below $5,200, highlighting unusual cross-asset volatility.

The cryptocurrency's slide marks a roughly 20% decline from January highs, erasing gains that followed optimism about pro-crypto policies from the Trump administration. Microsoft's weak guidance led the Nasdaq lower, contributing to broader tech and crypto weakness.

Gold's wild intraday swings, from record highs to sharp reversals, suggest investors are uncertain about which assets offer true safety amid escalating geopolitical tensions with Iran and ongoing trade policy uncertainty.

Bitcoin's correlation with tech stocks has reasserted itself in recent weeks, undermining narratives about crypto as digital gold or an uncorrelated asset class.

Analysis

Why This Matters

Bitcoin's failure to hold gains despite a crypto-friendly administration raises questions about what actually drives the asset. Its correlation with risk assets remains high.

Background

Bitcoin hit all-time highs in late 2025 amid Trump election optimism. The subsequent correction suggests fundamentals matter more than political sentiment.

What to Watch

The $80,000 level is key technical support. A break below could trigger further institutional selling.

Sources