Cryptocurrency market maker Wintermute released its latest analysis on 2 Feb. Regarding the factors behind $BTC prices falling below $80,000, it presented the view that this was a “delayed risk-off” driven not by a single negative catalyst, but by a convergence of multiple macro factors and deleveraging such as
・Doubts about the AI boom due to the decline of the Mag7 stocks (seven major U.S. tech stocks)
・Caution over Fed Chair Nomination: Kevin Warsh's Surprise Nomination as Next Chair
・Withdrawal of funds from the precious metals market
Bitcoin fell below $80,000 for the first time since the Trump tariff shock in April 2025, with liquidations reaching $2.55 billion (approximately ¥397 billion) over the weekend. According to the firm, this marks the 10th largest liquidation event in cryptocurrency market history.
Precious metals like gold and silver plunged sharply at the start of the week. This has also put downward pressure on crude oil and stock markets. While gold and silver are considered safe-haven assets, their recent rapid rise had taken on speculative characteristics. This speculative behavior was likely triggered by last weekend's reports of President Trump's nomination of Mr. Warsh as the next Federal Reserve Chair. This news heightened concerns about a stronger dollar and a more hawkish stance from the Fed, prompting a sharp correction.
Market eyes are on U.S.-driven factors like Fed appointments and the stopgap budget. Regarding the next Fed chair, President Trump has announced his nomination of Mr. Warsh. Initially, Mr. Warsh's hawkish stance during his time as a Fed governor had fueled dollar buying.
However, opposing concern still remains about how markets will interpret the fact that he was nominated by President Trump, who favors rate cuts and a weaker dollar.
Furthermore, the nomination still requires confirmation by the U.S. Congress, necessitating a closer look at Mr. Wash's views on monetary policy. Regarding the stopgap budget, it awaits a vote in the House of Representatives. Depending on the timing, there is also the possibility that the U.S. employment statistics release scheduled for this weekend could be delayed. The situation does not yet appear to be conducive to spreading a sense of reassurance in the market.
$BTC is trading around 74600. Bearish sentiment lingers.
$BTC is now trading within a range of around 80568 to 97612.
30 Jan NY Market Overview
The dollar strengthened in New York trading. Reports of a tentative agreement between President Trump and Senate Democrats on a stopgap budget, alongside the upcoming appointment of the next Federal Reserve chair, contributed to the dollar's rise. The dollar rose against the yen, reaching as high as ¥154.76 in the morning. After that, it saw some corrective selling and traded in the ¥154.10 range. However, the dollar strengthened again heading into the evening, climbing to ¥154.79 and ending the week's trading near its high.
In the Tokyo morning session, the USD/JPY rose to around 153.98 yen, driven by broad dollar buying against major currencies. The primary factors behind this move include: Government Shutdown Averted: Reports that U.S. President Trump and Democrats reached a tentative agreement to avoid a government shutdown. Next Fed Chair Speculation: Growing expectations that former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh will be nominated as the next Chair of the Federal Reserve. Among the potential candidates, Warsh is viewed as being on the hawkish side, suggesting a preference for tighter monetary policy.
CMC20 index is tumbling to around 170 indicating bearish momentum in the crypto market.
CMC20 index DTF: A benchmark designed to measure the performance of the top 20 cryptocurrency projects by market capitalization, as ranked by CoinMarketCap.