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Cryptocurrencies plummet: $1.79T market value amid recession fears

Cryptocurrencies plummet: $1.79T market value amid recession fears Representations of virtual cryptocurrencies are seen in this illustration taken November 28, 2021. (Reuters Photo)
By Newsroom
Aug 5, 2024 5:32 PM

Bitcoin, the world’s largest cryptocurrency, has experienced a precipitous decline of more than 18% in the past 24 hours and has now fallen below the critical $50,000 threshold. Concerns about an imminent recession in the United States are driving a more extensive selloff in global markets, contributing to this decline. The total market value of cryptocurrencies, including bitcoin, decreased by 17.6% to $1.78 trillion, as indicated by Coinmarketcap data.

The recent release of industrial and employment data in the United States has prompted many analysts to attribute this decline to recession fears. The ISM Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) decline to 46.8 exacerbated these concerns. In addition, the Bank of Japan’s hawkish stance and the subsequent declines in Asian markets have compounded the pressure. The unemployment rate reached its highest level in four years, and employment growth in the country failed to meet expectations in July. These economic indicators have led to a decrease in investor interest in risky assets, which has exacerbated the selling pressure on cryptocurrencies.

Global market repercussions

The effects of these economic anxieties extend beyond cryptocurrencies. There have been substantial declines in global stock markets as well:

  • The Nikkei 225 index in Japan experienced a 12.4% decline, its most precipitous decline since the 1987 “Black Friday.” South Korea’s Kospi index also experienced an 8.77% decline.
  • Europe: The DAX 40 in Germany, the FTSE 100 in the U.K., and the CAC 40 in France all suffered substantial losses, with a range of 2% to 2.5%.

Cryptocurrency losses

  • Bitcoin: The largest cryptocurrency experienced an 18.5% decline, plummeting to $49,719. This is the first time that bitcoin has fallen below $49,000 since February. Bitcoin plummeted to $48,900, but it recovered above $50,000 as a result of purchasing activity at this price.
  • Ethereum, the second-largest cryptocurrency by market value, experienced a 23.6% decline, dropping to $2,232. Ethereum’s value plummeted by over 20% to $2,110, its lowest point since January, following its recent approval for exchange trading funds (ETF) applications.

Wider consequences

These market movements emphasize the interconnectedness of financial markets and the fragility of the current global economic environment. Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have also intensified the selling pressure on crypto assets. The crypto market experienced a total loss of $1.2 billion as a result of this wave of selling.

The total market value of cryptocurrencies decreased from $2.1 trillion to $1.79 trillion in the past 24 hours. The crypto markets have experienced unprecedented selling pressure due to geopolitical tensions and recession fears.

Last Updated:  Aug 5, 2024 5:32 PM