Bitcoin Slips Below $76,500 as Risk-Off Mood Weighs on Crypto

The cryptocurrency market turned lower again, with Bitcoin retreating to the $77,000 area after losing support from its recent rebound range and major altcoins broadly in the red, according to CoinMarketCap. The move reflects a wider risk-off shift tied to macro pressures and ongoing ETF fund outflows rather than idiosyncratic token-specific news. Over the past 24 hours, total crypto market capitalization fell to about $2.62 trillion, down roughly 1.55%. Trading activity picked up during the decline, with 24-hour volume rising to around $84.3 billion. Bitcoin was last around $77,225, down from roughly $78,500 a day earlier, and briefly dipped below $76,500 intraday. Ethereum remained unable to reclaim $2,500 but held above $2,450. XRP slid more than 3% to $1.34, BNB traded near $714, while Solana and Hyperliquid fell below the $100 and $80 levels, respectively. Stablecoins continued to make up a large share of activity. Data showed their 24-hour trading volume topped $90 billion, pointing to frequent reallocations as funds rotated into defensive and intermediary assets. Macro risk aversion has been a key drag on risk assets. After tensions in the Middle East escalated, oil prices jumped sharply. Brent crude reportedly touched $109.97 per barrel, notching a weekly gain of nearly 11%. Higher energy prices have revived inflation concerns and weighed on risk appetite. At the same time, expectations that the Federal Reserve will keep policy tight have strengthened. The report cited a roughly 71% probability of a 25-basis-point rate hike next week, up from about 61% previously. U.S. Treasury yields moved higher, with the 10-year yield rising to 4.979%—near the 5% mark—and the 30-year yield around 5.38%. The U.S. Dollar Index hovered near 99. Higher yields and a firmer dollar tend to pressure higher-volatility assets, including cryptocurrencies. Beyond macro headwinds, liquidity has also softened. Bitcoin ETFs posted a net outflow of $120.2 million today following a $46.6 million net outflow the prior day, bringing total two-day outflows to about $166.8 million. Persistent redemptions signal weaker incremental demand and reduced market absorption. Liquidations added to the volatility. The article said total crypto liquidations recently exceeded $386 million, including about $270 million in long positions. As prices fall, long liquidations can trigger cascading selling that deepens short-term declines. Market focus is now on oil prices, U.S. inflation readings, and expectations for Federal Reserve policy. If these pressures ease, Bitcoin and major tokens may find a footing. If oil continues to climb, inflation expectations rise, or ETF outflows persist, the current correction could extend.