Crypto Market Crashes: Bitcoin Falls 16% and Ethereum Plunges 22% Amid $1B Liquidations

Impact of Macroeconomic Factors

Several macroeconomic factors contributed to this market turmoil. The latest US payroll numbers were significantly lower than anticipated, with only 114,000 jobs added, stoking recession fears. 

Consequently, major stock indices saw declines, with the Nasdaq dropping 2.43% and the S&P 500 falling 1.84%. Adding to the pressure, Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway sold nearly half of its Apple Inc. position during the second quarter, which also weighed heavily on the equities market.

Disappointing Employment Data

 Average hourly earnings grew by 3.6% year-over-year, the slowest pace in three years, further highlighting a weakening labor market.

Global Market Reactions

The stock market sell-offs were not confined to the U.S. Japan’s Nikkei 225 and Topix indices also plunged, nearing bear market territory. 

Jump Crypto’s Asset Movements

Adding to the market's instability, Jump Crypto, the crypto arm of Jump Trading, moved hundreds of millions of dollars worth of crypto assets, including Ether and USDT. This sparked speculation that the firm might be liquidating its holdings amid a U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission investigation. 

Data showed that over 120,000 staked Ether tokens, worth $314.8 million, were moved, with significant amounts entering crypto exchanges.

Political Uncertainty in the U.S.

Political uncertainty ahead of the U.S. presidential election is also contributing to market volatility. U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris has seen growing approval, which is causing concern among crypto investors. 

Market Sentiment and Future Outlook

Investor sentiment is currently bearish, driven by a combination of disappointing macroeconomic data, global stock market declines, and political uncertainty. Justin d'Anethan, head of APAC business development at Keyrock, noted that unlike previous downturns, this market decline feels broad-based rather than Bitcoin-led. 

Large investors unwinding their positions in Grayscale’s Ethereum Trust have further exacerbated the situation.

The disappointing macroeconomic indicators, coupled with significant asset movements by major players like Jump Crypto and political uncertainties, create a challenging environment for cryptocurrencies.