On Thursday, Bitcoin experienced a significant drop, falling to a 2026 low of $84,300 amid turbulence in global markets. The sudden decline was driven by a dramatic reversal in gold prices and a steep selloff in U.S. technology stocks, triggering widespread pressure across tech and cryptocurrency markets.
The downward movement in Bitcoin accelerated during U.S. morning trading. After trading above $88,000 earlier in the session, the cryptocurrency lost nearly $3,000 in just a few hours, ending the day down roughly 4.5 percent over 24 hours. This marked its lowest level since mid-December, highlighting increased market volatility and investor caution.
The sharp decline in Bitcoin coincided with an extraordinary drop in gold prices. Earlier on Thursday, gold had surged to a record high of $5,600 per ounce, only to plunge almost 10 percent within minutes to below $5,200. Before this dramatic swing, gold had never traded above $5,000 per ounce, underscoring the exceptional nature of the movement. Silver similarly reflected this volatility, falling from $121 per ounce to $108, indicating widespread concern in precious metals markets as well.
Equity markets were also affected, particularly U.S. technology stocks. Microsoft shares plunged more than 11 percent following the company’s fourth-quarter earnings report, adding to market unease. The steep drop in Microsoft significantly impacted broader technology indices, with the Nasdaq composite falling approximately 1.5 percent as investors reassessed valuations and risk exposure in the tech sector.
The combination of sharp moves in gold, silver, and major tech stocks contributed to a sudden wave of selling pressure on Bitcoin. Traders and investors reacted quickly, liquidating positions and further fueling the cryptocurrency’s decline. Analysts suggest that these developments reflect heightened sensitivity to macroeconomic factors, corporate earnings, and precious metal volatility, all of which can influence investor sentiment and drive rapid fluctuations in digital and traditional financial markets.
This event serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of global financial markets and the impact of sudden shifts in one sector on cryptocurrency and broader equity markets.
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