Bitcoin falls below $65,000 amid whale selling and U.S. tariffs
Bitcoin dropped below $65,000 during Asian trading on Monday, returning to early February levels when prices briefly dipped toward $60,000. The decline came as large holders intensified selling amid a broader risk-off move driven by U.S. trade policy developments.
The world’s largest cryptocurrency fell 4.6% to $64,882.1 as of 03:37 GMT, hitting a 24-hour low of $64,384.2.
On-chain data from CryptoQuant showed an increase in so-called whale activity, with the exchange whale ratio rising as major holders moved coins onto trading platforms — typically a precursor to selling.
Selling whales — entities holding large amounts of Bitcoin, often early adopters, institutional investors, or crypto funds — can exert a disproportionate impact on short-term price movements when they transfer assets to exchanges.
Sentiment was also weighed down by developments in U.S. trade policy. Last week, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down elements of an earlier tariff program introduced by President Donald Trump.
Trump subsequently announced a new 10% global tariff on imports for 150 days and later raised the rate to 15%, the maximum allowed under the relevant law, unsettling financial markets.
The escalation in tariffs pressured equities and other risk assets during Asian trading. Investors are concerned that higher trade barriers could slow global growth and tighten liquidity conditions — factors that typically weigh on cryptocurrencies.
Other major tokens also declined sharply, with Ethereum and XRP each falling nearly 6%.
U.S. economic data released on Friday reinforced cautious sentiment. Gross domestic product grew at an annualized rate of 1.4% in the fourth quarter, highlighting slowing growth, while the personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index remained elevated at 2.9% year-over-year.
Persistent inflation amid cooling growth has complicated expectations for Federal Reserve rate cuts, tempering hopes for near-term monetary easing this year.
See also: "XRP records record realized losses"
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