Bitcoin Slips Below $80K as Yen Strengthens

Bitcoin extended losses and remained below the $80,000 threshold as traders reduced exposure to risk assets amid rising geopolitical tension and a firmer Japanese yen. The pullback came as U.S. equities also weakened, underscoring a broader de-risking move across global markets.

The latest decline followed comments from U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent that reinforced expectations for yen strength, with the currency trading near 153 per dollar. That dynamic has raised concern over a possible unwind in yen-funded carry trades, a setup that can pressure leveraged positions across equities, commodities and digital assets.

Bitcoin has increasingly traded as a macro-sensitive asset in periods of stress, and the current move suggests investors are treating it less as a standalone narrative and more as part of a wider risk basket. Escalating tensions involving Iran added another layer of caution, helping keep demand muted even after recent attempts to stabilize above key support levels.

For now, traders are watching whether Bitcoin can regain momentum if macro pressure eases. A sustained move back above $80,000 would likely require a rebound in equities, a calmer rates backdrop and reduced demand for defensive positioning in foreign exchange markets.