Crypto Markets Slip After U.S. Jobs Report Falls Short of Expectations
Bitcoin hovers just below $91,000 while Ethereum and Solana retreat; total market value dips modestly amid weaker‑than‑forecast employment data.
Market snapshot
On Friday, January 9, the cryptocurrency market registered a broad‑based pull‑back after the U.S. Labor Department released December employment figures that showed the economy added far fewer jobs than analysts had projected. The disappointment sparked a modest sell‑off across most major digital assets.
- Bitcoin (BTC) traded around $90,927, down roughly 1 % in the previous 24 hours.
- Ethereum (ETH) slipped to about $3,095, a decline of ≈1.5 %.
- Solana (SOL) fell to $137, losing ≈1.6 %, while XRP dropped 3 % to $2.09 despite a weekly gain of about 5.3 %.
- BNB was the only large‑cap token to edge higher, up 0.7 % to roughly $895.
Overall, the total cryptocurrency market capitalization stood near $3.19 trillion, a 0.6 % reduction from the prior day, and 24‑hour trading volume fell to ≈$109 billion, according to CoinGecko data.
Liquidity and leveraged positions
Coinglass reported that leveraged traders suffered about $189 million in liquidations over the last 24 hours. Long positions accounted for roughly $105 million of that figure, while shorts were liquidated for ≈$84 million.
- Bitcoin led the liquidation tally with ≈$55 million wiped out.
- Ethereum followed with ≈$46 million.
- Solana, XRP, and Zcash contributed $12 million, $10 million, and $4 million, respectively.
The activity suggests that the sell‑off was driven more by macro‑related risk aversion than by asset‑specific news.
ETF flow dynamics
Exchange‑traded fund (ETF) movements displayed a mixed picture:
| Asset | Net flow (24 h) |
|---|---|
| Bitcoin spot ETF | ‑$399 million |
| Ethereum spot ETF | ‑$159 million |
| XRP spot ETF | + $8.7 million |
| Solana spot ETF | + $13.6 million |
Nexo Dispatch analyst Iliya Kalchev interpreted the pattern as “tactical balance‑sheet management ahead of macro catalysts rather than a fundamental shift in long‑term allocation.” He added that Bitcoin appears to be waiting for clearer macro signals before attempting to retake higher price levels.
Macro backdrop
The market reaction came after the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the U.S. added only 50,000 jobs in December, the weakest monthly gain recorded in 2025. The unemployment rate ticked down slightly to 4.4 % from a revised 4.5 %, indicating a slowdown in hiring momentum. The weaker job market follows a larger‑than‑expected decline in job openings in November, as highlighted by the latest JOLTS data.
Looking ahead, Kalchev noted that a “dense macro calendar” will likely shape Bitcoin’s price trajectory in the near term. Key events slated for the coming week include:
- U.S. 10‑year Treasury auction – Monday
- Consumer Price Index (CPI) data – Tuesday
- Retail sales figures – Wednesday
These releases will provide further clues on inflation trends and consumer demand, both of which historically influence risk‑on assets such as cryptocurrencies.
Key takeaways
- Broad‑based dip – Major cryptocurrencies retreated 1‑2 % after a weaker‑than‑expected U.S. jobs report, pushing the total market cap below $3.2 trillion.
- Liquidity stress – Over $180 million in leveraged positions were liquidated, with Bitcoin and Ethereum bearing the bulk of the impact.
- ETF outflows for BTC/ETH – Spot ETF investors pulled nearly $560 million from Bitcoin and Ethereum combined, while XRP and Solana saw modest inflows.
- Macro‑driven sentiment – The employment data underscored a cooling U.S. economy, prompting risk‑averse behavior across crypto markets.
- Upcoming data points – Treasury, inflation, and retail sales releases next week will be pivotal in determining whether Bitcoin can reclaim the $95,000 ceiling or remain confined to a narrower range.
As macro indicators continue to dominate market narratives, traders and investors are likely to watch the forthcoming economic releases closely for signs of whether the broader risk appetite can rebound or stay subdued.
Source: https://thedefiant.io/news/markets/crypto-markets-edge-lower-after-us-jobs-miss-expectations
