Bitcoin Returns to $61,000 as Weak U.S. Jobs Data and AI-Sector Slump Offer Support

U.S. nonfarm payrolls are a key gauge of labor-market momentum and a major input into Federal Reserve policy expectations. Stronger hiring can signal that the economy remains resilient and inflationary pressure may persist, reducing the case for easier monetary policy or reviving the risk of another rate increase. That prospect typically weighs on liquidity-sensitive assets such as Bitcoin by lifting yields and tightening financial conditions.

U.S. employers added 162,000 jobs in August, well above market forecasts, prompting traders to raise the implied probability of a Federal Reserve rate hike in September to 58%. The renewed tightening bets triggered a pullback across risk assets, sending Bitcoin below the $80,000 threshold and toward support near $79,000. Cryptocurrency liquidations across the market reached about $400 million as leveraged positions were forced out.

The US nonfarm payrolls report is a key gauge of labor-market momentum and a major input into Federal Reserve policy expectations. An unexpected contraction in employment pointed to softer economic conditions, prompting traders to scale back bets on further rate increases. The shift supported risk assets, including Bitcoin, as lower expected borrowing costs improved demand for speculative investments.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that US nonfarm payrolls fell by 23,000 in July, sharply undershooting market expectations. Bitcoin climbed above $65,000 and briefly reached $65,300, its highest level in August, before consolidating near the threshold. Attention now turns to the US consumer price index due Aug. 12, which could determine whether remaining Fed rate-hike positions unwind further.

US Labor Department data showed that nonfarm payrolls rose far less than the market expected in June, easing investor concerns that the Federal Reserve would maintain tight monetary policy. Such a shift in interest-rate expectations typically benefits risk assets and fueled demand for cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin and Ether.

After the data was released in July, Bitcoin briefly climbed above $62,000 to a new high for the month, while Ether topped $1,700. The sharp rally battered short sellers, with about 130,000 traders liquidated across the market within 24 hours. Liquidations exceeded $630 million, and the largest single liquidation reached $18.2 million.

The U.S. nonfarm payrolls report is a key gauge the Federal Reserve uses to assess the labor market and inflationary pressures, and it also influences interest rates and the dollar. Stronger-than-expected job growth in April pointed to continued economic resilience. For Bitcoin, robust data could delay interest-rate cuts, making $80,000 an important test of risk appetite.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics said nonfarm payrolls rose by 115,000 in April, nearly double the market forecast of 62,000. Bitcoin showed little volatility after the release, holding at around $80,200. Markets will next focus on whether Kevin Warsh changes interest-rate and balance-sheet policy after taking over as Federal Reserve chair.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ nonfarm payrolls report is a key gauge of labor-market and economic resilience, and it influences the Federal Reserve’s interest-rate decisions. If employment remains strong and inflationary pressure persists, expected rate cuts could be delayed, affecting risk assets including Bitcoin.

U.S. nonfarm payrolls rose by 178,000 in March, far above the market forecast of 60,000, while the unemployment rate stood at 4.3%. Bitcoin briefly broke above $67,000 after the data was released, then retreated and fluctuated near that level. Investors are assessing whether the strong jobs figures could put potential Federal Reserve rate increases back in focus.

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics’ nonfarm payrolls report is a key indicator for assessing the economy and the Federal Reserve’s interest-rate path. Employment posted a rare contraction in February, signaling weaker demand for workers. With geopolitical risks unresolved, investors pulled money from volatile assets including Bitcoin.

The BLS said on March 6, 2026, that US nonfarm payrolls unexpectedly fell by 92,000 in February, while the unemployment rate rose to 4.4%. Bitcoin dropped 3.59% over 24 hours after the release, breaking below $70,000 and briefly approaching $68,000. The move showed that expectations of interest-rate cuts had yet to offset safe-haven selling pressure.