U.S. March Payrolls Far Exceed Forecasts as Bitcoin Fluctuates Near $67,000

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ nonfarm payrolls report is a key gauge used by the Federal Reserve in setting the path for interest rates, and a cooling labor market can ease pressure for rate increases. As AI technology stocks weakened on valuation and earnings concerns, some capital shifted into supply-constrained bitcoin and gold, allowing both risk appetite and demand for safe havens to support crypto assets.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported in July that nonfarm payrolls rose by just 57,000 in June, far below market expectations. Bitcoin subsequently broke above $61,000 and held that level. U.S. spot bitcoin ETFs recorded $220 million in net inflows for the day, ending 10 consecutive trading days of net outflows and signaling a recovery in buying demand.

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 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.