Bitcoin slipped below $63,000 on Friday as a global selloff in semiconductor and AI-related stocks spread to crypto markets. Renewed geopolitical tensions involving the United States, Iran, and China added to the pressure on risk assets.
The cryptocurrency traded as low as $62,800 during the session, down roughly 2 percent over 24 hours. Ether fell about 4 percent to $1,850, while the broader market saw Nasdaq 100 futures drop nearly 2 percent.
Selling began in Asian chip stocks, with Japan’s Nikkei 225 falling as much as 5 percent. Taiwan Semiconductor and other semiconductor names posted steep losses that carried over to U.S. trading. Bitcoin failed to hold gains from earlier in the week after softer inflation data briefly lifted prices toward $65,000.
Fresh U.S. airstrikes on Iran and allegations by President Donald Trump of Chinese election interference further weighed on sentiment. Oil prices rose sharply on the week, while the dollar strengthened.
Market observers noted that volumes remained orderly and that crypto derivatives positioning showed no signs of forced liquidations. The Fear and Greed Index stayed in extreme fear territory.