Bitcoin traded largely unchanged near $67,000 in Asian hours on Thursday as investors assessed stronger-than-expected U.S. employment data that dampened expectations for near-term Federal Reserve interest rate cuts.
The world’s largest cryptocurrency last traded 0.4% higher at $67,102.8, remaining capped below the key $70,000 level, with market activity subdued amid thinning liquidity.
Bitcoin had recently rebounded from a sharp slide toward $60,000 earlier this month but has since struggled to regain upward momentum.
Get premium crypto market insights with analyst predictions on InvestingPro
US jobs data dims Fed easing bets; CPI awaited Data released on Wednesday showed U.S. nonfarm payrolls increased more than forecast in January, pointing to continued resilience in the labour market.
The unemployment rate held near multi-month lows, while wage growth remained firm, reinforcing expectations that the Federal Reserve will keep borrowing costs steady for longer.
Following the jobs report, traders pared back bets on a near-term rate cut, with market pricing indicating reduced odds of easing until June. Higher-for-longer rate expectations typically weigh on risk-sensitive assets such as cryptocurrencies.
Investors are now awaiting weekly jobless claims data due later on Thursday for further clues on labour market conditions. Attention will also turn to Friday’s U.S. Consumer Price Index report, which could provide clearer direction on inflation trends and the Fed’s policy outlook.
Bitcoin’s inability to break above $70,000 reflects cautious risk appetite and lingering volatility after its recent slump, leaving prices range-bound.
BlockFills halts withdrawals amid crypto slump - reports Crypto liquidity provider BlockFills has halted client withdrawals amid a sharp slump in digital asset prices, multiple media reports said on Wednesday.
The Financial Times and other outlets reported the move, which began last week, reflects efforts to protect clients and the firm during stressed market conditions and restore platform liquidity.
Clients can still trade spot and derivatives positions under certain conditions, according to the reports.
BlockFills serves more than 2,000 institutional clients and handled over $60 billion in trading volume in 2025, the FT report said.
The suspension mirrors similar actions by crypto firms in past downturns.
Crypto price today: altcoins rise in rangebound trade Most altcoins traded slightly higher on Thursday in a range-bound trade.
World no.2 crypto Ethereum gained 1.1% to $1,972.92.
World no. 3 crypto XRP rose 1.6% to $1.38.
Solana traded flat, while Cardano and Polygon rose 2.5% each.
Among meme tokens, Dogecoin advanced 2.2%.
