Bitcoin Drops Sharply Amid AI Concerns and Plunge in Gold Prices

Bitcoin (BTC) fell by roughly 6% day-on-day on the 30th, briefly plunging to around USD 83,000 (approximately JPY 12.75 million). Although prices rebounded at one point, Bitcoin later slipped back to the same level.

Following Bitcoin’s sharp decline, major altcoins such as Ethereum (ETH) and Solana (SOL) also recorded losses of around 6% compared with the previous day.

A key driver behind the sell-off was the sharp drop in Microsoft’s share price after the company’s earnings report revealed record-high capital expenditures, heightening uncertainty over the outlook for AI-related investments. This triggered selling pressure across parts of the broader technology sector.

Crypto assets, including Bitcoin, were heavily influenced by weakness in tech stocks, as risk-off sentiment prompted investors to move funds to the sidelines.

Several additional factors are weighing negatively on Bitcoin.

On the 28th, the U.S. Federal Reserve decided to keep interest rates unchanged at its FOMC meeting. While the decision itself was largely priced in, the absence of a rate cut created conditions conducive to profit-taking.

On the 30th, gold and silver prices, which had previously surged to record levels, also fell sharply. These assets had attracted inflows as perceived safe havens from fiat currencies, but comments from Fed Chair Jerome Powell warning against excessive price movements—combined with signs of market overheating—accelerated profit-taking.

The sharp decline in traditionally safe-haven assets such as gold and silver has reinforced a wait-and-see stance among investors. Given their relatively high volatility, crypto assets like Bitcoin are currently finding it difficult to attract fresh inflows.

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump announced that he plans to reveal the next Federal Reserve Chair as early as the 30th (U.S. time). Should the nominee be someone more supportive of rate cuts, market volatility could increase significantly, making close monitoring of developments essential.

Image: Shutterstock

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