What happened: US futures declined following a brutal AI stock liquidation that hit the Nasdaq hard. Meanwhile, Brent crude surged to $114 amid Middle East geopolitical tensions, and French bond spreads widened as markets braced for a Moody's review. Despite traditional markets bleeding, Bitcoin managed a modest 0.5% gain, holding strong around $81,600.
Why it matters: Massive capital shifts out of tech and high-risk assets show investors are questioning who will fund the massive AI build-out. While traditional markets scramble for safe havens like treasuries and staples, crypto's relative stability points to growing independence, though broader macro shocks and rising inflation risks can still send ripples across digital assets.
