Live updates: Bitcoin back under $81,000 as AI selloff worsens

Source: coindesk2026/10/15 18:16

Analysis

Bitcoin's slide below $81,000 reflects a macro-driven repricing rather than a crypto-native shock: core inflation at 2.6% versus a 2.5% forecast revived rate-hike expectations ahead of the Fed's Oct. 27-28 meeting, lifting the dollar and pressuring risk assets. The transmission path runs through equities, where Nasdaq 100 futures fell 1.2% after Anthropic disclosed $16.8 billion in third-quarter revenue growth that signaled decelerating momentum, dragging crypto alongside AI-linked stocks. Spot bitcoin ETFs shed roughly $261 million on Wednesday, showing institutional flows turning defensive, while ZEC's 11% drop and ether's 5% decline indicate the weakness is broad rather than isolated to bitcoin. The key level to watch is the $80,400 floor defended twice since last Thursday, since a daily close beneath it would mark a technical breakdown; the Fed meeting and any further AI-sector earnings signals are the next catalysts that could either stabilize or extend the move.

If you have any feedback or questions about this content, please contact us at crypto.news@kcex.com

Bitcoin slips under $81,000 after a hot CPI print and a deepening AI selloff

A hotter-than-expected U.S. inflation report briefly lifted bitcoin to nearly $84,000 on Wednesday, then sent it sliding to about $80,400 early Thursday. That’s just above last Thursday’s low of about $80,430. Bitcoin traded under $81,000, down 2.6% over 24 hours.

Core inflation, which strips out food and energy, rose to 2.6% against a 2.5% forecast. A hot print makes another Federal Reserve rate hike more likely, and that tends to lift the dollar and weigh on assets like bitcoin. The Fed meets again on Oct. 27–28.

AI stocks added to the pressure. Nasdaq 100 futures fell 1.2% after Anthropic told prospective investors its revenue grew $16.8 billion in the third quarter, a figure that showed growth slowing.

ZEC led crypto losses, down 11% to about $1,100. Ether dropped 5% to about $2,370, and U.S. spot bitcoin ETFs lost about $261 million on Wednesday, according to SoSoValue data.

A daily close below $80,400 would break the floor buyers have defended twice since last Thursday.

Disclaimer: The articles reposted on this website are sourced from public platforms and are for reference only. These articles do not represent the views or opinions of KCEX. All copyrights belong to the original authors. If you believe that any reposted article infringes upon the rights of a third party, please contact crypto.news@kcex.com for removal. KCEX makes no representations or warranties regarding the timeliness, accuracy, or completeness of reposted articles, and shall not be liable for any actions or decisions made based on such content. Reposted materials are for informational purposes only and do not constitute advice, endorsement, or basis for any commercial, financial, legal, and/or tax decisions.