Global markets remained volatile on Monday as investors reacted to rising Middle East tensions, stronger-than-expected U.S. economic data, and a sharp selloff in technology stocks.
Bitcoin recovered after briefly falling below the $60,000 mark on Friday for the first time since late 2024. The world’s largest cryptocurrency climbed as much as 3.8%, reaching nearly $64,200 before stabilizing around $63,000. The rebound came after Strategy Chairman Michael Saylor hinted that the company may have resumed buying Bitcoin. Despite the recovery, Bitcoin remains down roughly 50% from its $126,000 peak recorded in October 2025.
In currency markets, the U.S. dollar held near a two-month high after the latest jobs report showed the economy added 172,000 jobs in May, significantly beating forecasts. The strong labor data increased expectations that the Federal Reserve could raise interest rates later this year. Markets currently see around a 50% chance of a rate hike by September.
Meanwhile, Japanese stocks suffered their biggest one-day decline since March. The Nikkei 225 dropped 3.9%, while the broader Topix index lost 2.5%. AI-related stocks were among the hardest hit, with shares of Murata Manufacturing plunging 10%, TDK falling 9.6%, and Renesas Electronics declining 9.4%. The selloff followed a sharp drop in U.S. semiconductor stocks and growing concerns over stretched AI valuations.
European markets also moved lower. The STOXX 600 index fell 0.9% to a two-week low as investors weighed rising oil prices and renewed conflict between Israel and Iran. Crude oil prices jumped more than 4%, pressuring airline and technology stocks across the region.
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