Bitcoin moved lower on Wednesday, giving back gains from the previous session, as rising geopolitical uncertainty and caution ahead of key U.S. economic data dampened appetite for risk assets.
Crypto markets found little support from MSCI’s decision not to move forward with a proposal that would have excluded crypto treasury companies from its indexes. While the announcement briefly lifted sentiment in related equities, it failed to spark a sustained rally across digital assets.
Bitcoin slipped 1.1% to $92,543.7 by 00:58 ET (05:58 GMT), remaining stuck in a narrow trading range after a mildly positive start to the year.
Risk sentiment stayed fragile amid escalating global tensions. Diplomatic friction between China and Japan intensified, while investors also awaited further clarity on the United States’ plans regarding Venezuela. At the same time, traders remained cautious ahead of a packed week of U.S. economic releases.
MSCI drops proposal as Strategy shares jump
MSCI said on Tuesday that it would not proceed with plans to remove digital asset treasury firms, including Strategy Inc, from its indexes.
Instead, the index provider announced a broader review of how non-operating companies, defined as firms without consistent revenue streams, are assessed for index inclusion. The decision means Strategy will remain part of MSCI’s global benchmarks for now.
Shares of the company surged 6% in after-hours trading following the announcement. However, the stock had already fallen 4.1% during the main session after Strategy reported a sizeable $17.44 billion unrealized loss on its digital asset holdings in the fourth quarter of 2025.
Strategy’s shares have nearly halved over the past year, pressured by prolonged weakness in Bitcoin prices and growing investor concerns over the sustainability of its debt-funded Bitcoin accumulation strategy.
Altcoins drift as macro and geopolitical risks persist
Broader crypto prices traded mostly flat to lower on Wednesday, reflecting continued caution across global markets.
U.S. President Donald Trump said Venezuela would supply between 30 million and 50 million barrels of oil to the United States, adding volatility to energy markets. The recent capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro had already unsettled investors earlier in the week.
Markets also remained on edge ahead of crucial U.S. economic indicators, with particular focus on Friday’s nonfarm payrolls report. The data is expected to offer fresh insight into the strength of the U.S. labor market and the outlook for monetary policy.
After showing some early-year momentum, crypto markets have returned to subdued trading conditions, lacking clear positive catalysts.
Ether, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency, rose 0.4% to $3,252.96. XRP erased part of its previous gains, falling nearly 5%. Solana and Cardano declined 0.2% and 2.7%, respectively, while BNB edged 0.6% higher.
Among meme tokens, Dogecoin slipped 1.9%, while the $TRUMP token fell 1.6%.
