Financial markets opened the week under pressure as stocks, precious metals, and cryptocurrencies fell together amid growing uncertainty over US monetary policy and investor sentiment.
US stock futures declined late Sunday, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average down nearly 1 percent, the S&P 500 lower by about 1 percent, and the Nasdaq sliding more than 1 percent. The losses followed a volatile end to last week after President Donald Trump announced Kevin Warsh as his nominee to replace Jerome Powell as Federal Reserve chair when his term ends in May.
Bitcoin dropped below $80,000 for the first time since April, extending its recent selloff. Analysts said investor confidence has weakened as traders hesitate to buy into the downturn. Other digital assets also moved lower alongside metals and equities.
Gold and silver continued their sharp retreat after last week’s dramatic plunge. Spot gold fell as much as 6 percent, while silver dropped into double-digit losses after recording its largest single-day fall on record. Traders said the precious metals rally had become overcrowded, leading to forced liquidations as prices reversed.
Technology stocks also came under pressure, with concerns growing about high valuations and heavy spending on artificial intelligence. Asian markets recorded their worst two-day decline in months, and futures pointed to further losses in Europe and on Wall Street.
Investors are now focused on a critical week of economic data and corporate earnings. More than 100 S&P 500 companies are scheduled to report results, including major technology and entertainment firms. Friday’s January jobs report is expected to show modest job growth, with unemployment projected to remain steady.
Market analysts said the combination of falling asset prices and uncertainty over the future direction of the Federal Reserve has increased volatility across global markets. With precious metals, stocks, and cryptocurrencies all moving lower together, confidence remains fragile as traders reassess risk and expectations for interest rates in the months ahead.
