Bitcoin prices declined on Friday as traders awaited the highly-anticipated U.S. Supreme Court ruling on President Donald Trump’s tariffs on January 10.
Market attention centered on the upcoming U.S. payrolls report, which could provide further signals on interest rate direction. Meanwhile, elevated geopolitical uncertainties worldwide kept investors cautious, putting pressure on crypto prices as riskier assets were largely avoided.
As of 8:47 GMT, Bitcoin fell 1.19 percent to $89,944, while Ether dipped 1.33 percent to $3,070.54.
Escalating geopolitical risks dampen crypto appetite
Bitcoin rose 0.4 percent this week, but its early new‑year gains were largely trimmed as escalating geopolitical risks dampened appetite for cryptocurrencies. The world’s largest crypto struggled to gain traction after failing to reclaim the $95,000 level this week.
Heightened global tensions played a major role in Bitcoin’s muted performance. Uncertainty over U.S. plans for Venezuela was particularly influential, following the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in a weekend incursion. President Donald Trump indicated that Washington would oversee Venezuela’s oil production in the coming years, though details remain unclear.
In addition, tensions in Asia affected markets. A diplomatic spat between China and Japan intensified after Beijing announced economic restrictions in response to remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on potential military intervention in Taiwan.
U.S.-listed spot Bitcoin ETFs experience three consecutive days of outflows
Rising market caution also drove U.S.-listed spot Bitcoin ETFs to experience three consecutive days of significant outflows this week.
Bitcoin ETFs started 2026 strong, attracting over $1 billion in the first two trading days, reflecting what analysts saw as a revival in investor risk appetite. However, that optimism quickly faded, as a three-day outflow streak raised fresh concerns about BTC’s price trajectory.
The 11 U.S.-listed spot ETFs collectively saw net outflows of $1.128 billion over the past three days, nearly offsetting the $1.16 billion inflow recorded during the year’s opening sessions, according to Farside Investors.
Read: Crypto whales control $550 million market swings in 2025
Crypto markets remain within narrow range
Broader crypto markets remained within a narrow range on Friday as investors awaited the U.S. payrolls report. XRP dipped 0.63 percent to $2.0825.
Outside of Bitcoin and Ether, several major altcoins showed notable strength this week. XRP led the pack with a 5 percent weekly rise, supported by indications of a potential supply squeeze on major exchanges.
Solana stood out on Friday, climbing 3.18 percent and marking nearly a 5 percent gain for the week. Cardano rose 0.93 percent on the day, ending the week up around 1.6 percent. BNB also advanced, gaining 1.02 percent on Friday and finishing the week up 2.2 percent.
