1. MARKET OBSERVATIONS

NCI Performance (Weekly): The Nasdaq Crypto IndexTM (NCITM) fell 3.1% over the week, tracking Bitcoin as weaker AI sentiment1 weighed on risk assets. Defensive positioning and thin liquidity kept volumes low and limited rebounds. Strategy’s renewed Bitcoin buying2 and the Fed’s final rate cut3 offered brief support, but the lack of a clear catalyst kept price action contained.

AI Weakness Pressures Crypto

Weak Broadcom results dampened AI optimism, leading investors to reduce exposure to risk assets like cryptocurrencies.

Strategy’s Record Buy Stabilizes BTC

Strategy’s $963M Bitcoin purchase (largest in 100+ days) stabilized sentiment near $90K, confirming corporate buyers as key demand drivers.

Fed Cut Lands With Limited Impact

The Fed’s final 2025 rate cut delivered only a modest crypto lift, as the move was priced in and policy uncertainty capped risk-taking.

Sentiment Stays Cautious, Direction Unclear

The Crypto Fear & Greed Index stuck at 24 signaled defensive positioning and thin liquidity, explaining muted volumes and the lack of decisive crypto price action.