US Labor Market Eases, Fed Delays Rate Cuts

The US job market showed stability in December 2025, with unemployment dropping to 4.4%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

This decreased unemployment could allow the Federal Reserve to pause rate cuts, impacting macroeconomic conditions and potentially influencing cryptocurrency market dynamics.

US Job Growth Down as Fed Shifts Policy Timeline

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported an unexpected drop in unemployment to 4.4% in December, with only 50,000 jobs added. This data indicates a moderation in labor market expansion, impacting economic forecasts.

The Federal Reserve is likely to delay rate cuts with the probability of a January cut dropping to 5%. Markets now anticipate cuts occurring in mid-to-late 2026, altering financial outlooks.

The adjustments in Fed policy expectations are guided by market indicators and analytical data. No precise statements from key figures accompany these changes, but market confidence is assessed through futures pricing.

Cryptocurrency Markets Respond to High Yields and Liquidity Challenges

Did you know? In 2015, similar US labor reports led the Fed to pause rate hikes, resulting in slower crypto market growth during the early half of the year.

Bitcoin, currently priced at $90,581.19 with a market cap of approximately $1.81 trillion, saw a negative change of 2.25% over the last 24 hours, 0.84% over seven days, and 21.35% over 90 days, as per CoinMarketCap. Trading volume decreased by 61.59%.

The Coincu research team indicates that continued higher yields and dampened liquidity expansion could slow institutional interest in high-beta crypto assets. Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) are expected to witness marginal headwinds as investor focus pivots amidst these changes.