Digital assets posted modest gains even as global markets reacted to stronger than expected U.S. labor data, underscoring the complex interplay between macroeconomic signals and crypto sentiment. While robust job growth would typically strengthen the dollar and pressure risk assets, the cryptocurrency market held relatively firm through the latest data release.
Figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics showed that payrolls increased by 130000 in January, well above expectations of 70000 and a sharp rise from the prior month’s 48000. The unemployment rate fell to 4.3 percent, below forecasts of 4.4 percent. Despite the upbeat employment numbers, the U.S. dollar index was largely unchanged near 96.84 and remains significantly lower over the past year.
The overall cryptocurrency market capitalization climbed about 1.3 percent over the past 24 hours to approximately 2.32 trillion dollars. Trading activity also strengthened, with daily volumes rising 11 percent to around 109 billion dollars.
Bitcoin advanced roughly 1.5 percent to trade near 68339 dollars. Even with the recent uptick, the largest cryptocurrency remains about 46 percent below its all time high above 126000 dollars recorded in October 2025. On a weekly basis bitcoin is still slightly negative and remains down around 22 percent since the start of the year. U.S. listed spot bitcoin exchange traded funds recorded net outflows of 276 million dollars during the latest session, reversing the prior day’s inflows and capping stronger upside momentum.
Ethereum slipped close to 2 percent to around 1995 dollars, trading roughly 60 percent below its peak from August 2025. U.S. spot ethereum exchange traded funds also saw net outflows totaling 129 million dollars, reflecting cautious positioning among institutional investors.
Among other major tokens, XRP gained nearly 2 percent, while BNB rose more than 3 percent. Solana edged modestly higher, and TRON posted small gains. Dogecoin outperformed with a near 5 percent increase, though it remains far below its historic highs. Bitcoin Cash was slightly lower on the day.
Market participants say the muted reaction to strong labor data suggests investors are weighing broader liquidity conditions rather than focusing solely on economic strength. A resilient jobs market can reinforce expectations of tighter monetary policy, yet the lack of a decisive dollar rally limited immediate pressure on digital assets.
For now, cryptocurrencies appear to be stabilizing after recent volatility, even as exchange traded fund flows show selective caution. Traders continue to monitor macroeconomic indicators and central bank signals for clues on whether risk appetite can sustain a more durable rebound.
