Bitcoin, Ether drop as war tensions shake markets

Crypto prices opened lower in Asia on Monday as fresh pressure from oil markets and geopolitical tension weighed on risk assets. 

Meanwhile, investors are also watching a packed U.S. data calendar this week, with new reports on business activity, jobless claims, consumer sentiment, and inflation expectations due between March 23 and March 27.

Crypto markets faced renewed selling after conflict in the Middle East kept traders focused on energy supply risks. Reuters reported that U.S. stock futures fell as investors reacted to President Donald Trump’s 48-hour demand for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran warned of retaliation if attacks hit its infrastructure.

Oil prices stayed elevated as the new week began. Brent crude at about $113.20 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate traded near $101.32. Higher oil prices have lifted concern about inflation and have pushed markets to reassess the path for interest rates.

Investors shift focus to economic data

The week’s economic calendar may shape trading across crypto and traditional markets. A Wall Street Journal report cited Deutsche Bank economists as saying, 

“This is significant because it’s one of the first economic indicators we’ll get that cover the period since the conflict began,” referring to the March PMI data.

Thursday’s initial jobless claims report will offer another reading on labor market conditions. At the same time, markets are tracking whether inflation pressure from fuel costs could change expectations for Federal Reserve policy. Investors have sharply reduced hopes for rate cuts this year and are now pricing in a higher chance of a rate increase later in 2026.

Bitcoin and Ether trade lower in Asia

Bitcoin remained under pressure in Monday trading. Live market data showed Bitcoin (BTC) at around $68,400, while Ethereum (ETH) traded at $2,000. Both assets were down from recent highs as traders pulled back from risk during a weak start to the week.

Broader crypto market sentiment also softened as investors moved more carefully across global markets. Rising yields, weaker equities, and higher energy costs have added pressure across risk assets, including digital tokens.

Higher oil prices may feed through to household spending if the rally continues. CBS News quoted Oxford Economics chief global economist Ryan Sweet, who said, 

“To kind of put it into context, every penny increase in gasoline prices reduces consumer spending by one and a half billion dollars over the course of a year.”