As the U.S. government shutdown stretches into its third week, the crypto markets have found a tenuous balance. Bitcoin and Ethereum have shown resilience amid recent turbulence, holding steady amid macro uncertainty. This article examines how the ongoing shutdown and central bank signals are shaping investor sentiment in the crypto space.
Bitcoin has been trading around USD 112,000, while Ethereum hovers near USD 4,094, reflecting a modest recovery from recent swings and a temporary anchoring of price action.
The partial U.S. government shutdown has delayed the release of crucial economic data—most notably, the consumer price index (CPI), now rescheduled for October 24.
Despite the data gaps, Federal Reserve Chair Powell has reiterated confidence in the timeline for rate cuts before year-end.
A fragile calm amid shutdown risks
In the current environment, some observers argue the crypto market is shifting from a rate-sensitive narrative toward one dominated by liquidity flows.
With central bank interventions, institutional hedging, and de-dollarization trends, assets such as gold and Bitcoin are increasingly viewed as alternative hedges.
Short term, the key test will be sustaining this balance amid limited economic visibility and ongoing political risk. If the shutdown drags on and uncertainty intensifies, volatility may return, challenging the strength of both Bitcoin and Ethereum. For now, these assets are undergoing a real stress test: holding ground when the broader environment offers limited clarity.
