US Wall Street Indexes Plunge, Triggers Crypto Market Decline as BTC Leads

TheNewsCryptoPublished on 2026-01-21Last updated on 2026-01-21

Abstract

US stock markets experienced their largest single-day decline in three months, with the Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq falling 1.76%, 2.06%, and 2.39% respectively. This triggered a significant drop in the cryptocurrency market, led by Bitcoin falling below $90,000 to $89,816.09. Ethereum also declined, dropping below $3,000. The market downturn is attributed to two main factors: the unlikely prospect of a Federal Reserve interest rate cut and newly imposed US tariffs on several European nations, including Greenland. These developments have increased market volatility and raised concerns about further economic tension between the US and Europe. The overall crypto market cap declined by 3.23%, with meme coins also affected. Market analysts expect continued volatility if these conditions persist.

Three US Wall Street Indexes have plunged, marking the biggest one-day drop since October 10, 2025, which is three months. This has likely triggered a steep decline across the crypto market, with BTC leading the fall after slipping below the $90k mark.

Little to no chances of a rate cut by the US Federal Reserve, and recently announced Greenland-related tariffs are expected to add volatility to the crypto market and other industries.

US Wall Street Index Fall

Dow, S&P, and Nasdaq have been hit by 1.76%, 2.06%, and 2.39%, applicable in the same order. Dow is now at 48,488.59 points after shedding 870.74 points. S&P is now 6,796.86 points after losing 143.15 points. Nasdaq’s fall of 2.39% has taken it to 22,954.32 points, losing 561.07 points.

The decline is amid the rising uncertainty since the announcement of 10% tariffs on eight European nations. Authorities are reportedly negotiating the deal not just over Greenland but also over Greenland. One report by BBC has cited that Europe may suspend approval of the US trade deal altogether.

A public announcement in this regard is expected to be made in Strasbourg, France, this Wednesday. If suspended, then it could lead to an escalation of tension between the US and Europe. Needless to say, the retaliation could hit US Wallet Street Indexes harder while also impacting the international trade order.

Crypto Market Decline

BTC has plummeted below the $90k mark, now exchanging hands at $89,816.09, down by 1.97% over the last 24 hours. Even ETH has fallen below the $3k mark to trade at around $2,989.61, down by 5.70% during the same timeline. The market cap of the segment is inching closer to the $3 trillion milestone with the recent decline of 3.23%. The FGI is now tilted more towards 32 points.

Volatility across the global crypto market is expected to increase if US Wallet Street Indexes continue to fall and tensions between America and Europe don’t calm down. The meme coin segment will also be affected. Its market cap is already down by 2.27%, with top tokens like DOGE and SHIB struggling to rebound.

Volatility in Crypto Market

What’s factoring, or adding, volatility in the global crypto market is US President’s 10% tariffs, plus little to no chances of the US Federal Reserve to cut rates. US President Donald Trump may go on to impose 25% tariffs if no Greenland deal is booked in due time.

As for the rate cut, Polymarket shows that there is a 97.6% chance for the Fed to not cut rate this time. It has left 2.3% chances for a 25 bps cut, less than 1% chance for a 50 bps cut, and less than 1% chance for a 25+ bps increase. A rate cut is also less likely following a lower growth projection of the US by the IMF.

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Related Questions

QWhat are the percentage drops for the Dow, S&P, and Nasdaq indexes as mentioned in the article?

AThe Dow fell by 1.76%, the S&P by 2.06%, and the Nasdaq by 2.39%.

QWhat is the main reason cited for the increased uncertainty and market volatility?

AThe announcement of 10% tariffs on eight European nations, particularly related to Greenland, and the little to no chance of a rate cut by the US Federal Reserve.

QTo what price did BTC fall and what was its 24-hour percentage decline?

ABTC fell to $89,816.09, down by 1.97% over the last 24 hours.

QAccording to Polymarket, what is the probability that the US Federal Reserve will not cut rates?

AAccording to Polymarket, there is a 97.6% chance that the Fed will not cut rates.

QWhich two major meme coins are mentioned as struggling to rebound in the market decline?

ADOGE (Dogecoin) and SHIB (Shiba Inu) are mentioned as struggling to rebound.

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