Bitcoin traded lower on Friday as escalating US-Iran tensions rippled through crypto markets, chilling the risk-on mood. The decline came even as the broader cryptocurrency market eked out a 0.83% gain to $2.48 trillion, suggesting a split session.
Bitcoin slips on macro jitters
The world's largest cryptocurrency lost ground during the day. Traders pointed to the US-Iran situation as the main catalyst — geopolitical uncertainty tends to push capital toward safe havens, away from volatile assets like Bitcoin. The move was notable after several days of relative calm, breaking a quiet streak.
Ethereum and XRP hold the line
Ethereum was holding near $2,000, a level that has acted as a psychological floor in recent trading. XRP sat around $1.30. Neither token saw the same selling pressure as Bitcoin, leaving their charts largely unchanged by Friday's close. It's a reminder that crypto markets don't always move in lockstep.
Market cap edges higher
The total crypto market cap climbed 0.83% to $2.48 trillion. That small gain, against Bitcoin's red day, means altcoins and stablecoins collectively absorbed the selling. The divergence could hint at capital rotating into smaller projects, or simply reflect that the selling was concentrated in Bitcoin — either way, the overall market held up.
