Bitcoin ends week higher after mixed U.S. jobs data

After U.S. data showed fewer December jobs added than expected but a lower unemployment rate, Bitcoin traded above $91,000 around midday Eastern and finished the week higher, while major altcoins were mixed.[4]

The December U.S. jobs report showed weaker-than-expected payroll gains but a lower unemployment rate, creating a mixed macro signal for rates and risk assets. Bitcoin ending the week higher while major altcoins were mixed suggests a modest, near-term positioning and sentiment effect rather than a clear directional shift across the broader crypto complex.

• Why it matters now: Mixed payrolls (jobs miss, unemployment down to 4.4%) reinforce a slow-cooling US economy, reducing odds of an imminent Fed cut but keeping the easing path alive. - Likely short‑term reaction: - BTC outperformance vs mixed majors likely persists as markets digest “no January cut” but still‑benign growth. - Intraday volatility around Fed‑rate repricing and yields. - Medium‑term implications: - Gradual cooling supports the “macro‑hedge / digital gold” narrative for BTC more than high‑beta alts. - Less aggressive cuts cap liquidity tailwinds versus earlier expectations. - Beneficiaries vs at risk: - Benefit: BTC, large‑cap, high‑liquidity names. - Risk: Long‑duration DeFi, speculative small‑caps reliant on cheap capital. - Key uncertainty: Path of wage inflation and how quickly the Fed shifts from “pause” to a clearer easing cycle.