Bitcoin Crosses $100K as U.S. Adds Fewer Jobs Than Predicted in January.

Bitcoin Surges Above $100K After U.S. Jobs Growth Misses Projections

Bitcoin (BTC) rebounded from a three-day slump, rising above $100,000 for the first time since February 4, after U.S. job growth for January came in below expectations.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the U.S. economy added 143,000 jobs in January, falling short of the 170,000 forecast and down from 256,000 in December. However, the unemployment rate decreased to 4%, better than the anticipated 4.1%, matching December’s rate. Additionally, average hourly earnings rose by 0.5%, surpassing the forecasted 0.3% increase.

“With high wage inflation and a low unemployment rate, the Federal Reserve is unlikely to reduce rates in the near future, although the market has already priced that in,” said Zach Pandl, head of research at Grayscale. “If equity markets remain stable, Bitcoin could reach new highs in the coming quarter.”

Following the report, the probability of the Federal Reserve lowering interest rates at its March meeting dropped to 8% from 15%, according to CME FedWatch data.

After slashing the federal funds rate by 100 basis points in late 2024, many investors had anticipated more rate cuts in 2025. However, stronger-than-expected economic and inflation data has led the Fed to reconsider its dovish stance, with traders now pricing in little chance of further policy easing.