BTC Touches $82,000 Momentarily, Altcoins Rise as Michael Burry Flags Stock Risk

Bitcoin remained resilient above $81,000 after briefly spiking to $82,026 overnight, even as broader financial markets showed signs of stress.

In early Asian trading on Tuesday, BTC hovered just above the $81K mark. Among major altcoins, Solana and Dogecoin outperformed, each posting gains of up to 2%. BNB climbed 1.7% to around $662, while XRP edged up nearly 1% to $1.46. Ether underperformed slightly, slipping about 0.8% on the day.

Crypto’s relative stability came despite mounting macro headwinds. Investor Michael Burry, known for predicting the 2008 financial crisis, warned that U.S. equities may be entering dangerous territory. In a recent post, he highlighted that the Nasdaq 100 is trading at roughly 43 times earnings—well above what he sees as a more sustainable level near 30—and likened the current environment to a crash waiting to unfold.

He pointed in particular to the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index, which has surged around 70% since late March, describing the move as emblematic of a broader, parabolic rise in tech valuations. Burry cautioned that earnings expectations for high-growth companies, especially in the AI sector, may be significantly overstated and advised investors to consider trimming exposure.

At the same time, geopolitical risks added to market tension. Brent crude rose nearly 1% to above $105 per barrel after renewed doubts surfaced over a potential ceasefire with Iran. Comments from U.S. President Donald Trump heightened concerns that disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz could persist, supporting oil prices.

Safe-haven demand pushed the U.S. dollar higher against major currencies, while the yield on the 10-year Treasury note climbed to 4.42%, signaling a shift away from risk assets.

Equity markets across Asia retreated from recent highs. South Korea’s Kospi dropped as much as 5.1% intraday after policy proposals tied to taxing AI profits triggered volatility. The broader MSCI Asia Pacific index fluctuated between gains and losses, while European futures pointed to a weaker open. U.S. stock futures also edged lower after the S&P 500 closed at a record high, capping a six-week rally of more than 16%.

Looking ahead, markets are focused on upcoming U.S. inflation data, which could play a key role in shaping expectations for Federal Reserve policy. Investors will be watching closely to see how geopolitical tensions are feeding into consumer prices.

A stronger-than-expected inflation reading—combined with elevated oil prices and Burry’s bearish outlook—could pressure risk assets, particularly the AI-driven equity rally. On the other hand, a softer inflation print may provide temporary support for both traditional markets and cryptocurrencies.