Bitcoin falls to $81,000 as stock market rattles investors ahead of Black Monday anniversary
Markets sell off on anniversary fears and oil spike
Bitcoin fell to around $81,000 on Friday as global stock markets dropped sharply. The Nasdaq composite index lost more than 2%, while the CBOE Volatility Index — often called the "fear gauge" because it rises when investors expect turbulence — jumped 22%.
The sell-off came as oil prices surged on Friday, adding pressure to already weak equity markets.
Bitcoin had briefly dipped below $81,000 but recovered slightly to trade around $81,480, down about 1% over the past 24 hours. Ethereum also fell, dropping roughly 0.5% to around $2,418.
Why the date is drawing attention
Monday marks the 39th anniversary of Black Monday, October 19, 1987, when the S&P 500 crashed more than 20% in a single day — one of the largest one-day percentage drops in stock market history.
Friday was the 39th anniversary of the day before that crash. On that date in 1987, the S&P 500 fell about 5%. Today's Nasdaq decline of 2.15% was less dramatic but still significant.
What we know for certain
- Bitcoin traded around $81,000 to $81,500, down roughly 1% on the day.
- The Nasdaq fell 2.15% and the VIX surged 22%.
- Ethereum dropped about 0.5% to $2,418. XRP fell nearly 2%.
- There were unconfirmed rumors that some large positions were being liquidated, but no official details have been released.
What remains unclear
No source has confirmed who or what triggered the market selling. Rumors of large position liquidations circulated, but nothing was verified. The connection — if any — between the stock decline and Bitcoin's drop is also not established by the source material.
Why this matters for crypto investors
Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies have increasingly moved in step with traditional stock markets in recent years. When equities drop sharply, crypto assets often follow, as investors sell across their portfolios to raise cash. Friday's events show that familiar pattern playing out again.
Sources
Newisty Editorial Team covers technology, cryptocurrency, digital products, online platforms, developer tools and the wider digital economy. Our content is researched from official sources, company announcements, public documentation, market data and other primary or reputable sources. Articles are reviewed and edited before publication for clarity, accuracy and useful context.
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