Crypto traders turn cautious as bitcoin loses steam below $80,000

Bitcoin drops after repeated resistance at $80,000, taking ether with it, while derivatives and macro signals point to reduced risk appetite and subdued volatility.\nWhat to know : Bitcoin and ether fell around 0.75% after the largest cryptocurrency twice failed to break $80,000, with weakening U.S. demand signaled by a negative Coinbase premium index. Crypto derivatives activity cooled, with lower open interest, volume and liquidations, while funding rates and options data point to cautious, hedged positioning. Altcoins underperformed bitcoin overall, though selective moves like apecoin’s 17% surge highlight pockets of speculative upside.