The cryptocurrency market started the week lower, with weakness intensifying as Bitcoin fell back to the $86,800 range and Ethereum dropped to $3,000. Price action continued a clear pattern: cryptocurrencies underperformed significantly during US trading hours compared to other times of the day. Cryptocurrency-related stocks were also hit, with Strategy and Circle both falling 7%. Coinbase dropped over 5%, while cryptocurrency mining companies CLSK, HUT, and WULF saw their shares plummet by more than 10%. As the US government gradually resumes operations after a prolonged shutdown, the Bureau of Labor Statistics will release its October and November employment reports this week. These data will be closely watched to help determine whether the Federal Reserve will continue cutting interest rates in early 2026. (CoinDesk)