Finance

Digital assets experienced a sharp downturn, with Bitcoin sliding below the $84,000 threshold and Ethereum dropping more than 3%. The sudden price dip triggered nearly $488 million in liquidations of leveraged long bets within a 24-hour period. This leverage flush has amplified investor anxieties during a historically volatile month for the cryptocurrency sector.

Crude oil benchmarks remained elevated, with Brent crude hovering around $101 a barrel and WTI tracking near $90 a barrel. While increasing export volumes from the Middle East offered temporary relief, a wider-than-expected U.S. trade deficit of $105.6 billion for August fueled concerns over persistent domestic demand and inflation. Ongoing regional geopolitical tensions also continue to threaten critical energy supply lines.

Investors are closely watching the afternoon release of the Federal Reserve's September FOMC meeting minutes for hints on monetary policy. While the central bank voted unanimously to increase rates last month, mixed economic data and cautious public statements from central bankers have left Wall Street uncertain about future tightening. The upcoming data is seen as critical for shaping expectations around whether additional rate hikes will manifest by the end of the year.