Stock markets took a hit recently, and the culprit? A stronger-than-expected jobs report that's throwing cold water on hopes for Fed rate cuts anytime soon. Traders were banking on easier monetary policy, but those employment numbers suggest the central bank might keep rates elevated longer than many anticipated.

Meanwhile, the AI sector isn't catching a break either. Concerns around valuation bubbles and regulatory scrutiny continue to weigh on tech equities, adding another layer of uncertainty to an already jittery market. With both traditional finance and emerging tech facing headwinds, investors are recalibrating their strategies—wondering whether to ride out the storm or pivot to safer assets.

For those in crypto and digital assets, this macro backdrop matters. Rate expectations directly impact risk appetite, and when equities stumble, capital flows can shift unpredictably across all asset classes.