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Two Major US Events Set to Unleash Crypto Market Volatility Today

Two Major US Events Set to Unleash Crypto Market Volatility Today

Author:
Coingape
Published:
2026-01-09 07:19:21
23
2

Brace for impact. The crypto market's calm is about to shatter as two seismic US events roll in—get ready for a wild ride.

Event One: The Regulatory Rumble

Watch Washington. A key policy announcement or hearing today could send shockwaves through digital asset valuations. Regulatory clarity—or the lack of it—has always been a primary throttle for crypto prices. A hawkish tone sends traders scrambling; a dovish one fuels rallies. It's the ultimate sentiment switch.

Event Two: The Macro Quake

Don't ignore traditional finance. A major economic data drop—think inflation numbers or jobs reports—is poised to rattle all risk assets, crypto included. These figures dictate the Federal Reserve's next move, and the market prices it in instantly. High rates have been crypto's kryptonite; any shift changes the game.

The Domino Effect

This isn't isolated. Crypto volatility feeds on uncertainty, and today delivers a double dose. Expect leveraged positions to get liquidated, algorithms to go haywire, and OTC desks to be swamped. The correlation with tech stocks will tighten as traders treat crypto as the ultimate risk-on proxy—a relationship as fickle as a trader's promise.

Navigate the Chaos

For the bulls, this is opportunity. Volatility isn't just risk; it's the engine of crypto returns. Sharp drawdowns create entry points, while fear-induced sell-offs often overcorrect. For everyone else, it's a stark reminder: in crypto, the only constant is change, and the only thing more volatile than the charts is a regulator's mood.

Remember, in traditional finance, they call this 'unprecedented volatility.' In crypto, we call it Tuesday.

Crypto Markets Enter Risk-Watch Mode as US Tariffs Case Nears Supreme Court Decision

The next 24 hours will be going to very important for the crypto market. As all eyes are on two big US events today: the Supreme Court’s ruling on Trump’s tariffs and the latest unemployment data. 

The total crypto market cap, which is already struggling near $3.11 trillion, is on the verge of facing massive volatility.

Two Major US Events To Watch Today

The first major event is the US Supreme Court’s tariff ruling, expected at 10:00 am ET. Last April, President TRUMP imposed tariffs ranging from 10% to 50% on several goods, calling it “Liberation Day.” 

The Court will now decide whether those tariffs are legal.

Experts and prediction markets such as Polymarket estimate a 76% chance that the Court could rule the tariffs illegal. If that happens, the US government may have to return part of the $600 billion already collected.

Such a decision could shift market sentiment quickly, as tariffs are currently seen as helping growth. A ruling against them could make investors cautious, affecting stocks and crypto.

US Unemployment Data Adds More Pressure

The second key event is the US unemployment report, due at 8:30 am ET. Markets expect unemployment to come in at 4.5% from 4.6% slightly lower than last month.

If unemployment rises, recession fears could strengthen. If it falls, expectations for interest rate cuts may drop even further. 

The chance of a January rate cut is already NEAR 13, and strong jobs data could remove that hope completely.

Bitcoin and Ethereum Options Expiry Adds More Volatility

Adding to this, Bitcoin and ethereum options expiry may increase short-term price swings. According to Deribit, more than $2.2 billion in options are set to expire at 8:00 UTC. 

However, Bitcoin alone accounts for around $1.89 billion in BTC options, with a $90,000 max pain level. BTC is currently trading near $90,975.

🚨Options Expiry Alert🚨

At 08:00 UTC tomorrow, $2.22B in crypto options are set to expire on Deribit.$BTC: $1.84B notional | Put Call: 1.05 | Max Pain: $90K

BTC open interest brackets spot, with heavy puts below $85K and calls building from $90K to $100K, creating pin risk… pic.twitter.com/9H3GFgtbiC

— Deribit (@DeribitOfficial) January 8, 2026

Meanwhile, Ethereum will see about $396 million in ETH options expiring, with a $3,100 max pain level. ETH is trading close to $3,117, which is very near this key level.

Because of these factors, the next 24 hours could be especially important for crypto traders, with higher volatility likely across the market.

|Square

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