Articles / bitcoin-institutional / U.S. hiring slowdown could be great for bitcoin — unless wages spoil the party
U.S. hiring slowdown could be great for bitcoin — unless wages spoil the party
May 11, 2026 · Source: coindesk.com · Topic:
bitcoin-institutional · global-fx-macro · insurance-and-insurtech
Nonfarm Payroll Increase
62,000
Forecasted increase in U.S. nonfarm payrolls for April, down from 172,000 in March.
Average Hourly Earnings Growth
3.8%
Expected year-on-year rise in average hourly earnings, indicating persistent wage pressures.
Bitcoin Critical Support Level
$75,000
Analysts suggest this is the critical support level for bitcoin amidst recent trading fluctuations.
⦿ Executive Snapshot
- What: U.S. hiring slowdown may benefit bitcoin, contingent on wage growth.
- Who: Economists, Federal Reserve, bitcoin traders, and analysts like Alex Kuptsikevich.
- Why it matters: The interplay between labor market data and wage growth could significantly influence the Federal Reserve's monetary policy and, consequently, the crypto market dynamics.
⦿ Key Developments
- U.S. nonfarm payrolls are forecasted to increase by only 62,000 in April, a sharp decline from March's 172,000.
- Average hourly earnings are expected to rise 3.8% year-on-year, indicating persistent wage pressures.
- Analysts suggest that bitcoin's critical support level lies around $75,000, with recent trading fluctuations noted.
⦿ Strategic Context
- A slowdown in hiring could lead to a steadier interest rate environment, favoring risk assets like bitcoin as traders adjust their expectations.
- The current economic narrative is complicated by inflationary pressures stemming from wage growth and elevated oil prices, which may affect the Federal Reserve's decisions.
⦿ Strategic Implications
- If wage growth remains high, it could prompt the Fed to reconsider its rate hike timeline, impacting crypto market sentiment.
- A sustained period of low hiring and stable rates could foster increased adoption and investment in bitcoin as a hedge against inflation.
⦿ Risks & Constraints
- Rising wage growth could exacerbate inflation concerns, complicating the Fed's policy response and potentially dampening risk asset performance.
- The ongoing geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz, could disrupt oil prices and market stability, affecting overall economic conditions.
⦿ Watchlist / Forward Signals
- Upcoming release of the Fed's April meeting minutes could provide insights into monetary policy direction and market expectations.
- A return of the Coinbase Bitcoin Premium Index to positive territory may indicate renewed demand and potential upward momentum for bitcoin prices.
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