Market Overview

On Tuesday, Bitcoin extended its losses in a choppy session, slipping 1.4% to $63,305 as of 18:04 ET (22:04 GMT). The decline followed U.S. retaliatory strikes against Iran after reported attacks on three oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz.

Geopolitical Developments

  • The U.S. military launched "powerful strikes" in response to Iranian attacks on three commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, according to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).
  • CENTCOM described Iran’s actions as "unwarranted, dangerous, and a clear violation of the ceasefire."
  • The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) confirmed reports of attacks on three separate tankers: two were hit by unknown projectiles and the third by a drone; no casualties were reported.
  • UKMTO raised the regional threat level from "substantial" to "severe."
  • While Iran has not publicly claimed responsibility, Qatar and Saudi Arabia identified two of the vessels and condemned Iran.
  • In retaliation, the United States revoked a general license that had authorized the production, delivery, and sale of Iranian crude oil.
  • Oil prices reacted sharply, spiking more than 5% on the same day.

Technology Sector Reaction

  • Technology stocks experienced a sell‑off after Samsung Electronics released preliminary fiscal Q1 results and Q2 guidance.
  • Samsung signaled an anticipated record Q2 profit, but investors remained uneasy about the rapid rise of artificial‑intelligence‑related trade, contributing to broader market weakness.

Cryptocurrency Market Flows

  • U.S.-listed spot Bitcoin exchange‑traded funds (ETFs) recorded $265.7 million of net inflows on Monday, according to SoSoValue data, extending gains from $221.7 million on July 2.
  • These inflows reversed a week of persistent outflows in late June, when investors withdrew nearly $2.4 billion from spot Bitcoin funds across several sessions amid heightened macro uncertainty and profit‑taking.
  • Market participants are awaiting the Federal Reserve’s minutes on Wednesday for clues about the future interest‑rate outlook.

Altcoin Performance

  • Ethereum fell 1.8% to $1,773.32.
  • XRP slipped 3.1% to $1.1117.
  • Solana declined 2%, while Cardano dropped 5.5%.
  • Meme token Dogecoin shed 3.9%.

Contributors

The article was authored by Ayushman Ojha and Vahid Karaahmetovic.