#USGovernmentShutdownRisk

US Government Shutdown Risk Turns Real — Impact on Crypto Markets (Early February 2026)
The has officially materialized into a partial U.S. federal government shutdown, which began at midnight ET on January 31, 2026 (now February 1 across many global time zones, including PKT).
This is a partial funding lapse, mainly affecting unfunded federal agencies such as parts of:
Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
Non-essential Department of Defense operations
Health and Human Services (HHS)
Department of Education
Transportation and HUD
Meanwhile, essential services continue, including national security, military pay, Social Security payments, and air traffic control.
Markets are closely watching Washington, as the U.S. House is expected to vote early this week (likely Monday, February 2) on a resolution. Most analysts currently expect this shutdown to be short-lived (2–4 days), unlike the prolonged 2025 shutdown. However, even short shutdowns inject macro uncertainty, which markets — especially crypto — react to immediately.
Why a Government Shutdown Matters for Crypto
A shutdown creates multiple layers of uncertainty:
Delayed economic data
Key releases such as CPI, employment, and BLS data may be postponed, creating a “data fog” for traders.
Regulatory slowdown
Limited operations at the SEC and CFTC delay ETF approvals, crypto regulation clarity, and enforcement guidance.
Risk-off sentiment
Investors reduce exposure to high-risk assets and move capital toward perceived safe havens like gold or Treasuries.
Because crypto is a high-beta risk asset, it reacts faster and more aggressively than stocks, especially under conditions of leverage and thinning liquidity.
Global Crypto Market Impact (As of Early February 1, 2026)
🌍 Total Crypto Market Capitalization
$2.65T – $2.70T
Down ~5.7% – 6.9% in 24 hours
Over $150B wiped out recently
The market has failed to hold higher ranges near $2.9T–$3T, slipping into a fragile zone as capital exits risk assets amid shutdown uncertainty.
📊 24-Hour Trading Volume
$70B – $190B+ across exchanges
Elevated volume during price drops signals capitulation and forced selling, not healthy accumulation. Weekend conditions and BTC-centric flows are amplifying volatility, as order books thin quickly during panic moves.
Bitcoin (BTC)
Price: $78,000 – $79,000
24h Change: −6.0% to −6.6%
Market Cap: ~$1.56T – $1.57T
Weekly Decline: ~7% – 11% from recent highs near $84k–$89k
BTC is testing key support levels between $75k–$81k. Technical indicators show oversold conditions (RSI near ~25 in some analyses), but macro pressure remains strong.
Why BTC is falling:
Shutdown-driven risk aversion
Broader geopolitical noise
Heavy leverage flushes
Recent sessions saw $1.7B+ in long liquidations, wiping out over-leveraged positions. A quick political resolution could spark a rebound toward $82k–$85k, while prolonged uncertainty could open downside toward $70k or below
.
Ethereum (ETH)
Price: $2,400 – $2,450
24h Change: −9% to −10.2%
Performance: Underperforming BTC significantly
ETH is taking a harder hit due to its higher sensitivity to risk sentiment and concerns around SEC delays impacting ETF and regulatory narratives. Liquidity drains faster in ETH and altcoins during macro shocks.
Altcoins & Major Tokens
XRP, SOL, DOGE, ADA, TRX: −8% to −11%+ in 24 hours
Overall altcoin bleed: −10% to −25% in higher-volatility segments
XRP, in particular, has faced pressure toward lower support zones as speculative capital exits first. Leverage magnifies these moves, especially during weekend trading.
Liquidity Conditions
Liquidity is thin and deteriorating:
Bid-ask spreads widening
Buy-side depth shrinking rapidly
Increased slippage on large orders
Perpetual funding rates are volatile, and sentiment indicators such as the Fear & Greed Index have dropped into Extreme Fear (low-20s to 30s) territory.
Liquidations & Leverage Flush
$1.68B – $1.7B+ liquidated in the past 24–48 hours
Approximately 93% were long positions
These cascades accelerate downside moves but can also reset the market, creating conditions for sharp relief rallies if uncertainty clears.
Outlook & What to Watch
The shutdown is not a structural crypto crash catalyst, but it amplifies existing weakness
Markets are sensitive to House action early this week
High probability scenario: Short shutdown → relief rally
Low probability scenario: Prolonged shutdown → deeper volatility
Crypto typically falls faster than equities during fear, but also rebounds faster when uncertainty fades.
Bottom Line
The partial U.S. government shutdown is driving short-term pain across crypto markets by increasing uncertainty, delaying data, slowing regulation, draining liquidity, and triggering mass liquidations. While the event is likely temporary, its impact is outsized due to crypto’s speculative and leveraged nature.
Caution is key: reduced leverage, tighter risk management, and close monitoring of political developments are essential in the coming days.