Bitcoin Updates: Institutional Investors Continue Buying Bitcoin Despite Market Sell-Off in Stocks and Cryptocurrencies

U.S. stock markets finished Thursday in the red,

tumbled more than 2%, and briefly dipped to $86,100

American stocks wrapped up Thursday with losses, as the Nasdaq Composite dropped over 2% amid growing concerns about the economy and uncertainty over the Federal Reserve’s next moves, which dampened investor confidence. The S&P 500 fell 0.92% to close at 6,672.41, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average declined by 1.18% to 46,590.24

. (ICE) and Cl A (CME) both lagged behind other financial stocks, with losing 1.14% and dropping 2.07% . ICE’s decline left it 20.61% below its highest point in the past year, while CME’s loss ended a nine-day streak of gains .

Bitcoin also slid to $86,100 on Thursday, continuing its retreat from the October peak of $126,000. This drop reflected a wider downturn in digital assets, as U.S.-listed spot Bitcoin ETFs saw mixed investor activity. For example,

on Nov. 18, but as Bitcoin’s price climbed back above $90,000. In the third quarter, the Abu Dhabi Investment Council (ADIC) notably boosted its investment in BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF, , worth $520 million, suggesting that large investors remain confident despite recent volatility.

Market jitters were heightened by changing expectations for the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy. The CME FedWatch tool now puts the odds of a

in December, reflecting less optimism than before. Analysts pointed to tighter liquidity, economic headwinds, and the 43-day U.S. government shutdown as key factors behind the declines in both stocks and Bitcoin. The Nasdaq Fear and Greed Index dropped to 11, .

On Nov. 19, Bitcoin ETFs saw a return of investor money,

. However, the rebound was uneven, as and other altcoin ETFs continued to see outflows. ETFs, in contrast, after two new funds were introduced.

Large investors are still acting with caution.

that ETF withdrawals and large holders selling have reduced liquidity, intensifying short-term price drops. Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi’s ADIC reaffirmed its view of Bitcoin as “digital gold,” who see this as a strategic move to preserve value over the long term.

Attention now shifts to the Federal Reserve’s December meeting and broader economic signals to assess whether the recent stabilization can last. For now, the direction of both stocks and cryptocurrencies will likely be shaped by the interplay of institutional moves, economic data, and regulatory changes.