Bitcoin Plunges Below $77k as Fed Minutes Loom – Will Nvidia Earnings Spark a Rally?

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<a href="https://minority-mindset.com/btc-usd/">Bitcoin</a> braces for Fed minutes and Nvidia earnings after $661M wipeout

Bitcoin fell below $77,000 on May 18 as selling pressure spread across the crypto market. 

Summary

  • Bitcoin’s drop below $77,000 came as ETF outflows and forced liquidations weakened short-term market sentiment.
  • Fed minutes, jobs data and sentiment reports may shape rate expectations across markets this week.
  • Nvidia’s May 20 earnings could guide AI stock demand and AI-linked crypto tokens this week.

According to crypto.news, U.S. Bitcoin ETFs experienced over $1 billion in net outflows last week. Simultaneously, crypto positions totaling more than $661 million were closed—or liquidated—in a single day.

Bitcoin’s price briefly rose after a bill, known as the CLARITY Act, passed a Senate committee, even reaching over $82,000. However, this increase didn’t last. Traders became more concerned with broader economic risks, outflows from Bitcoin ETFs, and some forced selling, causing the price to fall back down.

Fed minutes and jobs data enter focus

Next week, from May 18th to May 22nd, U.S. traders will be focusing on several key economic reports. These include data on home sales, job growth (from both ADP and weekly claims), how factories are performing, and what consumers think about the economy. The Federal Reserve’s meeting minutes will also be released on Wednesday.

Investors will be closely examining the latest meeting notes from the Federal Reserve, looking for clues about their plans for tackling inflation and setting interest rates. According to crypto.news, recent reports on producer and consumer prices suggest the Fed might hold interest rates high for an extended period. This situation could negatively impact Bitcoin and other investments considered risky, as expectations for readily available funds decrease.

Nvidia earnings test AI trade

Nvidia will announce its first-quarter financial results for 2027 on May 20th at 2 p.m. Pacific Time, as stated on their investor calendar. This announcement is important for the cryptocurrency market because tokens related to artificial intelligence often move in response to changes in how traders value AI companies and the growth of data centers.

As a researcher following the digital asset space, I’ve been tracking Nvidia’s impact, and it’s clear they’re a key player. Back in February, crypto.news highlighted how positive earnings from Nvidia correlated with a rise in both Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, as investors seemed more willing to take on risk. Now, with their latest report, I’m watching to see if another strong performance will boost crypto projects focused on AI. Conversely, if their outlook is weak, it could put even more downward pressure on the market.

Oil and Iran risks keep markets cautious

Oil prices are also influencing the market. According to crypto.news, the price of WTI crude oil rose above $107 per barrel due to stalled negotiations between the U.S. and Iran, and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, which are increasing worries about inflation. Higher oil prices could make it less likely that interest rates will be lowered and may decrease demand for riskier investments.

Overall market conditions are easily influenced by political statements. For example, a recent warning from President Trump regarding Iran caused oil prices to rise and created more uncertainty in the cryptocurrency market. What happens with Bitcoin next will likely depend on upcoming economic reports, notes from the Federal Reserve’s meetings, and Nvidia’s financial results – whether these reassure investors or lead to further price drops.

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2026-05-18 12:47