Bitcoin, cryptocurrencies tumble as China sends shudders down markets

Bitcoin, cryptocurrencies tumble as China sends shudders down markets

Investors unnerved by the financial strains of a Chinese real estate firm sent cryptocurrencies reeling on Monday, with bitcoin (BTC-USD) tumbling by more than 7%.

As risk-sensitive assets plunged, the leading digital coin shed over $3,000, changing hands just below $44,000 in midday trading. The moves were the latest signal that the world’s largest cryptocurrency hasn’t achieved the “safe haven” asset status that some of its more ardent proponents have promoted, even as debt levels around the world surge in response to COVID-19.