Cryptocurrency markets recorded modest gains on February 12 as investors digested stronger than expected U.S. employment data, even as spot Bitcoin and Ethereum exchange traded funds posted notable outflows.
Data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics showed that nonfarm payrolls increased by 130,000 in January, significantly above December’s 48,000 gain and ahead of market expectations of 70,000. The unemployment rate declined to 4.3 percent from 4.4 percent, signaling continued resilience in the labor market. Despite the upbeat figures, the U.S. dollar index remained broadly flat near 96.8, extending its longer term downward trend.
The overall cryptocurrency market capitalization rose approximately 1.3 percent over the past 24 hours to around $2.32 trillion. Trading activity also strengthened, with total 24 hour volume increasing roughly 11 percent to about $109 billion, reflecting steady participation across major digital assets.
Bitcoin traded near $68,300, up about 1.5 percent over the past day. The leading cryptocurrency remains roughly 46 percent below its October 2025 all time high above $126,000 and continues to reflect year to date losses of more than 20 percent. Intraday trading ranged between the mid $65,000 and upper $68,000 levels. Bitcoin currently ranks among the largest global assets by market capitalization across all asset classes.
However, U.S. listed Bitcoin spot ETFs saw net outflows of approximately $276 million on Wednesday, reversing inflows of $167 million from the prior session. The Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund recorded the largest withdrawals among the products.
Ethereum slipped nearly 2 percent to trade near $1,995. The second largest cryptocurrency remains about 60 percent below its 2025 peak near $4,950. Ethereum spot ETFs also experienced net outflows of roughly $129 million, compared with modest inflows a day earlier. The Fidelity Ethereum Fund led outflows within the segment.
Among other large cap tokens, XRP gained around 2 percent to trade near $1.39, while BNB rose more than 3 percent to approximately $616. Solana posted marginal gains to around $81.70, and TRON edged higher to trade near $0.278. Dogecoin advanced nearly 5 percent, while Bitcoin Cash declined slightly.
The mixed price action suggests that while macroeconomic data continues to influence digital asset markets, crypto remains responsive to internal liquidity flows, particularly ETF activity. For now, mild positive sentiment persists, though sustained gains may depend on broader capital inflows and stabilization in traditional financial markets.
