Cryptocurrency markets started the week on a cautious note as escalating geopolitical tensions and a sharp rally in oil prices pressured global risk assets.
Over the weekend, there were few indications that tensions between the United States and Iran were easing. As trading opened Sunday evening in the U.S., oil prices surged dramatically. April West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures jumped 19.1% to $108.35 per barrel—roughly twice their level at the beginning of 2026 and the highest price recorded in nearly four years.
The surge in energy prices quickly rippled through broader markets. U.S. stock index futures slid close to 2%, signaling a weaker start for equities. In Asia, futures tied to Japan’s Nikkei 225 were down 3.1% shortly before the market opened for Monday trading.
Digital assets also moved lower alongside other risk markets. Bitcoin fell about 2%, slipping to just under $66,000. Meanwhile, Ether and Solana posted smaller declines of around 1.4%.
In other commodity markets, precious metals and copper were trading slightly lower, indicating a more muted reaction outside the sharp rally in oil.
