Bitcoin holds above $80,000 as Asian stock rout drags altcoins lower

Bitcoin experienced heightened downward pressure, dipping close to the critical $80,000 level amid a broader macroeconomic sell-off originating in Asia. South Korea's Kospi index plunged by 8%, triggering regional risk aversion that rapidly bled into the cryptocurrency markets. Altcoins suffered disproportionately, with the CoinDesk 80 dropping 2.2% and the vast majority of top-tier tokens posting red numbers. Analysts note that macroeconomic contagion from traditional equity markets continues to heavily influence digital asset sentiment during periods of high volatility. While Bitcoin demonstrated some resilience by defending the psychological support level, the widespread weakness highlights fragile market conditions across risk assets. Traders are closely monitoring Asian market openings and liquidity flows for further cues on short-term price direction.