Crypto Slumps as US Government Shutdown Odds Hit 76%

**Cryptocurrency Markets Plunge as US Government Shutdown Fears Intensify**

Cryptocurrency markets faced significant turbulence Thursday as Bitcoin and Ethereum experienced sharp declines amid mounting concerns over a potential US government shutdown. With shutdown odds reaching 76%, digital assets retreated from recent gains, highlighting the crypto market's sensitivity to traditional financial uncertainty.

Ethereum led the selloff, plummeting over 3% and approaching the critical $4,000 support level for the first time since early August. This dramatic price movement signals weakening investor confidence as political gridlock threatens government operations. Bitcoin and other major cryptocurrencies followed suit, with blockchain-based assets demonstrating correlation with traditional risk-off sentiment.

The cryptocurrency downturn reflects broader market anxiety as DeFi protocols and digital asset portfolios face pressure from macroeconomic headwinds. Traders are closely monitoring government funding negotiations, as prolonged shutdown scenarios could trigger further crypto volatility. This latest price action underscores how regulatory uncertainty and political developments continue influencing cryptocurrency valuations, despite the blockchain industry's decentralized nature. Market participants remain cautious as government shutdown probabilities climb higher.