**Global Market Snapshot: Volatility Grips Major Assets** **Wednesday, February 4, 2026** Global markets are navigating a turbulent mid-week session as technology stocks and cryptocurrencies face sharp sell-offs, while geopolitical tensions drive capital into commodities. **Equities: Tech Sell-Off Weighs on Sentiment** US markets closed lower, dragged down by a steep decline in the technology sector. The **Nasdaq Composite** fell **1.43%** to roughly **23,255**, and the **S&P 500** dipped **0.84%** to **6,917**. Investors are reacting to fears that rapid AI advancements are disrupting traditional software models, sparking a rotation out of major tech names. In Asia, the **Nikkei 225** dropped **1.23%**, echoing Wall Street’s weakness. However, Indian markets showed resilience, with the **Nifty 50** trading flat-to-positive near **25,750** and the **Sensex** hovering around **83,755**, supported by optimism surrounding recent India-US trade discussions. **Crypto: Bitcoin Under Heavy Pressure** The cryptocurrency market is witnessing a significant correction. **Bitcoin (BTC)** has slumped to the **$74,500 – $77,000** range, marking its lowest level since early 2025. Sentiment has turned bearish following the nomination of Kevin Warsh as Federal Reserve Chair, raising concerns about tighter monetary policy. Continued outflows from Spot Bitcoin ETFs and fears of a US government shutdown are further dampening appetite for digital assets. **Commodities: Oil & Gold Rally** Geopolitical instability is boosting traditional commodities. **Brent Crude** climbed nearly **1%** to **$68.03** per barrel, and **WTI** rose to **$63.90** after the US military intercepted an Iranian drone, escalating tensions in the Middle East. **Gold** continues to attract safe-haven flows, trading firmly above **$4,700** per ounce globally. In domestic markets, prices remain elevated as investors hedge against the broader equity volatility. **Key Market Drivers** * **AI Disruption:** Fears that AI agents are replacing legacy software services are hurting tech valuations. * **Fed Policy:** Expectations of "higher for longer" interest rates under new leadership. * **Geopolitics:** Renewed US-Iran friction supporting energy prices.