BITCOIN SLUMPS AS WAR FEARS SHAKE CRYPTO Bitcoin fell below $69,000, hitting its lowest level since early March, as rising tensions between the U.S., Israel, and Iran rattled markets. The cryptocurrency is down about 20% since the conflict began, undermining its reputation as a safe-haven asset. Other tokens dropped harder, with Ether sliding nearly 5% and several major altcoins also declining. Analysts say the selloff reflects broader risk aversion, with stocks and crypto both under pressure, alongside rising energy costs that make mining more expensive. With oil prices climbing and geopolitical risks intensifying, investors are pulling back from riskier assets—keeping crypto markets under strain.(*Walter Bloomberg)