US Jobs Market: 862,000 Payroll Revision Hits 15-Year High and Cryptos are Bleeding
The US labor market was much weaker than thought. A -862,000 payroll revision for 2025 sends shockwaves through the economy and pressures Bitcoin prices.
The Biggest Labor Market Revision Since the Great Recession
The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has released its annual benchmark revisions, revealing that the labor market in 2025 was significantly more fragile than initially reported. On Wednesday, February 11, 2026, the BLS confirmed a downward revision of -862,000 jobs (not seasonally adjusted) for the 12-month period ending in March 2025.
This staggering figure represents the largest downward adjustment since the 2009 Financial Crisis, effectively erasing a massive chunk of what was previously touted as a resilient economic expansion.
Why the Payroll Revision Matters
In simple terms, a payroll revision occurs when the government compares its initial monthly estimates (based on surveys) with actual tax records. A downward revision of nearly a million jobs suggests that:
- Hiring was overstated: The monthly "beats" reported throughout 2025 were less robust than the public was led to believe.
- Economic Momentum is Waning: High interest rates may have had a deeper "lag effect" on employment than the Fed anticipated.
- Recession Risks: Large negative revisions of this magnitude have historically signaled a turning point toward an economic contraction.
Bitcoin and Crypto Markets React to "Risk-Off" Sentiment
The crypto market, often a barometer for global liquidity and risk appetite, reacted with immediate volatility. $Bitcoin slipped toward the $67,000 mark, losing ground as traders digested the implications of a stalling US economy.
While a weak labor market typically increases the pressure on the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates—a move that usually benefits cryptocurrencies—the sheer scale of the revision has triggered "risk-off" sentiment. Investors are currently prioritizing safety over speculation, fearing that the labor market is not just "cooling," but potentially "cracking."
Tax season is right around the corner. Did you pick a crypto tax tool yet? Check out our comparisonKey Market Data at a Glance
| Asset | Current Price (Approx.) | 24h Change |
|---|---|---|
| Bitcoin (BTC) | $67,120 | -2.5% |
| Ethereum (ETH) | $1,950 | -2.1% |
| S&P 500 | 5,890 | -0.4% |
Navigating the Crypto Volatility
The disconnect between "strong" monthly prints and the "weak" reality of the benchmark data has left market participants skeptical of upcoming data releases. For those looking to manage their risk during this period of uncertainty, comparing the best platforms for execution is vital. You can check our exchange comparison to find the most liquid and reliable venues for trading.
According to reports from Bloomberg and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, this revision may force a pivot in the Fed's "higher for longer" narrative, but for now, the market is bracing for a bumpy ride.
