Bitcoin Dips Below $74,000 as Tech Sector Jitters Impact Crypto Market: BTC-04FEB2026

[Para 1: The Lead] Bitcoin (BTC) has retreated below the $74,000 mark, reflecting broader market jitters, particularly in the tech sector. This decline follows a brief recovery from Tuesday's lows, now overshadowed by concerns over artificial intelligence's potential disruption in the technology industry. [Para 2-3: Supporting details & Context] The Nasdaq 100 index, a key barometer for tech stocks, has dropped by 1%, mirroring the sector's downturn. The iShares Expanded Tech-Software ETF (IGV) has fallen further, down 17% in a week, as investors express apprehension about AI's disruptive potential. Crypto miners, closely tied to AI infrastructure development, have been hit hard, with Cipher Mining (CIFR), IREN, and Hut 8 (HUT) experiencing losses over 10%. This trend is exacerbated by AMD's 14% drop after missing 2026 earnings expectations. Additionally, gold, a traditional safe-haven asset, has also seen a decline, reversing earlier gains to fall below $5,000 per ounce. The ISM Services PMI held steady at 53.8, suggesting ongoing expansion in services, but private job growth has slowed significantly, with only 22,000 jobs added, far below forecasts. These developments highlight the volatility in global markets and the interconnectedness of financial sectors.