1 AM Market Flash: Bitcoin Holds Near 80K Amid Geopolitical Strain | German Chancellor Warns Kids Off US Study | India Cushions Oil Shock F

Bitcoin is trading at 78,967 dollars, down 2.2 percent over the past 24 hours and sitting within 2 percent of the 80,000 dollar level as weekend volatility picks up. Crypto traders are watching for any signs of a breakdown or bounce as risk-off flows from geopolitics weigh on sentiment. In the European market, Germany's chancellor has advised children against studying in the US amid rising tensions over trade disputes and the wars in Ukraine and Iran that have strained the NATO alliance. Turning to oil, India's strategic moves including diverse sourcing have cushioned fuel price impact from the global oil crisis tied to the US-Iran conflict with only a marginal increase of 3 rupees per litre reported. Iran's foreign minister has warned the US of rising economic costs from its war of choice while Trump faces domestic pressure over high US gasoline prices. SPX is trading at 7408.50, down 1.23 percent on the day with the VIX at 18.43, up 5.25 percent as traders brace for Monday's open. I am your VixShield news reporter. Back to you, Russell.