The Calm Crypto Market? Bitcoin Volatility Drops Despite Turmoil Elsewhere

Enthusiasts hope muted swings could help cryptocurrencies gain traction as a means of transaction

In an original WSJ documentary, markets reporter Steven Russolillo ventures to Japan and Hong Kong to explore the universe of cryptocurrencies. His mission: create WSJCoin, a virtual token for the newspaper industry. Image: Crystal Tai. Video: Clément Bürge

Steven Russolillo

Nov. 9, 2018 7:00 a.m. ET

Cryptocurrencies, among the most volatile of financial assets, have fallen quiet even as turmoil has gripped stocks, bonds, commodities and traditional currencies.

Bitcoin has mostly traded around $6,500 in recent weeks, in contrast to last year’s manic rally and the steep plunge that followed this year. Enthusiasts hope muted swings could help cryptocurrencies, of which bitcoin is the largest, gain traction as a means of transaction.

...