Bitcoin Plunges Below $6\,000\, Hits New Lows for the Year

Bitcoin Plunges Below $6,000, Hits New Lows for the Year

The virtual currency has lost more than 60% of its value this year

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

The lull in cryptocurrency markets is over.

Bitcoin dropped more than 10% on Wednesday, falling below $6,000 and reaching new lows for the year. Other rivals also fell sharply in value, with market participants suggesting that a looming split in a separate digital currency called Bitcoin Cash triggered the broad decline.

One worry is the division,...