Crude oil just dipped below the $55 per barrel threshold for the first time since early 2021. That's a pretty significant move.

Why does this matter if you're tracking digital assets? Oil price swings tend to signal broader macroeconomic shifts. When energy costs fall this sharply, it usually reflects weakening global demand, tighter monetary conditions, or shifting geopolitical dynamics. All of these ripple through traditional markets and eventually influence risk appetite in the crypto space.

Back in 2021, oil was bouncing out of pandemic lows. Now we're revisiting those levels under completely different circumstances — post-rate hike environment, slowing growth concerns, and changing energy dynamics. The market's messaging is worth paying attention to if you're thinking about macro positioning across assets.