BITCOIN CRASH BATTERS EL SALVADOR, IMPERILS IMF DEAL Bitcoin’s plunge has slashed the value of El Salvador’s holdings by roughly $300 million, exposing the risks of President Bukele’s crypto bet and shaking the country’s debt markets. Despite the losses, Bukele keeps buying Bitcoin, alarming investors and complicating talks over a $1.4 billion IMF loan. Credit risk has jumped, bonds have swung, and analysts warn that continued crypto purchases and delayed pension reforms could derail IMF support — a key pillar for El Salvador’s finances. With major debt payments looming, Bukele’s Bitcoin gamble is now colliding head-on with the country’s fiscal stability.(*Walter Bloomberg)