Young workers are facing a tougher job market than expected. Just months after hitting a 54-year low of 5.5% in spring 2023, unemployment among 20–24 year olds has climbed sharply to 8.2% by year-end. That's a striking reversal—and a sign of cooling economic momentum that could ripple through markets. For crypto investors watching macro trends, this kind of employment deterioration often correlates with shifts in risk appetite and asset allocation decisions. The rapid deterioration matters because younger demographics typically show up first in employment stress, potentially signaling broader recessionary pressures ahead.