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Bitcoin & Ethereum News, Crypto Prices & Indexes

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Crypto Breaking News

Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) steadied as Wall Street opened on Monday, marking a calmer exit from an earlier burst of volatility while gold extended its march toward February highs. Traders surveyed a landscape where risk-on catalysts were scarce and liquidity appeared to coalesce around key price levels. In this environment, analysts highlighted a potential range-bound dynamic for BTC, with buyers and sellers evaluating the same technical anchors that have governed recent moves. The broader macro backdrop—dovish whispers on inflation and a wary risk appetite—helped anchor prices as investors awaited clearer directional cues.

Key takeaways

  • Bitcoin is expected to bounce within a defined range, with Fibonacci levels shaping the near-term support and resistance boundaries after a spell of pronounced volatility.
  • The Coinbase Premium Index briefly flipped to positive territory for the first time in four weeks, suggesting a narrowing price gap between Coinbase’s BTC/USD and Binance’s BTC/USDT pairs.
  • On-chain data point toward defensive market behavior, as mean exchange outflows spike and large holders continue accumulating coins off exchanges.
  • Analysts describe a broad risk-off stance across spot, derivatives, ETFs, and on-chain indicators, reinforcing a cautious mood despite occasional shifting signals.
  • Whale activity is being watched closely, with CryptoQuant noting aggressive accumulation patterns on Binance during a period of price testing near the upper range.

Tickers mentioned: $BTC

Sentiment: Bearish

Price impact: Neutral

Trading idea (Not Financial Advice): Hold

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Market context: The current phase sits within a broader environment of liquidity questions, cautious positioning, and mixed signals from on-chain data, as traders weigh potential catalysts and macro developments that could reaccelerate price discovery.

Why it matters

The near-term trajectory for Bitcoin remains tethered to a delicate balance between selling pressure and the willingness of large buyers to step in. As BTC hovers near technical levels, traders are parsing whether current price action represents a genuine base formation or a pause before the next leg of directional movement. The combination of subdued volatility on the hourly time frame and rising on-chain activity around key levels suggests that market participants are preparing for a potential breakout—but only if liquidity and demand align at the right junctures.

On the exchange front, the Coinbase Premium Index’s move back into positive territory, albeit briefly, adds texture to the narrative. The metric, which tracks the relative pricing between Coinbase’s BTC/USD and Binance’s BTC/USDT pairs, has historically offered a rough proxy for where demand is strongest across major venues. A short-lived positive reading can signal shifting demand dynamics or a reevaluation of where liquidity will materialize first in a range-bound regime. Yet observers caution that a temporary tilt does not guarantee a sustained updraft, especially when broader risk-off signals persist elsewhere in crypto markets.

From an on-chain perspective, CryptoQuant documented a notable intake of coins away from exchange wallets, a classic hallmark of accumulation by large holders during periods of price consolidation. The narrative—described in the Quicktake piece as “accumulation during capitulation”—frames current activity as a potential precursor to a support base that could anchor prices if demand steadies. In tandem, the two-week moving average of mean exchange outflows reached 13.3 BTC per withdrawal on Feb. 8, a level that underscores the scale at which investors have been moving coins off centralized venues. Taken together, these signals hint at a more nuanced dynamic than simple momentum-driven moves, where hedging and reserve-building among market participants may provide a floor even as sentiment remains cautious.

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“The market is currently witnessing a classic ‘accumulation during capitulation’ scenario,” CryptoQuant analysts wrote, noting that while sentiment remains fearful, the surge in mean exchange outflows points to active buying by large players.
“While sentiment is fearful, the sharp rise in the Mean Exchange Outflow confirms that large-scale investors are aggressively buying and withdrawing Bitcoin, signaling potential support formation at these levels.”

Beyond BTC alone, industry watchers pointed to a persistent risk-off tone across the ecosystem. Glassnode’s Market Pulse characterized conditions as defensive across spot, derivatives, ETFs, and on-chain indicators, noting compressed profitability and negative capital flows alongside elevated hedging demand after recent repricing. While some signals hint that selling pressure could be moderating, analysts emphasized that a durable rebound would likely require renewed spot demand capable of lifting prices above recent lows. The overall mood, while not uniformly bearish, remains cautious, with players calibrating risk management and liquidity considerations as macro narratives continue to evolve.

In the background, gold referenced a similar tension in risk appetite, continuing a broader push toward safe-haven assets as investors weigh the trajectory of rates and inflation expectations. The precious metal’s move toward new month-to-date highs provided a contrasting backdrop to crypto markets, highlighting the ongoing interplay between traditional assets and digital markets in a mixed macro environment.

What to watch next

  • BTC price action around the defined Fibonacci levels: watch for a decisive break above or below current bands to confirm the range-bound thesis or signal a breakout.
  • Movement in the Coinbase Premium Index: a sustained positive reading or a reversion could provide early hints about shifting exchange demand dynamics.
  • On-chain accumulation signals: monitor changes in mean exchange outflow and large-holder activity that could indicate loosening or tightening supply pressure.
  • Glassnode Market Pulse updates: any shift toward risk-on indicators or renewed profit-taking could influence near-term sentiment and liquidity flows.

Sources & verification

  • TradingView BTCUSD price data on the BITSTAMP feed used to gauge volatility and range formation.
  • CryptoQuant: Coinbase Premium Index data showing the index behavior around February 2026.
  • CryptoQuant Quicktake: Bitcoin Aggressive Whale Accumulation on Binance and related discussion of capitulation-era accumulation patterns.
  • Glassnode: Market Pulse report for February 2026, describing risk-off conditions across spot, derivatives, ETFs, and on-chain metrics.
  • Public posts on StefanB’s X feed and CW8900’s tweet, illustrating trader sentiment and real-time micro-structure signals in BTC volatility and liquidity.

Bitcoin price action in a quiet range as momentum ebbs

Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) has settled into a quiet framework after an eventful period, with price momentum cooling as traders await catalysts that could tip the balance toward a new trend. The market’s current complexion leans toward a defined range, with technical observers identifying Fibonacci retracement levels as the principal scaffolding around which near-term price action is likely to rotate. The absence of a clear directional impulse has encouraged participants to posture for a breakout or a sustainable pullback, depending on which side of the spectrum liquidity and demand prefer to emerge.

Analysts on X and other analytics platforms have highlighted a convergence of signals that are consistent with a cautious, range-bound stance. A notable commentary from StefanB underscored the idea that the market might be building liquidity into critical levels, a scenario often observed after episodes of elevated volatility. In practical terms, that means traders are watching price action near well-defined support and resistance horizons, waiting for a decisive move that could establish a new baseline for the next leg of the cycle. As the price slices through these thresholds, a sustained shift in volatility could either validate the range-play hypothesis or usher in a fresh wave of liquidity that drives BTC beyond the current confines.

On-chain data contribute a complementary perspective. The Coinbase Premium Index’s recent move into positive territory, even if temporary, points to a shifting balance of demand across major venues. The metric’s trend, combined with CryptoQuant’s discussion of aggressive whale accumulation on Binance, paints a more nuanced picture than simple speculation about price—one in which large players appear to be consolidating positions in preparation for potential price resilience. The argument for accumulation is reinforced by the reported rise in mean exchange outflows, a signal that investors are methodically removing coins from centralized exchanges to reduce selling pressure and preserve optionality as prices test nearby resistance.

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Still, the broader market mood remains cautious. Glassnode’s Market Pulse notes that profitability across spot and derivatives has been compressed and hedging demand remains elevated, underscoring the fragility of any optimistic takeaway. In this environment, even as some indicators hint at underlying support, the absence of robust spot-driven demand means any upside may depend on a convincing uptick in risk appetite or a surprising development in macro data that redefines the risk-reward calculus for crypto assets.

Gold’s ongoing strength adds a macro layer to the discussion. As bullion tests new highs for the month, investors are reminded of the complex interplay between traditional assets and digital markets. The current cross-currents—ranging from inflation expectations to liquidity dynamics—highlight why BTC’s trajectory remains highly context-dependent, with a broad spectrum of catalysts capable of reshaping investor positioning in the short to medium term. The narrative continues to emphasize caution and disciplined risk management, even as people remain vigilant for a breakout that could unlock a fresh phase of price discovery.

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Risk & affiliate notice: Crypto assets are volatile and capital is at risk. This article may contain affiliate links. Read full disclosure

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Crypto World

Bitcoin, Ethereum, Crypto News & Price Indexes

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Bitcoin, Ethereum, Crypto News & Price Indexes

Key points:

  • Bitcoin’s relief rally is facing selling near $72,000, but a positive sign is that the bulls have not ceded much ground to the bears.

  • Several major altcoins are facing selling at higher levels, indicating that the sentiment remains negative.

Bitcoin (BTC) has slipped closer to $69,500, indicating that the bears are selling on rallies. Several analysts believe that BTC’s bottom is still not in. Trader BitBull said in a post on X that BTC’s “real bottom will form below $50,000, where most of the ETF buyers will be underwater.”

A different view point was put forth by crypto sentiment platform Santiment. In a report on Saturday, the Santiment team said that data suggests the fall to $60,000 may have been a genuine bottom. However, for a sustained recovery, the market has to sustain above the key support level, and whales must continue their tentative accumulation.

Crypto market data daily view. Source: TradingView

Another positive for the bulls is that the BTC Sharpe ratio has fallen to -10, which historically indicates the final phases of bear markets, according to CryptoQuant analyst Darkfost. Although the readings do not confirm that the bear market is over, it indicates that the risk-to-reward profile may be reaching extreme levels.

Could BTC and the major altcoins start a strong relief rally, or will the downtrend resume? Let’s analyze the charts of the top 10 cryptocurrencies to find out. 

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S&P 500 Index price prediction

The S&P 500 Index (SPX) fell below the ascending channel pattern on Thursday, but the bulls could not sustain the lower levels.

SPX daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingView

The index came roaring back on Friday and surged above the moving averages. That shows the break below the channel may have been a bear trap. The bulls will attempt to push the price to the resistance line, where the bears are expected to step in.

The 20-day exponential moving average (6,917) is flattening out, and the relative strength index (RSI) is just above the midpoint, signaling a balance between supply and demand. A close above the resistance line might start the next leg of the uptrend toward 7,290.

US Dollar Index price prediction

The US Dollar Index (DXY) rose above the 20-day EMA (97.67) on Thursday, but the bulls could not sustain the higher levels.

DXY daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingView

The price plunged sharply below the 20-day EMA on Monday, signaling that the bears are attempting to take control. There is strong support in the 96.21 to 95.51 support zone, but if the bears prevail, the index might collapse to 91.88.

Instead, if the price turns up sharply from the current level or the support zone and rises above the moving averages, it signals that the index might extend its stay inside the 96.21 to 100.54 range for some more time.

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Bitcoin price prediction

BTC’s recovery is stalling just below the breakdown level of $74,508, indicating that the bears are attempting to flip the level into resistance.

BTC/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingView

The downsloping 20-day EMA ($78,142) and the RSI in the negative territory indicate an advantage to sellers. If the price turns down from $74,508 or the 20-day EMA, the bears will again strive to pull the BTC/USDT pair toward $60,000.

This negative view will be invalidated in the near term if the Bitcoin price breaks above the 20-day EMA. That suggests solid buying at lower levels. The pair may then rally toward the 50-day SMA ($86,636).

Ether price prediction

Ether’s (ETH) relief rally is facing selling at the $2,111 level, but a positive sign is that the bulls have not ceded much ground to the bears.

ETH/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingView

If the price decisively closes above the $2,111 level, the ETH/USDT pair may climb to the 20-day EMA ($2,447). This is a crucial resistance to watch out for, as a break above it suggests that the bearish momentum has weakened. The Ether price may then rise to the 50-day SMA ($2,877).

Sellers will have to aggressively defend the $2,111 level to retain their advantage. If they do that, the $1,750 level may be at risk of breaking down. The pair may then slump to $1,537.

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BNB price prediction

BNB’s (BNB) relief rally is facing selling near the 50% Fibonacci retracement level of $676, indicating a negative sentiment.

BNB/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingView

If the price slips below $602, the bears will attempt to yank the BNB/USDT pair below the $570 support. If they manage to do that, the pair may plummet to $500. 

Contrarily, if bulls push the BNB price above $676, the pair may ascend to the breakdown level of $730. Sellers are expected to defend the $730 to $790 zone as a break above it suggests that the bulls are back in the game. The pair might then surge to the 50-day SMA ($849).

XRP price prediction

Buyers have maintained XRP (XRP) above the support line of the descending channel pattern but are struggling to push the price to the 20-day EMA ($1.63).

XRP/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingView

If the price turns down and breaks below the support line, it indicates that the bears remain in charge. The XRP/USDT pair may then retest the $1.11 level. Buyers are expected to defend the $1.11 level with all their might, as a break below it may sink the pair to $1 and then to $0.75.

Buyers will have to propel the XRP price above the 20-day EMA to gain the upper hand in the short term. The pair may then march toward the downtrend line. A close above the downtrend line suggests the start of a new up move.

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Solana price prediction

Solana’s (SOL) relief rally is facing selling just below the breakdown level of $95, indicating that the bears are attempting to flip the level into resistance.

SOL/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingView

If the Solana price continues lower and breaks below $77, it suggests that the bears remain in command. The SOL/USDT pair may then retest the $67 level, which is likely to act as a strong support.

Sellers are expected to defend the zone between the 20-day EMA ($104) and the $95 level, as a close above it signals that the bulls are back in the driver’s seat. The pair may then march toward the 50-day SMA ($123).

Related: Bitcoin whales took advantage of $60K price dip, scooping up 40K BTC

Dogecoin price prediction

Sellers are attempting to halt Dogecoin’s (DOGE) relief rally at the psychological level of $0.10.

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DOGE/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingView

If the Dogecoin price turns down from the current level, it increases the possibility of a break below the $0.08 level. The DOGE/USDT pair may then resume its downtrend and nosedive to $0.06.

Time is running out for the bulls. They will have to push the price above the 20-day EMA ($0.11) to suggest that the bearish momentum is weakening. The pair may then march toward the $0.13 level.

Cardano price prediction

Cardano’s (ADA) shallow bounce off the support line of the descending channel pattern indicates that the bears are selling on rallies.

ADA/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingView

If the Cardano price turns down from the current level, the bears will again attempt to tug the ADA/USDT pair below the support line. If they can pull it off, the pair may collapse to the next support at $0.20.

Conversely, a break above the 20-day EMA ($0.30) suggests that the pair may remain inside the channel for some more time. The buyers will gain the upper hand on a close above the downtrend line. The pair may then ascend to the breakdown level of $0.50.

Bitcoin Cash price prediction

Bitcoin Cash’s (BCH) relief rally is facing resistance at the 20-day EMA ($543), indicating a bearish sentiment.

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BCH/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingView

If the price continues lower and breaks below $497, it suggests that the bears remain in control. The BCH/USDT pair may then drop toward the crucial support at $443, where the buyers are expected to step in.

On the upside, the bulls will have to push and maintain the price above the 20-day EMA to negate the bearish view. If they do that, the Bitcoin Cash price may climb to the 50-day SMA ($585).