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BTC jumps above $71,000, building on resilience to Middle East conflict

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BTC jumps above $71,000, building on resilience to Middle East conflict

Bitcoin surged Wednesday, underscoring it’s growing resilience to turmoil in the Middle East, while gold, a traditional safe haven, lagged.

The leading cryptocurrency by market value rose to $71,023 during the European hours, up over 6% on a 24-hour basis, according to CoinDesk data. Other majors such as ether (ETH), XRP (XRP) and solana (SOL) followed bitcoin’s lead, rising 4% to 6%, respectively.

The CoinDesk 20 Index, a broader market gauge, rose over 5% to 2,025 points.

“Bitcoin may now exhibit some defensive characteristics during crisis periods, but gold’s retreat highlights that even classic safe-havens are not immune to market dynamics, positioning Bitcoin as a more flexible yet still high-beta alternative,” Tagus Capital said in its daily newsletter.

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BTC’s latest move to multi‑week highs follows even as the crisis has intensified, with Iran blocking oil supplies through the Strait of Hormuz and raising the spectre of energy‑price inflation around the world. Since the conflict between Israel, the U.S., and Iran erupted on Saturday, bitcoin has proved surprisingly resilient, with the downside capped around $65,000.

Meanwhile, gold, a traditional safe haven, peaked above $5,400 per ounce on Monday and has since declined to $5,160. Asian equity indices, led by South Korea’s Kospi index, have bled heavily as oil imports cost rise.

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‘Chinese Instagram’ Rednote bans Justin Sun’s accounts

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'Chinese Instagram' Rednote bans Justin Sun's accounts

Chinese national, TRON creator, and unrealized crypto billionaire Justin Sun is having a difficult week, with his stock, TRON Inc., continuing to crater and now his Rednote (Xiaohongshu) account getting banned.

A reason for the ban wasn’t stated by the platform, but speculation among users has been rampant.

Indeed, replies have run the gamut from joyful, to calling him a scammer, to disappointment, and even suggesting they’ll now rely on X instead of Rednote.

Sun doesn’t mention the ban on X

Despite the fact that Sun had well over 100,000 followers on his Rednote account and relied on it to share his crypto hot takes with the Chinese community (like that he’s “all in on web 4.0”) he’s failed to mention the ban on X.

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Sun has two X accounts, @justinsuntron for his English language audience and @sunyuchentron for his Chinese mainland followers.

The Rednote ban means that Sun now has no active social media accounts in China whatsoever, with his TikTok account getting shut down relatively recently.

One of his Weibo accounts got banned in 2019 and another in 2020.

Read more: Justin Sun’s TRON stock is dying

He still has one unbanned Weibo account, but he hasn’t posted from it in over a year. At least four different Sun social media accounts have been banned in China, likely more that are unaccounted for.

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Meanwhile, users of Rednote, which has been described as the Chinese answer to Instagram, responded to the ban in mixed ways, with some suggesting that the ban was because Sun was “reported by someone [born] before the ’90s” and another stating, “So tragic, I can only go to X from now on” with a reply of “no internet spirit at all, banning accounts at every turn.”

Some users’ comments on Suns Rednote ban.

However, others seemed happy with the takedown. One user in Inner Mongolia said, “This is a good thing,” while another took credit for the ban, posting, “You’re welcome, I’m the one who reported [him].”

Sun’s latest ban begs the question as to why American social media companies haven’t taken a similar step to nix the serial crypto entrepreneur.

While his incessant shilling and promotion of high-yield staking on TRON appears to be enough to get him removed from every single major Chinese social media platform, the cringe-worthy and scam-adjacent posting doesn’t seem to be enough to get him removed from X, Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube.

Between all of his American social media accounts Sun has amassed just under 10 million followers.

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Institutional Accumulation: US Bitcoin ETFs and MicroStrategy Drive $1.2B Demand Surge

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Institutional Accumulation: US Bitcoin ETFs and MicroStrategy Drive $1.2B Demand Surge

Institutional capital just returned to Bitcoin (BTC) with a vengeance, with ETFs and treasure companies helping to snap a volatility streak that had tested industry supporters’ conviction.

In a coordinated surge of demand, US Bitcoin ETFs and MicroStrategy combined to absorb over $1.7 billion in supply within a single week. No retail hype cycle. Just size moving in.

This aggressive institutional buying hits the market at a critical technical juncture. After months of chop, the sudden injection of liquidity signals a potential regime change for the asset class. However, price action remains compressed, raising the stakes for the next major resistance test.

Key Takeaways:
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  • US Bitcoin ETFs recorded $1.1 billion in net inflows over barely three trading sessions, with BlackRock’s IBIT capturing 57% of total volume.
  • MicroStrategy acquired an additional 3,015 BTC for $155 million, bringing its total corporate treasury holdings to 193,000 BTC.
  • Bitcoin supply issuance is now being outpaced by demand, yet price must clear $64,000 to validate the absorption.

Recent Inflows into Bitcoin ETFs: The Return of Billion-Dollar Demand

The shift in momentum was immediate and heavy. After weeks of bleeding capital and erratic performance, Bitcoin ETF inflows roared back, recording $1.1 billion in net buys over just three sessions.

On March 3 alone, $458.2 million entered the system, according to data shared by Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas.

BlackRock IBIT led the charge, securing $263.2 million, more than 50% of the daily total. Fidelity’s FBTC followed with $94.8 million, showing a clear hierarchy in liquidity preferences.

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This concentration matters. Institutional capital is flowing through specific, high-volume pipes rather than broad market speculation.

The sudden return of billion-dollar volume suggests that the outflow fatigue seen in February has resolved.

Institutional Accumulation: US Bitcoin ETFs and MicroStrategy Drive $1.2B Demand Surge
Source: TradingView

Supply mechanics are tightening. With the halving reducing daily miner issuance, a $450 million inflow day absorbs weeks of production in hours. If ETF buyers continue to absorb miner supply at this rate, the supply shock becomes mathematical. But if flows revert to the erratic pattern seen last month, the rally risks decoupling from fundamentals.

Discover: The next crypto to explode!

MicroStrategy BTC Acquisition: Relentless Accumulation

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While ETFs dominated the flow data, MicroStrategy executed another massive treasury expansion to backstop the market. Michael Saylor confirmed the purchase of 3,015 BTC for approximately $155 million. The average entry price was $67,700.

This brings the company’s total stack to 720,737 BTC, acquired at an aggregate cost of roughly $39.5 billion, an average of just $54,765 per coin.

This is not passive exposure. It is a relentless accumulation strategy that disregards short-term volatility.

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Much like other corporate treasuries aggressively adding crypto assets, MicroStrategy is removing floating supply permanently from exchanges.

And yet, no capitulation. Saylor’s continued buying at $51,000+ signals conviction that the current range is a floor, not a ceiling.

The “Saylor Effect” acts as a psychological backstop: even when prices chop, the largest corporate holder keeps buying. MicroStrategy BTC purchases are becoming a structural constant in a volatile market.

Bitcoin Price Analysis: The $64,000 Line in the Sand

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The $1.7 billion in buy-side pressure has caused Bitcoin to leap 8.5% in the last 24 hours to trade around $71,000.

Jan van Eck, CEO of asset management firm VanEck, suggests the macro bottom is behind us, but the charts require confirmation.

Institutional Accumulation: US Bitcoin ETFs and MicroStrategy Drive $1.2B Demand Surge

Lose $60,000, and the bullish thesis is invalidated, exposing the market to a drop toward the $50,000 to $55,000 zone, which Polymarket bettors, Standard Chartered analysts, and the CryptoQuant CEO suggest could be the market bottom.

Watch the daily net flow of BlackRock IBIT closely this week. If inflows sustain above $200 million daily while price reclaims $72,000, the consolidation phase will likely be far behind us.

Discover: The best crypto to buy today.

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The post Institutional Accumulation: US Bitcoin ETFs and MicroStrategy Drive $1.2B Demand Surge appeared first on Cryptonews.

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Three Bitcoin Signals Point to $80K as Next BTC Target for Bulls

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Crypto Breaking News

Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) bulls are targeting a move back toward $80,000 in March, supported by a technical setup that has begun to show meaningful upside momentum. After a rally that pushed BTC above key levels, the asset retraced and then re-accelerated, signaling that demand is re-emerging as buyers step in around pivotal price zones. In recent trading, BTC rose more than 5% to around $71,900, a move that coincided with a breakout from what some analysts characterized as a bear pennant, though others see it as the early stages of a bullish symmetrical triangle. The pattern suggests a potential catalyst for a larger advance if buying interest remains firm and volume sustains its uptick.

The evolving chart pattern centers on a symmetrical triangle, formed as price makes lower highs and higher lows within a narrowing price range. In practice, the triangle’s widest cross-section spans roughly from $63,000 on the lower side to $71,000–$72,000 on the upper edge. A breakout above the upper boundary could unleash a measured move toward the $80,000 area, a target that also happens to align with BTC’s 100-day exponential moving average, a level many traders view as a significant longer-term gauge of trend health. The breakout’s credibility hinges on follow-through volume, with higher turnover often translating into increased conviction behind the move.

From a near-term perspective, the chain of moving averages presents both a challenge and an objective. The 50-day EMA sits near $74,400, posing a near-term hurdle. A rejection around that level would raise the odds of a pullback toward the 20-day EMA, which sits closer to $68,700, potentially reigniting short-term volatility. Still, if BTC can clear the 50-day EMA and maintain momentum, the path toward the broader target remains plausible, with the 100-day EMA acting as a guidepost for the longer-term trend.

Beyond pure price action, the market atmosphere is colored by a functional market mechanics element: an unfilled CME futures gap. That gap sits approximately in the $79,660–$81,210 zone, offering a magnet for price in the event of rebalancing between the spot market and the futures market. The dynamic arises because CME futures markets do not trade over the weekend, so when spot prices move during those periods, a gap can form that the futures market may revisit once trading resumes. Traders monitor this area closely as a potential catalyst zone where price could pause or accelerate in the days ahead.

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On the speculative side, market-derived odds from prediction platforms have started tilting more decisively toward a bullish outcome for BTC in March. Polymarket has shifted toward pricing in a 40% probability that Bitcoin reaches $80,000 this month, up from 20% a day earlier. The odds for a price of $75,000 in March are even higher, around 70%, signaling a stronger collective belief among market participants in a constructive move in the near term. Conversely, the probabilities for a more pronounced downside in March have declined, suggesting traders are trimming expectations for deeper retracements.

Another data point enhancing the bulls’ case is the broader ETF narrative, which has been getting attention as institutions evaluate real-world demand versus supply pressures. Coin-media coverage has highlighted inflows into spot Bitcoin exchange-traded products as a factor supporting a steady bid around the $80,000 mark, with inflows and redemption dynamics shaping near-term price discovery. This context complements the technical setup, underscoring how demand dynamics interact with market mechanics to shape BTC’s trajectory in the weeks ahead.

Finally, a pattern is emerging that many traders watch closely: the accumulation and reallocation narratives that tend to re-emerge at critical price levels. An ongoing focus on the $80,000 region, supported by a history of CME gap fillings, adds another layer of potential momentum if price can sustain a breakout and clear immediate resistance. With Polymarket indicating growing odds for a March push and with the 100-day EMA aligned with the target, the stage appears set for a test of the upper triangle boundary and, if successful, a potential extension toward the $80k target in the coming weeks.

Why it matters

Bitcoin’s struggle to retake $80,000 has been a focal point for traders seeking signs of renewed momentum after a period of consolidation. A sustained breakout beyond the upper trendline would reaffirm a broader technical setup that has attracted attention from both technical analysts and derivative market participants. The alignment of the target with the 100-day EMA adds a level of significance because this moving average is widely watched as an indicator of the longer-run trend, not merely a short-term impulse. If price action confirms the breakout, it could attract additional buyers who are looking for a clearer signal of trend continuation rather than mere volatility spikes.

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Moreover, the CME gap provides a practical reminder of how futures dynamics can accentuate price moves. Gaps are not guarantees, but they can act as magnets when market participants anticipate a return to a fair price after periods of dislocation. The $79,660–$81,210 zone has persisted for weeks, and a close above that area could signal renewed risk appetite and confidence in a new leg higher. In the same vein, the contemporaneous market sentiment reflected in Polymarket’s odds adds a qualitative dimension to the story: a shift in probability toward a higher price target implies traders are pricing in a more favorable near-term trajectory for BTC.

Finally, the conversation around spot Bitcoin ETFs adds a macro layer to the narrative. Inflows associated with these products can influence demand dynamics by providing institutional exposure that complements a rising risk-on environment. While not a guarantee of a specific price path, the presence of sustained demand from ETF products reinforces the underlying thesis that BTC could participate in a broader upswing if macro and liquidity conditions remain supportive.

What to watch next

  • Watch for a daily close above the triangle’s upper boundary to confirm a breakout with sustained momentum.
  • Monitor the 50-day EMA around $74,400 as the near-term hurdle; a clear hold above this level would strengthen the bullish thesis.
  • Track the CME gap region near $79,660–$81,210 for signs of price reversion or continuation as futures reopens.
  • Observe Polymarket’s updated odds for March to gauge whether market sentiment continues to tilt toward higher BTC prices.
  • Assess whether price action in the coming sessions can stage a clean move toward the $80,000 target and test the 100-day EMA as a guiding benchmark.

Sources & verification

  • Bitcoin price action and the breakout context: https://cointelegraph.com/news/bitcoin-price-nears-one-month-high-as-bulls-propel-btc-toward-72k
  • CME gaps and their trading implications: https://cointelegraph.com/news/bitcoin-cme-gaps-how-to-trade-them
  • Polymarket odds for BTC in March: https://polymarket.com/event/what-price-will-bitcoin-hit-in-march-2026
  • Bitcoin accumulation wave and the $80k case: https://cointelegraph.com/news/bitcoin-accumulation-wave-puts-dollar80k-back-in-play-analyst
  • ETF inflows context and market impact: https://cointelegraph.com/news/bitcoin-etf-225-million-inflows-blackrockibit-counters-selling

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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Pi Network (PI) Price Predictions for This Week

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pi_network_price_chart_0403261

PI bulls have managed to defend their recent gains as they aim higher.

PI Network (PI) Price Predictions: Analysis

Key support levels: $0.15

Key resistance levels: $0.20

PI Breakout Continues

After the PI price broke above its downtrend, buyers managed to defend the price above $0.15 and push it higher despite a recent pullback. This shows bulls are determined to stop the downtrend and begin recovering some of the most recent losses.

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As long as the support at 15 cents holds, PI’s price action is bullish, which opens the way to test the resistance at 20 cents. If that breaks later as well, the price could spike higher fast and aim for 30 cents next.

pi_network_price_chart_0403261
Source: TradingView

Pullback was Succesful

The recent pullback bounced exactly off the breakout trendline, confirming a bullish bias. Moreover, PI has been green in the past two weeks, which increases confidence in the continuation of this price action.

Since sellers dominated for months in a row, it would not be surprising to see this cryptocurrency finally have a sustained relief rally as it aims to reclaim a price above 20 cents and beyond.

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pi_network_price_chart_0403262
Source: TradingView

Spike in Buy Volume Confirms Reversal

The spike in buy volume on 15th February was significant and confirmed a major bullish reversal. The fact that this was followed by sustained buy pressure and higher lows demonstrates that bulls are returning. The only unknown is how long they can sustain this.

For this reason, watch closely how the price reacts at the 20-cent resistance, since that will be a decisive level for where PI goes next. Hopefully, buyers can turn it into a support that will allow them to aim much higher.

pi_network_price_volume_0403261
Source: TradingView
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Disclaimer: Information found on CryptoPotato is those of writers quoted. It does not represent the opinions of CryptoPotato on whether to buy, sell, or hold any investments. You are advised to conduct your own research before making any investment decisions. Use provided information at your own risk. See Disclaimer for more information.

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South Korea Plans 20% Cap on Crypto Exchange Shareholder Stakes: Report

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South Korea Plans 20% Cap on Crypto Exchange Shareholder Stakes: Report

South Korea’s government and ruling party have reportedly agreed on a plan to cap the ownership stakes of major shareholders in domestic crypto exchanges at 20%.

The Democratic Party of Korea’s digital asset task force and the Financial Services Commission (FSC) agreed to set the maximum shareholding limit at 20% after discussions, according to a Wednesday report by local media outlet Herald Economy.

However, regulators may allow exceptions of up to 34% for new businesses through an enforcement decree. The threshold references the Commercial Act’s 33.3% veto threshold in general shareholders’ meetings, per the report.

Under the proposal, exchanges would reportedly have three years from the law’s enforcement to adjust their ownership structures. Smaller exchanges may receive an additional three-year grace period. Larger platforms like Upbit and Bithumb, which together control roughly 90% of the local market, would be required to reduce major shareholder stakes within the initial three-year period.

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Related: Korea halts trading as key indexes drop 10% on Middle East crisis

Major Korean exchanges exceed proposed ownership cap

Current ownership levels across South Korea’s major exchanges exceed the proposed cap. Upbit chairman Song Chi-hyung holds about 25.52%, while Bithumb Holdings owns roughly 73.56% of Bithumb. Coinone chairman Cha Myung-hoon controls about 53.44%, Mirae Asset Consulting is set to hold around 92.06% of Korbit following an acquisition, and Binance owns about 67.45% of GOPAX.

Top Korean crypto exchanges. Source: CoinGecko.

The proposal, which has received some backing among regulators, faces a lengthy legislative process. A member of the National Assembly is expected to introduce the bill, though the sponsor has not yet been determined. Passage may prove challenging, as some lawmakers, including members of the ruling party, have raised concerns about restricting ownership in the sector.

An industry insider warned that the measure could have broader implications for competition. “This is unprecedented worldwide and has low global consistency. If it is excessively introduced, it could have serious negative effects such as limited competition, slowed innovation, and strengthened barriers to entry,” they reportedly told the outlet.

Related: South Korea orders cross-agency probe after repeated crypto custody failures

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South Korea tightens crypto licensing rules

In late January, South Korea’s National Assembly approved changes to the country’s crypto licensing framework, introducing stricter entry requirements for virtual asset service providers (VASPs). The updated rules allow authorities to examine executives and major shareholders for a wider range of potential violations, including drug trafficking, tax evasion, fair-trade breaches and serious economic crimes.