Bitcoin price has faced clear rejection near $69,000 resistance, reinforcing range-bound conditions and weakening short-term momentum. Loss of key volume support now increases the probability of a move toward $60,000.

Bitcoin (BTC) price action remains confined within a broader trading range, with recent attempts to test the upper boundary failing to gain traction. The rejection near the value area high signals that buyers lack the strength to sustain a breakout, shifting short-term bias back toward the downside. As structural weakness builds, traders are increasingly focused on whether range support can continue to hold.

Bitcoin price key technical points

• Major Resistance: $72,000 aligns with the value area high and range top.
• Structural Weakness: Price has lost the Point of Control and range mid support.
• Downside Risk: Breakdown below range support exposes $60,000.

Bitcoin recently approached the upper boundary of its established trading range, with resistance near $72,000 acting as the value area high. However, the rally into this region lacked conviction. Price barely tested the full extent of resistance before sellers stepped in, confirming that overhead supply remains dominant. Such shallow rejections often indicate underlying weakness rather than healthy consolidation.

The technical landscape deteriorated further following the loss of the Point of Control (POC), the level representing the highest traded volume within the current range. The POC typically functions as equilibrium between buyers and sellers. Losing this level on a closing basis suggests that the market is accepting lower prices, reinforcing bearish short-term structure.

Additionally, Bitcoin is now struggling to hold the range midpoint, with four-hour candle closes confirming weakness below this zone. Sustained trading beneath the range mid is often a precursor to deeper rotations toward range lows.

This behavior reflects classic bearish characteristics, where failed breakouts are followed by distribution and downside continuation, even as growing institutional demand and ETF inflows continue to support Citigroup’s planned 2026 crypto custody launch centered on Bitcoin integration.

From a market structure perspective, Bitcoin continues to print lower highs within the range environment. Without reclaiming lost volume support, upside momentum remains limited. Markets that fail to break above resistance frequently seek liquidity at lower boundaries, particularly when volume does not confirm bullish continuation.

The next critical level sits near $60,000, representing the range low and major support zone. A move toward this area would complete another full rotation within the broader consolidation structure. While range environments can persist for extended periods, repeated rejections at resistance increase the probability of eventual breakdown if demand weakens.

A decisive loss of the $60,000 range support would mark a significant structural shift, potentially accelerating bearish momentum and exposing deeper support levels. Until bulls reclaim the POC and reestablish acceptance above the range mid, Bitcoin remains vulnerable to further downside exploration.

Volume dynamics also reinforce caution. The recent rally attempt lacked expanding participation, and current price behavior reflects defensive positioning rather than accumulation. Without renewed buying pressure, continuation toward lower range support remains the higher-probability scenario.

What to expect in the coming price action

Bitcoin’s short-term outlook remains bearish while trading below the range mid and Point of Control. Continued weakness increases the likelihood of a move toward $60,000 support, where the next major structural reaction is expected to occur.

After weeks of aggressive selling pressure and a sharp liquidation cascade toward the $60K region, Bitcoin is now attempting to stabilize. The recent rebound from the $62K area has pushed the price back toward a technically critical level: the channel’s mid-boundary. This level has repeatedly acted as dynamic resistance throughout the downtrend, making the current reaction highly important for the short-term direction.

Bitcoin Price Analysis: The Daily Chart

On the daily timeframe, the bounce from $62K was technically clean. That zone acted as a strong demand and absorbed the aggressive selling pressure that triggered the previous flush. However, as the price approaches the channel’s mid-line, upside momentum is beginning to compress. The market is no longer impulsive — it is hesitating. Historically, this level has rejected multiple times, and until it is reclaimed on a daily closing basis, the broader structure remains corrective rather than bullish.

If Bitcoin can secure a strong daily close above this mid-boundary with follow-through buying, the structure shifts. In that case, the next logical magnet sits in the $75K–$80K supply region. That area contains prior distribution and would likely be the next test of strength. On the other hand, if price fails here and loses the $66K–$67K short-term support region, the market risks rotating back toward $62K. A breakdown below that level would reopen the path toward the lower boundary of the channel and confirm continuation of the larger downtrend.

BTC/USDT 4-Hour Chart

On the 4-hour chart, the structure is more constructive. The recent breakout above the triangle formation at $67K signaled short-term bullish pressure returning to the market. That breakout shifted momentum, but price is now compressing between the broken triangle trendline below and the channel mid-line of $70K. This creates a short-term decision range.

A controlled pullback toward the broken triangle resistance-turned-support would be technically healthy and could provide the base for another push higher. If that support holds, continuation toward $70K becomes increasingly probable. However, losing that level would invalidate the breakout and suggest the move was merely a relief rally.

Sentiment Analysis

From a liquidity perspective, the Binance BTC/USDT liquidation heatmap shows a notable cluster of short liquidations building above $70K. This area stands out clearly as a leverage pocket. Liquidity tends to act as a magnet, especially when positioned above price during a recovery phase. If Bitcoin manages to break above the channel mid-line and build acceptance, a move into that $70K region could trigger a short squeeze, accelerating upside volatility as overleveraged shorts are forced to close.

Overall, Bitcoin is in a transitional phase. The short-term structure has improved, momentum is stabilizing, and liquidity sits overhead. Yet the daily chart still shows price trapped beneath a major dynamic resistance within a broader descending channel. Until that level is decisively reclaimed, the larger structure remains fragile.

The next daily close around the channel mid-boundary will likely determine whether this rebound evolves into a squeeze toward $70K and beyond, or whether it becomes another rejection that pulls price back toward $62K and reactivates the dominant downtrend.

Crypto traders should keep an eye on key altcoins showing notable technical setups and potential catalysts. Market-moving events, including token unlocks, breakout patterns, and overbought conditions, could create short-term volatility.

BeInCrypto has analysed three such altcoins that are preparing for a volatile weekend.

Sui (SUI)

SUI faces a token unlock on March 1, when 53.82 million SUI, roughly 0.54% of total supply, will enter circulation. The unlocked tokens are valued at over $50 million. If market demand fails to absorb this supply, short-term price pressure may intensify.

SUI is trading at $0.935, below the $0.977 resistance level. The Squeeze Momentum Indicator signals compression, while the histogram reflects emerging bullish strength. If volatility expands upward and broader crypto sentiment remains positive, SUI could break $0.977 and target $1.060.

Want more token insights like this? Sign up for Editor Harsh Notariya’s Daily Crypto Newsletter here.

However, downside risks persist if investors sell into the unlock event. Failure to absorb new supply may push SUI below the $0.879 support level. A breakdown beneath that threshold could expose the next downside target near $0.778, invalidating the near-term bullish outlook.

Pippin (PIPPIN)

PIPPIN price resumed its upward momentum after a brief consolidation, setting a new all-time high at $0.904 in the past 24 hours. The token now trades at $0.679. Elevated trading activity reflects sustained speculative interest across the broader meme coin segment.

The bullish broadening descending wedge pattern remains intact on the daily chart. Price action continues approaching the projected 221% rally target. A decisive move above $1.000 would strengthen the breakout thesis. The Chaikin Money Flow indicator shows strong inflows, supporting continued upside momentum.

However, downside risk persists if holders shift toward profit-taking. A breakdown below the $0.666 support level would weaken the current structure. In that case, PIPPIN could decline toward $0.514. Losing that threshold may extend losses toward $0.385, invalidating the bullish outlook.

Stable (STABLE)

Another one of the altcoins to watch this weekend is STABLE, which is trading at $0.036 at the time of writing after setting a new all-time high of $0.039 during intraday trading. The Parabolic SAR remains below the candlesticks, confirming that the current uptrend is technically intact across short-term time frames.

Momentum indicators, however, suggest caution. The Money Flow Index has crossed into overbought territory, a level often associated with profit-taking and short-term reversals. If selling pressure emerges, the STABLE price could retrace toward $0.030 or potentially test deeper support near $0.025.

Should bullish momentum persist, a healthy cooldown may follow rather than an immediate decline. Similar consolidation occurred last week before further gains. STABLE could range between $0.039 and $0.030. A breakout above the current ATH may open the path toward $0.048, invalidating bearish expectations.

There is something unusual happening in the XRP price prediction space right now. For the first time in years, almost every major forecaster agrees on the same number. FXEmpire says $5. InvestingHaven says $5. Elliott Wave analysts say $5. Even the AI models cluster around $4 to $5 under base conditions. When every analyst agrees on a ceiling, that ceiling becomes exactly that.

The question smart investors are asking is not whether XRP can reach $5. It is what else they can hold alongside XRP that has not hit its ceiling yet.

Source: Coinmarketcap

FXEmpire breaks the XRP price prediction into three phases. Short term $2.50. Medium term $3.66. Bullish target $5.00, driven by ETF inflows and Ripple’s OCC banking license.

Source: SoSoValue

InvestingHaven forecasts a 2026 range of $1.58 to $4.25 with a bullish target of $5. A Monte Carlo simulation by 247 Wall St ran 10,000 scenarios and found only 10% exceeded $5.90. XRP at $5 is a 3.5x from $1.39. Good. But it is not early anymore.

Where XRP Stands Right Now

XRP trades at $1.39, down 61% from its $3.66 all time high. Spot ETFs have absorbed $1.24 billion since November. Whales holding 10 million to 100 million XRP now control 17.04% of supply after accumulating 3.17 billion tokens since October 2025.

The fundamentals are intact. A recovery to $5 is credible. But even at $5, a $10,000 XRP position becomes $35,000. That is a nice trade. It is not a life altering one.

The Pepeto Math That XRP Cannot Match

This is where the conversation shifts to a better opportunity for much bigger returns. It’s the new crypto presale Pepeto priced at $0.000000186. Six zeros. The presale has raised $7.33 million with 70% filled. Three products approaching launch. PepetoSwap for zero tax cross chain trading. Pepeto Bridge for cross blockchain transfers. Pepeto Exchange as the first meme coin listing hub.

The difference between XRP and Pepeto is not quality. It is timing. XRP already made its early investors rich. DOGE already made early believers millionaires. BONK turned fractions of a cent into portfolios. Every one of those tokens rewarded people who found them before the crowd. Pepeto is in that phase right now.

As an example, a $15,000 position in Pepeto at current price with a 150x return on listing becomes $2.25 million. That same $15,000 in XRP at $1.39 reaching $5 becomes $53,956. Both are legitimate investments. But only one of them changes your financial future.

On top of that, Pepeto staking at 211% APY means $15,000 generates $86.71 per day. That is $2,637 per month paid while you wait. Dual audits from SolidProof and Coinsult confirmed zero critical findings. An original Pepe cofounder created the project. The staking is the waiting bonus. The real play is the price.

The Consensus Tells You Where to Look Next

When every analyst agrees XRP tops at $5, that is valuable information. It tells you exactly how much runway is left. And it tells you to look for the asset with undefined upside. Pepeto at six zeros with three products and 70% filled is that asset.

Visit the Pepeto official website before the presale closes. The people who waited for consensus on DOGE paid $0.05 instead of $0.002. Do not wait for consensus on Pepeto.

Click To Visit Pepeto Official Website To Enter The Presale

FAQ

What is the XRP price prediction for 2026?

The analyst consensus targets $5.00 by year end. FXEmpire, InvestingHaven, and Elliott Wave models all converge around this level.

Can XRP reach $5 in 2026?

Yes. Reaching $5 requires sustained ETF inflows, passage of the Market Structure Bill, and a break above the $3.30 resistance. Multiple credible models support this target.

How much can Pepeto return compared to XRP?

XRP from $1.39 to $5 is a 3.5x return. Pepeto at $0.000000186 reaching a $50 million market cap delivers over 100x. The entry price math strongly favors presale stage tokens.

Where can I buy Pepeto?

Exclusively at the Pepeto official website presale. Not on any exchange yet. Listing is approaching with no vesting and no delays.

Disclaimer: This is a Press Release provided by a third party who is responsible for the content. Please conduct your own research before taking any action based on the content.

Japan is preparing its financial system for a world of stablecoins and tokenized assets, with banks, regulators and financial conglomerates working to bring the yen economy onchain.

The country is the world’s fourth-largest economy, and its yen is one of the most important currencies in global finance. According to the International Monetary Fund, the yen accounted for 5.82% of global foreign exchange reserves, ranking third worldwide.

A major reason for the yen’s systemic importance is the carry trade. Due to low interest rates, investors borrow cheap yen, convert it into other currencies and invest in higher-yield assets, making the yen one of the most trusted funding currencies for global markets.

Still, Japan’s central role in global finance has not been represented in the blockchain economy. That began to change after US President Donald Trump took office in January last year, which accelerated crypto policy discussions worldwide.

Like the US, Japan’s ruling party has stated its ambition to become a global center of Web3. Achieving that goal may depend on stablecoins capable of bringing the yen onchain. However, retail crypto activity in Japan remains relatively muted, even though the local industry is backed by some of the largest financial conglomerates and banks.

Japan’s crypto industry has the blessings of the government and conglomerates

Sanae Takaichi became Japan’s first female prime minister in October 2025. In just a few months in office, she dissolved the lower house for a snap election. Her Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) secured a two-thirds supermajority victory on Feb. 8, and lawmakers voted to reelect Takaichi for a second term 10 days later.

Startale Group CEO Sota Watanabe told Cointelegraph that she is widely seen as politically and strategically aligned with the Trump administration, which is accelerating local crypto adoption.

In April 2024, Takaichi’s LDP released a Web3 white paper to state its ambition to “make Japan the center of Web3.” The document outlined 11 crypto issues to address “immediately,” including income tax reform for individuals, stablecoins and security tokens.

Those priorities are also set in the blockchain strategy of SBI Group, which is one of the largest financial conglomerates in Japan, led by Yoshitaka Kitao.

“Kitao-san is the best person to commit to the crypto revolution in Japan because he created SBI under the evolution of the internet,” said Watanabe, whose Startale Group co-developed SBI’s Strium blockchain. The layer 1 aims to become the settlement infrastructure for institutional trading of tokenized equities and real-world assets (RWAs).

Kitao previously held executive positions at Nomura, Japan’s largest securities broker, and later at SoftBank alongside Masayoshi Son, who is second in Forbes’ Japan rich list. Kitao then founded SBI for SoftBank.

Related: Japan’s new crypto tax could wake ‘sleeping giant’ of retail investors

Watanabe claimed that SBI views crypto’s next onchain evolution as securities and stocks, though that requires the green light from the government.

“Right now, it is easy to make a derivative onchain, but to implement actual onchain dividends, actual voting rights of the stock, it needs to be regulation-compliant,” said Watanabe, who added that he is in talks with the Japanese government.

Also, dividends for onchain assets can’t be paid offchain, so a yen-backed stablecoin is needed.

Why a yen stablecoin matters

Japan’s interest rates and the yen carry trade are major forces that can move markets. The Bank of Japan raised interest rates in March 2024 from -0.1% to 0.1%, its first hike in 17 years. The following July, the central bank announced a more aggressive increase to 0.25%, rattling global markets and Bitcoin (BTC).

A yen-backed stablecoin could extend the carry trade into blockchain markets by bringing Japan’s low borrowing costs onchain.

For example, an investor could borrow a yen-denominated stablecoin at low interest rates. Those funds could then be used as collateral to borrow US dollar stablecoins, which can be deployed into decentralized finance (DeFi) lending, liquidity provision or other yield-generating strategies.

On Friday, Startale unveiled its own yen-backed stablecoin, JPYSC, targeting a second-quarter launch. According to Watanabe, the stablecoin is specifically designed to enable the yen carry trade onchain.

Related: Banks can’t seem to service crypto, even as it goes mainstream

“Once we implement the trust bank-backed stablecoin, it will become possible for global investors and institutions to execute the yen carry trade onchain,” he said.

Carry trades typically take time. The process can take one or two days to complete, as Japan’s and US’ business hours don’t overlap.

“But if we could do it onchain, we can do it 24/7 and instantly,” said Watanabe.

Theoretically, this could bring institutional yen borrowing to DeFi. But Justin d’Anethan, head of research at Arctic Digital, told Cointelegraph that an onchain carry trade won’t be impactful unless it comes with massive backers and a large market cap.

Watanabe told Cointelegraph that he has been in talks with the largest financial institutions in the US that are interested in carry trades and intraday swaps, though he declined to disclose names. He said that he has also been in contact with “top players” in DeFi.

The process still needs approval from Japanese authorities, while the regulatory treatment of stablecoins on bank balance sheets remains unresolved. Authorities such as the US Securities and Exchange Commission are still working to clarify capital and accounting requirements.

Japan’s crypto scene is accelerating, but retail is left out

A yen-backed stablecoin already exists in Japan in the form of JPYC, but it is primarily designed for payments. At the time of writing, its relatively small market capitalization of around $20 million makes it unsuitable for carry trades, which require deep liquidity and large borrowing capacity.

SBI isn’t the only financial institution exploring stablecoins in Japan. Three of the country’s largest banks — Mitsubishi UFJ, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation and Mizuho — are reportedly looking to jointly issue a yen-pegged stablecoin.

Despite the interest from local traditional finance giants and the government, the retail industry activity is muted.

The slow retail adoption is often blamed on the up-to-55% tax levy crypto investors face. That could also be shifting. Japan is exploring the reclassification of crypto from a payment tool to a financial product, which would drop the crypto tax to 20% and allow for exchange-traded funds based on crypto.

The tax deduction reform is expected to start from 2028. This isn’t good enough, according to Watanabe.

“The Japanese government is very slow,” he said. “Given that the US is accelerating onchain finance, to catch up, tax deduction in 2027 is necessary.”

For decades, the yen has served as a global funding currency through carry trades, but it is largely absent in the crypto industry. Retail participation remains limited by hefty tax rules, but the government and institutions are already positioning the yen to operate inside blockchain-based capital markets.

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