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Crypto Market Rebounds as Bitcoin Hits $71K After Volatility

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Crypto Breaking News

The crypto market recovered today as Bitcoin climbed back above $71,000 after recent losses. The broader market cap rose to $2.42 trillion, supported by derivatives activity. However, macro pressure and weak sentiment continue to shape short-term direction.

Key Highlights

  • Bitcoin rebounds to $71K after major options expiry boosts momentum
  • Ethereum struggles near $2.1K despite short-term institutional support
  • XRP holds firm as retail demand offsets weaker institutional flows
  • Crypto market cap climbs to $2.42T amid volatile macro backdrop
  • Analysts warn of short-term rallies but highlight ongoing downside risks

Bitcoin Holds Above $71K as Options Expiry Drives Momentum

Bitcoin price trades near $71,000 after rebounding from post-FOMC lows earlier this week. The recovery follows the expiry of $1.7 billion in BTC options. This expiry event aligned with a max pain level near $70,000, supporting upward movement.

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Moreover, implied volatility has increased, which signals rising short-term bullish sentiment. At the same time, traders reduced demand for downside protection, which reflects improved confidence. However, positioning remains tactical as the next quarterly expiry approaches.

Meanwhile, macro conditions continue to influence price action, as delayed rate cuts weigh on sentiment. ETF outflows have also added pressure in recent sessions. Still, strong support from institutional and derivatives traders has helped stabilize Bitcoin.

Ethereum Struggles Near $2,100 Despite Institutional Activity

Ethereum price trades around $2,150 after holding a key support zone near $2,100. The asset rebounded slightly after options worth nearly $380 million expired. However, the put-to-call ratio near 1.02 indicates balanced sentiment.

At the same time, implied volatility continues to rise, which suggests expectations of near-term price swings. Institutional accumulation has supported Ethereum, yet momentum remains weak compared to Bitcoin. This reflects ongoing uncertainty in broader market conditions.

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In addition, macro risks and lower institutional demand continue to limit upside potential. Analysts expect Ethereum could retest levels below $2,100 if pressure builds again. Therefore, the current rebound appears fragile despite temporary support.

XRP Maintains Strength as Retail Demand Supports Price

XRP price holds near $1.40 as steady retail demand supports its recent performance. The asset shows resilience despite weaker institutional participation. Expanding utility also contributes to its relative stability in the current market cycle.

Furthermore, analysts expect XRP could rise toward $1.50 in the short term. This outlook depends on continued demand and stable market conditions. However, broader uncertainty could still limit sustained upward movement.

At the same time, market dynamics continue to shift as traders adjust positions. Altcoins, including XRP, may benefit from declining Bitcoin dominance. Yet, analysts warn that sudden reversals could trigger repeated stop-outs for short-term traders.

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Macro Trends and Oil Markets Shape Crypto Sentiment

Global macro developments continue to influence crypto market direction. Oil prices have declined after signals of increased supply and reduced geopolitical escalation. This has improved risk sentiment across financial markets.

Additionally, policy discussions around Iranian oil sanctions have contributed to price declines. However, supply risks remain, as disruptions could push oil prices significantly higher. This uncertainty continues to affect broader market stability.

As a result, crypto assets remain sensitive to external economic signals. While the current rebound reflects short-term relief, underlying risks persist. Therefore, market participants continue to adjust strategies based on evolving conditions.

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 Mining Difficulty Drops 7.7% in Biggest Cut Since February

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Bitcoin Mining Difficulty Drops 7.7% in Biggest Cut Since February

Bitcoin’s mining difficulty fell by around 7.7% at the latest adjustment on March 20 to 133.79 trillion at block 941,472, the sharpest drop since February, according to CoinWarz data.

The latest move takes difficulty down from around 145 trillion in mid-March and roughly 148 trillion at the start of the year. A lower difficulty means it takes less computational work to earn the same block reward, slightly improving revenue per unit of hashrate for firms that stay online.

The adjustment followed slower-than-target block production over the prior 2,016 blocks. CloverPool data showed average block times at about 12 minutes 36 seconds, well above Bitcoin’s 10-minute target, forcing the network to recalibrate lower.

In February, difficulty dropped sharply after weather-related disruptions in the United States temporarily knocked large American mining facilities offline, and it later rebounded by about 15% as hashrate returned to the network once power conditions normalized. 

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Bitcoin (BTC) difficulty measures how hard it is for miners to find a valid hash for the next block and is automatically adjusted to keep issuance steady at one block every 10 minutes.

When more computing power, or hashrate, joins the network, difficulty rises to prevent blocks from being mined too quickly, while a decline in hashrate triggers a lower difficulty, making it easier for remaining miners to earn rewards. 

Bitcoin difficulty drops 7.7%. Source: CoinWarz

Related: Cango reports $285M Q4 loss as Bitcoin mining costs surge in 2025

The next difficulty adjustment is currently estimated for April 3, though that projection changes with each new block.

Miners pivot to AI as power costs bite

The difficulty reset also comes as several listed miners push further into AI and high-performance computing infrastructure in search of steadier returns on power and data-center capacity.

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Last week, crypto trader Ran Neuner argued AI had become Bitcoin mining’s biggest competitor as both industries compete for electricity, even going as far as to say that “AI has killed Bitcoin forever.” 

Bitcoin miners such as Core Scientific, MARA Holdings, Hut 8 and Cipher Mining have begun reallocating capacity or pivoting toward AI workloads, while some operators have reduced hashrate or shut down less efficient rigs as profitability tightens.

On Feb 21, Bitdeer liquidated 943 BTC from reserves and sold newly mined coins, cutting corporate holdings to zero. In its latest weekly update on March 21, it confirmed that its BTC holdings remained at zero.

Big questions: Would Bitcoin survive a 10-year power outage?

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