Bitcoin Bears Lose The Lead: Negative Funding Is The Only Thing Stopping A Structural Breakout

bitcoinistPublished on 2026-03-06Last updated on 2026-03-06

Abstract

Bitcoin has reclaimed the $70,000 level, signaling renewed strength and a potential end to recent bearish conditions. Key structural and regime indicators have turned positive simultaneously for the first time in nearly three months. The Bitcoin Regime Score, which had dropped to -47 in February, has recovered to nearly +1, indicating a shift away from the bearish regime. Price-based structural signals are also aligning, with the Structure Shift Composite reaching +0.56. This synchronized improvement suggests the move toward $73,000 may be a broader market transition rather than a short-term rally. Resistance is near $73,698, with support around $62,981.

Bitcoin is showing renewed strength after reclaiming the $70,000 level, a move that has helped stabilize sentiment following weeks of heightened volatility and uncertain market direction. The recovery comes as several structural indicators begin to shift in favor of a more constructive market environment, suggesting that the recent correction may be transitioning into a new phase.

According to analysis from Axel Adler, multiple regime and structural indicators have moved into positive territory simultaneously for the first time in nearly three months. The report highlights the behavior of the Bitcoin Regime Score, an aggregated metric that incorporates several market variables, including taker imbalance, open interest pressure, funding rates, ETF flows, exchange flows, and price trend. The score is normalized on a scale ranging from -100 to +100 to identify shifts in market regimes.

On February 7, the Regime Score dropped to -47, marking the deepest bearish reading recorded over the past year. For comparison, the market bottom in November 2025 reached -37 and required 33 days to recover to neutral territory, while the August low of -35 reversed in only 11 days.

Bitcoin Regime Score | Source: CryptoQuant

In the current cycle, however, the recovery has occurred in approximately 25 days. As of March 4, the indicator has climbed back to around +0.98, signaling a potential transition away from the recent bearish regime.

Structural Indicators Align As Bitcoin Tests Key Resistance

Adler further notes that price-based structural signals are now aligning with regime indicators, reinforcing the significance of Bitcoin’s recent recovery above $70,000. One of the key metrics highlighted in the report is the Structure Shift Composite, a fast signal designed to capture short-term changes in market structure.

The Structure Shift Composite ranges from -1 to +1 and incorporates several elements of price behavior, including momentum, the sequence of price movements, and the asset’s position relative to its exponential moving averages. At the same time, the Donchian Channel provides a framework for identifying current technical boundaries, placing resistance near $73,698 and support around $62,981.

Bitcoin Price Structure | Source: CryptoQuant

Earlier in the cycle, the relationship between these indicators followed a different pattern. In January, the Structure Shift signal crossed above zero in a single sharp move—from -0.05 to +0.57—on January 2, but only after the Regime Score had already been firmly in bullish territory for several days. That confirmation was followed by a rally that eventually pushed Bitcoin toward the $97,000 region.

The current transition has developed differently. Between March 2 and March 4, both Structure Shift and the Regime Score crossed into positive territory simultaneously. With Structure Shift now near +0.56 and Regime Score at +0.98, this synchronized shift suggests that the recent move toward $73,000 may represent a broader structural transition rather than a temporary short squeeze.

Related Questions

QWhat is the Bitcoin Regime Score and what does it measure?

AThe Bitcoin Regime Score is an aggregated metric that incorporates several market variables, including taker imbalance, open interest pressure, funding rates, ETF flows, exchange flows, and price trend. It is normalized on a scale from -100 to +100 to identify shifts in market regimes.

QWhat was the lowest Bitcoin Regime Score reading in the past year and when did it occur?

AThe lowest Bitcoin Regime Score reading in the past year was -47, which occurred on February 7.

QWhat key price level did Bitcoin recently reclaim, helping to shift market sentiment?

ABitcoin recently reclaimed the $70,000 level, which helped stabilize sentiment and signaled a potential transition away from the recent bearish regime.

QWhat are the current resistance and support levels for Bitcoin according to the Donchian Channel analysis?

AAccording to the Donchian Channel analysis, the current resistance level is near $73,698 and the support level is around $62,981.

QHow does the current transition of the Structure Shift and Regime Score indicators differ from the pattern observed in January?

AIn January, the Structure Shift signal crossed above zero after the Regime Score had already been in bullish territory for several days. In the current transition (between March 2 and 4), both indicators crossed into positive territory simultaneously, suggesting a broader structural transition.

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