Bitcoin Drops to $68K Amid Four-Week Slide, but Bullish Divergence Hints at $71K Test

bitcoinistPublished on 2026-02-17Last updated on 2026-02-17

Abstract

Bitcoin (BTC) briefly reclaimed $70,000 over the weekend but has since dropped back toward $68,000, extending a four-week losing streak. Despite the downtrend, a bullish divergence in the RSI suggests potential for a short-term recovery, with $71,000 seen as a key resistance level to watch. Technical structure remains fragile, with support near $60,000–$65,000 where larger buyers accumulated. A break above $72,000 could open a path toward $75,000, while rejection may lead to a retest of $65,000 or lower. Macro uncertainty and seasonal factors like Chinese New Year add to market caution, though long-term holders remain confident.

Bitcoin’s (BTC) latest attempt to stabilize has left traders divided. After briefly reclaiming the $70,000 level over the weekend, the asset slipped back toward $68,000, extending a four-week losing streak that has weighed on broader crypto markets.

Related Reading: Did SBI Holdings Really Buy $10 Billion Worth Of XRP? CEO Reveals The Real Figure

While macro uncertainty and technical resistance continue to cap upside momentum, emerging indicators suggest the market may be preparing for a short-term recovery.

The decline comes after weeks of sustained selling pressure that followed Bitcoin’s earlier rally toward record highs. Market sentiment has weakened alongside concerns over interest rates and reduced inflows into speculative assets, pushing the asset into a corrective phase rather than a confirmed reversal.

BTC's price trends to the downside on the daily chart. Source: BTCUSD on Tradingview

Bitcoin (BTC) Market Structure Remains Fragile Below $75K

Technical analysis shows Bitcoin is still trading within a descending channel on higher timeframes, keeping the broader trend cautious. The breakdown below $75,000 earlier accelerated losses toward the $60,000 demand zone, where buyers re-entered the market, triggering the current rebound.

Price action is now compressing between $68,000 and $72,000, an area viewed as key resistance. Analysts note that a sustained move above $72,000 could open the path toward $75,000, while repeated rejection may send Bitcoin back toward $65,000 or even retest the $60,000 support region.

Momentum indicators also reflect this uncertainty. Bitcoin remains below its 50-day moving average, confirming that the short-term trend has not yet shifted bullish despite the recent bounce.

Bullish Divergence and Liquidations Offer Mixed Signals

Despite the downtrend, technical momentum is showing early signs of improvement. The RSI has formed a bullish divergence, meaning momentum is strengthening even as price recently printed lower lows, a pattern often associated with relief rallies.

Similarly, more than $75 million in Bitcoin futures positions were liquidated during recent volatility. Such liquidations can reset market positioning and sometimes precede stronger directional moves. Analysts are now watching the $71,000 resistance closely as the next test for bullish momentum.

On-chain sentiment adds another layer to the outlook. Larger orders appeared near the $60,000–$65,000 range, suggesting accumulation by larger market participants during the sell-off, while recent upward moves appear to be driven more by retail traders.

Macro Events and Seasonal Factors in Focus

Seasonal narratives are also attracting attention as markets approach the Chinese New Year, which has historically coincided with mixed performance in crypto markets. Some traders expect short-term liquidity shifts, though analysts caution that global participation has reduced the impact of regional events over time.

Related Reading: Crypto Courtroom Drama: Kevin O’Leary Wins Nearly $3M Against YouTuber ‘Bitboy’

Meanwhile, corporate conviction remains visible. Strategy chairman Michael Saylor recently stated the firm could withstand an extreme Bitcoin decline to $8,000 while continuing to hold and accumulate the asset, underscoring a long-term outlook despite current volatility.

Cover image from ChatGPT, BTCUSUD chart from Tradingview

Related Questions

QWhat is the current price of Bitcoin and what key resistance level is it testing according to the article?

ABitcoin has dropped to $68K and is testing the key resistance level of $71K, with a bullish divergence hinting at a potential test of that price.

QWhat technical pattern on the RSI indicator suggests a potential short-term recovery for Bitcoin?

AThe RSI has formed a bullish divergence, which means momentum is strengthening even as the price recently made lower lows, a pattern often associated with relief rallies.

QWhat are the two critical price levels that analysts are watching for Bitcoin's next major move?

AAnalysts are watching the $72,000 level, as a sustained move above it could open the path to $75,000, and the $60,000 support region, which could be retested if there is repeated rejection at higher prices.

QHow did larger market participants behave during the recent sell-off, according to on-chain sentiment?

ALarger market participants were accumulating Bitcoin, as larger orders appeared near the $60,000–$65,000 range during the sell-off.

QWhat did Michael Saylor state about his firm's strategy regarding Bitcoin's price volatility?

AMichael Saylor stated that his firm could withstand an extreme Bitcoin decline to $8,000 while continuing to hold and accumulate the asset, underscoring a long-term outlook.

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