The US$80K Bitcoin wall: What happens next could define the next quarter

The US$80K Bitcoin wall: What happens next could define the next quarter

Bitcoin emerged as a standout performer in this environment, climbing 2.75 per cent to US$78,402.80 over 24 hours. This move outpaced the general rise in equities while remaining tightly coupled to the macro sentiment driving traditional markets.

The primary catalyst for this widespread optimism was US President Donald Trump’s announcement of an indefinite extension of the US-Iran ceasefire. This development effectively removed the immediate threat of conflict near the Strait of Hormuz, allowing investors to rotate back into riskier assets with renewed confidence. The relief was palpable across asset classes, validating the thesis that Bitcoin currently acts as a high-beta proxy for global liquidity and risk appetite.

The correlation between digital assets and traditional equities has never been more evident than in this recent trading session. Data indicates a 95 per cent correlation between Bitcoin and the S&P 500 over the last 30 days, suggesting that both markets are reacting to the same macroeconomic drivers.

As the geopolitical fog lifted, major US stock indices surged to record-high finishes. The S&P 500 rose 1.05 per cent to settle at a fresh all-time high of 7,137.90, completely erasing losses stemming from recent conflict fears. The technology-heavy Nasdaq Composite advanced even further, gaining 1.64 per cent to close at a record 24,657.57. This performance was buoyed by a remarkable 16-day winning streak for chipmakers, highlighting the resilience of the technology sector.

Even the more industrial-focused Dow Jones Industrial Average participated in the rally, adding 340.65 points, or 0.69 per cent, to finish at 49,490.03. The Russell 2000 also joined the festivities, gaining 0.74 per cent to close at 2,785.38, indicating that the bullish sentiment was broad-based and not limited to just the largest-cap stocks.

Bitcoin’s rally was not merely a passive reflection of stock market gains but was amplified by specific dynamics within the cryptocurrency market structure. A significant short squeeze played a crucial role in accelerating the price action. As the price began to climb following the ceasefire news, leveraged bearish positions were forced to close rapidly.

Data reveals that US$198.67M in Bitcoin positions were liquidated over the 24-hour period, with shorts accounting for US$187.33M of that total. This cascade of forced buying created a reflexive loop that pushed prices higher than organic demand alone would have.

The persistently negative funding rate suggests that bearish leverage remains in the system, which could fuel further squeezes if the upward momentum continues. This mechanical aspect of the rally underscores the volatility inherent in the current market phase, where sentiment can shift sharply due to leverage flushes.

Underpinning this technical move was a robust fundamental narrative driven by institutional accumulation. Despite the short-term volatility, long-term demand remains strong. US spot Bitcoin ETFs continued to see strong inflows, signalling that institutional investors are using these dips to add exposure.

Furthermore, corporate buying remains a powerful force, exemplified by Strategy purchasing 34,164 BTC for US$2.54B. This level of corporate accumulation validates the ongoing narrative that Bitcoin is being treated as a treasury reserve asset by forward-thinking companies.

The combination of macro risk-off events ending and this steady institutional bid provides a solid floor for the asset, even as it approaches significant resistance levels. The market is essentially pricing in a scenario where geopolitical stability allows capital to flow freely back into scarce, high-growth assets.

The equity rally was further supported by a wave of robust corporate earnings that largely outperformed analyst expectations, adding fuel to the fire. Boeing saw its shares surge 5.5 per cent after reporting a smaller-than-expected first-quarter loss and providing healthy delivery projections, a sign that the aerospace giant is stabilising. GE Vernova jumped nearly 14 per cent after beating revenue expectations, underscoring strength in the energy sector.

Tesla also contributed to the positive sentiment, gaining in after-hours trading after beating earnings estimates, although shares later slipped as CEO Elon Musk cautioned about rising capital expenditures. The so-called Magnificent Seven tech names were instrumental in supporting the Nasdaq’s record run, with Apple rising 2.6 per cent and Amazon gaining 2.1 per cent.

Microsoft also played a significant role in the index’s advancement. This breadth of earnings strength suggests that the corporate sector is navigating the current economic environment better than many sceptics had anticipated.

Commodities markets also reflected the shifting geopolitical landscape, albeit with some lingering caution. Brent crude oil climbed over three per cent to settle near US$102 per barrel, marking its first close above US$100 since early April.

This rise was driven by lingering supply uncertainty in the Strait of Hormuz, reminding investors that while the immediate threat of war has receded, the structural risks to energy supply chains remain. Copper prices also jumped nearly two per cent to reach a three-month high of $6.18/lb, indicating strong demand expectations for industrial metals.

In the Asia-Pacific region, markets in Japan, Hong Kong, and South Korea opened higher on Thursday, following the strong lead from Wall Street. This global synchronisation confirms that the risk-on sentiment is not isolated to the United States but is a worldwide phenomenon driven by the hope of stabilised international relations.

Looking at the technical landscape for Bitcoin, the asset now faces a critical juncture. The rapid ascent has brought price action directly into a high-conviction resistance zone between US$78,000 and US$80,000, where a major sell wall exists. Traders are closely watching the US$77,160 level, which represents the 50 per cent Fibonacci retracement level and serves as immediate support.

Below that, a massive US$217M bid wall sits at US$75,700, providing a substantial cushion against deeper corrections. The 20-day EMA at US$77,907 is also acting as dynamic support. If buying pressure sustains and Bitcoin closes above the US$80,000 resistance, the path opens for a test of the 127.2 per cent extension near US$80,723.

Conversely, a break below the US$75,700 support level would invalidate the immediate bullish thesis and risk a pullback toward US$72,000.

The market outlook remains decidedly bullish, driven by the confluence of a positive macro catalyst and reflexive market mechanics. The indefinite extension of the ceasefire has provided the breathing room necessary for risk assets to recover, and strong institutional demand ensures that real money supports these higher prices.

The battle between the sell wall at US$80,000 and the bid wall at US$75,700 will likely determine the next directional move within the next 24 to 48 hours. Investors should watch for a decisive break and close above US$80,000 on high volume to confirm continuation.

Until then, the market remains in a state of high tension, balancing the optimism of de-escalation against the technical realities of overextended short-term moves. The correlation with the S&P 500 suggests that as long as equities hold their record highs, Bitcoin has a strong tailwind to challenge its own resistance levels.

 

Source: https://e27.co/the-us80k-bitcoin-wall-what-happens-next-could-define-the-next-quarter-20260423/

Anndy Lian is an early blockchain adopter and experienced serial entrepreneur who is known for his work in the government sector. He is a best selling book author- “NFT: From Zero to Hero” and “Blockchain Revolution 2030”.

Currently, he is appointed as the Chief Digital Advisor at Mongolia Productivity Organization, championing national digitization. Prior to his current appointments, he was the Chairman of BigONE Exchange, a global top 30 ranked crypto spot exchange and was also the Advisory Board Member for Hyundai DAC, the blockchain arm of South Korea’s largest car manufacturer Hyundai Motor Group. Lian played a pivotal role as the Blockchain Advisor for Asian Productivity Organisation (APO), an intergovernmental organization committed to improving productivity in the Asia-Pacific region.

An avid supporter of incubating start-ups, Anndy has also been a private investor for the past eight years. With a growth investment mindset, Anndy strategically demonstrates this in the companies he chooses to be involved with. He believes that what he is doing through blockchain technology currently will revolutionise and redefine traditional businesses. He also believes that the blockchain industry has to be “redecentralised”.

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Bitcoin’s US$70K rejection was no accident: What the charts say about tonight’s Iran decision

Bitcoin’s US$70K rejection was no accident: What the charts say about tonight’s Iran decision

Investors across asset classes find themselves holding their breath as they await a critical 8:00 p.m. ET deadline set by the United States regarding the ongoing conflict in the Strait of Hormuz. This geopolitical flashpoint casts a long shadow over trading sessions, creating an environment where relief rallies in digital assets clash with the looming threat of military escalation. The market mood remains fragile, with traders balancing the hope for a diplomatic resolution against the very real possibility of a devastating strike on Iranian infrastructure that could reshape global energy supplies and risk appetite for months to come.

In the cryptocurrency sector, the narrative centres on a failed attempt to sustain momentum. Bitcoin briefly reclaimed the psychologically significant US$70,000 level on Monday, fuelled by a wave of short liquidations totalling over US$145 million as bearish traders scrambled to exit their positions. That optimism proved short-lived. By Tuesday morning, the leading digital asset had retreated to approximately US$68,765, marking a 0.7 per cent decline as sellers stepped in to test support levels following the rejection at the US$70,000 mark. This pullback occurs despite a glimmer of institutional confidence, evidenced by US-listed spot Bitcoin ETFs recording roughly US$22.3 million in net inflows last week. These inflows suggest that while short-term traders remain skittish, larger institutional players are beginning to stabilise their positions and view current levels as an accumulation opportunity.

The technical picture for Bitcoin remains mixed, offering both hope and caution. Indicators such as the Weekly MACD are hinting at a potential bullish cross, a signal that has historically preceded significant upward moves in previous cycles. Immediate overhead resistance remains formidable, sitting firmly between US$73,777 and US$75,000. Breaking through this zone will require substantial buying pressure that the market currently lacks due to the overarching fear of geopolitical instability. This anxiety is quantified in the Fear and Greed Index, which sits at 26, firmly in the Extreme Fear territory. This low sentiment score reflects deep uncertainty regarding how a potential conflict in the Middle East might impact global liquidity and the risk-on nature of crypto assets. Furthermore, the regulatory landscape adds another layer of complexity, with a newly passed provision in the US Senate now mandating that crypto firms collect more user information to combat terrorism financing. This move introduces a long-term compliance burden that could dampen enthusiasm among privacy-focused investors.

While Bitcoin struggles to hold its ground, the broader altcoin market displays a surprising degree of resilience and divergence. Ethereum, the second-largest cryptocurrency, trades near US$2,126, showing a marginal 0.2 per cent decline as it consolidates within the US$2,100 range. This stability suggests that traders are waiting for a clearer directional signal from Bitcoin before committing capital to the ecosystem. In contrast, other major assets are posting notable gains. XRP has surged 3.8 per cent to reach US$1.34, rebounding strongly from what technical analysts identify as a critical Fibonacci support floor. Similarly, Solana is outperforming the market leaders, posting a 3.1 per cent gain and pushing its price to US$82.09. This recovery for Solana marks a potential turning point after a multi-month bearish trend, indicating that capital may be rotating into high-performance layer-one blockchains that offer faster transaction speeds and lower costs during times of network congestion.

The traditional equity markets tell a different story, one of stubborn optimism in the face of rising energy costs. Major US indices extended their winning streaks, with the S&P 500 climbing 0.44 per cent to 6,611.83. This marks the index’s fourth consecutive session of gains, demonstrating a remarkable ability to look past immediate geopolitical threats. The technology-heavy Nasdaq Composite led the charge with a 0.54 per cent increase to 21,996.34, driven by robust gains in the tech sector. The Dow Jones Industrial Average also participated in the rally, adding 0.36 per cent to close at 46,669.88, reflecting moderate but steady gains across industrial and blue-chip stocks. This resilience in equities stands in stark contrast to the nervousness in the crypto market, suggesting that traditional investors may be pricing in a resolution to the Hormuz crisis or are simply too entrenched in the current momentum to exit positions prematurely.

Global markets are also showing signs of recovery, with Asian indices posting strong performances. The Hang Seng Index in Hong Kong rebounded significantly, gaining 2.00 per cent to 25,294.00, a move attributed to easing fears over regional stability. Similarly, India’s Nifty 50 index climbed 1.12 per cent to 22,968.25, finding strong support near the 23,000 level. These gains in Asian markets provide a supportive backdrop for US trading, although the underlying tension regarding energy supplies remains a potent risk factor. The energy sector itself presents a paradox for investors. Crude oil prices have surged to alarming levels, with Brent crude hovering near US$110 per barrel and West Texas Intermediate reaching US$113 per barrel. Traders are actively pricing in what some analysts describe as the worst oil crisis in history, fearing that a closure of the Strait of Hormuz would choke off a significant portion of the world’s seaborne oil trade.

Despite the surge in oil prices and geopolitical tension, gold has failed to act as a reliable safe haven in this specific conflict. The precious metal has fallen approximately 12 per cent since the conflict began in late February and currently trades near US$4,660 per ounce. This decline is largely driven by rising yields and a strengthening US dollar, which reduces the appeal of non-yielding assets like gold. The US 10-Year Treasury yield held steady at 4.34 per cent, with bond traders largely expecting the Federal Reserve to maintain current interest rates through the end of the year to combat the inflationary pressures stemming from the energy shock.

Investors are clearly worried that sustained high energy prices will feed into broader inflation, eroding consumer purchasing power and hurting the growth prospects of retail and leisure companies. The market remains in a state of suspended animation. A failure to reach a deal could trigger the feared Power Plant Day strike, likely causing a wave of panic selling across crypto and equities as investors flee to safety. A diplomatic breakthrough could unleash the pent-up buying pressure visible in the technical indicators, potentially sending Bitcoin back toward its resistance levels and fueling the next leg of the equity rally. Until then, volatility remains the only certainty.

 

Source: https://e27.co/bitcoins-us70k-rejection-was-no-accident-what-the-charts-say-about-tonights-iran-decision-20260407/

Anndy Lian is an early blockchain adopter and experienced serial entrepreneur who is known for his work in the government sector. He is a best selling book author- “NFT: From Zero to Hero” and “Blockchain Revolution 2030”.

Currently, he is appointed as the Chief Digital Advisor at Mongolia Productivity Organization, championing national digitization. Prior to his current appointments, he was the Chairman of BigONE Exchange, a global top 30 ranked crypto spot exchange and was also the Advisory Board Member for Hyundai DAC, the blockchain arm of South Korea’s largest car manufacturer Hyundai Motor Group. Lian played a pivotal role as the Blockchain Advisor for Asian Productivity Organisation (APO), an intergovernmental organization committed to improving productivity in the Asia-Pacific region.

An avid supporter of incubating start-ups, Anndy has also been a private investor for the past eight years. With a growth investment mindset, Anndy strategically demonstrates this in the companies he chooses to be involved with. He believes that what he is doing through blockchain technology currently will revolutionise and redefine traditional businesses. He also believes that the blockchain industry has to be “redecentralised”.

j j j

Oil surges 59% in March while S&P 500 drops 6%: What this means for your crypto portfolio

Oil surges 59% in March while S&P 500 drops 6%: What this means for your crypto portfolio

Traditional markets opened under significant pressure as the US–Iran conflict entered its fifth week, creating a risk-off environment that rippled across every asset class. Oil prices surged, recession fears mounted, and stagflation concerns dominated trader conversations. This moment demands clear analysis from those who understand both traditional finance and the emerging decentralised economy.

Major indices trended lower across the board. The S&P 500 fell to approximately 6,329 points, marking a 0.63 per cent drop from the previous session. Technology stocks bore the brunt as Nasdaq-100 futures slipped roughly 0.4 per cent amid higher interest-rate pressures. Dow Jones futures fell 0.5 per cent, with the index tumbling over 3,000 points in March alone, representing approximately six per cent of its value. Asian markets showed similar weakness, with the ASX 200 dropping 1.48 per cent in Monday trading, though the energy sector provided a partial offset. These numbers tell a story of capital fleeing risk assets as geopolitical tensions escalate.

Commodities and currencies painted an equally volatile picture. Brent crude headed for a record monthly rise, up approximately 59 per cent in March due to the conflict and potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz. West Texas Intermediate prices remained volatile, recently rebounding toward US$94.05. Gold saw some dip-buying after a brutal month, trading around US$4,556 per ounce as investors sought safe-haven assets amid rising interest-rate expectations. The US Dollar strengthened as well, with the DXY index gaining to 99.90 as global uncertainty drove capital toward perceived safety.

Three key drivers explain this market turbulence. Geopolitical escalation intensified as reports emerged of Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and Houthi attacks on Israel, fuelling fears of prolonged war. Recession alarms grew louder as Moody’s AI-driven recession model hit a 49 per cent probability, the highest in years, fuelled by weak labour data and high energy costs. Monetary policy expectations shifted dramatically as markets stopped pricing in Fed rate cuts for 2026, with some traders now bracing for further hikes to combat energy-driven inflation.

Bitcoin presented an interesting counterpoint to this traditional market chaos. The leading cryptocurrency rose 0.429 per cent to US$66,642.41 in the past 24 hours, slightly underperforming the broader crypto market’s 0.49 per cent gain. This movement reflected a beta-driven shift with the overall crypto market as total market cap rose 0.49 per cent on slightly higher volume. No clear coin-specific catalyst emerged, suggesting the move represented general market drift rather than fundamental conviction.

Technical indicators showed Bitcoin trading just above the 50 per cent Fibonacci retracement level at US$66,012, drawn from recent swing highs and lows. The 7-day RSI reading of 34.31 indicated oversold conditions, attracting short-term buying interest. Spot trading volume sat at US$22.55 billion, requiring sustained increases to confirm any shift in conviction. The near-term outlook remained neutral to bearish, with the price struggling to hold above key moving averages. If Bitcoin holds above the US$66,000 support level and ETF outflows slow, consolidation toward US$67,500 becomes possible. A break below US$66,000 risks a drop toward the next support near US$64,500.

Market sentiment metrics reinforced this cautious picture. The CMC Fear and Greed Index read 25 out of 100, indicating Fear, improving slightly from 23 yesterday but down from 32 last week. This places sentiment firmly in negative territory, though less extreme than the 14 reading from a month ago. Social media sentiment scored 4.85 out of 10, reflecting mildly bearish chatter mixing bullish regulatory hopes with bearish liquidation warnings. The total crypto market cap stood at US$2.29 trillion, down 1.82 per cent over the past 7 days, with oversold RSI readings but weak derivative volume signalling low conviction.

Spot Bitcoin ETF flows showed US$296.18 million in net outflows last week, representing persistent institutional selling pressure. The spot-versus-perpetuals volume ratio remained low at 0.26, indicating derivatives dominance. Average funding rates turned negative to -0.0011139 per cent, indicating a short-positioning bias. The total market RSI at 26.23 approached oversold levels, suggesting the sell-off might exhaust itself and create potential for stabilisation.

This environment reveals both vulnerabilities and opportunities in the current financial architecture. Traditional markets demonstrate their fragility when geopolitical shocks hit, with indices tumbling thousands of points in weeks. Energy costs drive inflation that central banks struggle to manage without triggering a recession. The 49 per cent recession probability from Moody’s model reflects systemic weakness that monetary policy alone cannot fix.

Bitcoin’s performance during this period shows why decentralised assets matter in times of traditional market stress. While the 0.429 per cent gain seems modest, it represents positive movement when traditional indices fell 0.5 per cent to 1.48 per cent. The cryptocurrency market’s US$2.29 trillion capitalisation provides meaningful diversification, though the Fear and Greed Index at 25 shows investors remain cautious about digital assets, too. This caution creates opportunity for those who understand that oversold conditions often precede reversals.

The institutional flow data tells an important story. The US$296.18 million in weekly ETF outflows shows that traditional finance participants are reducing exposure amid uncertainty. Bitcoin holding above US$66,000 support suggests underlying demand exists at these levels. The negative funding rate of -0.0011139 per cent indicates traders’ positioning for further declines, which often sets up contrarian opportunities when sentiment reaches extremes.

Energy-driven inflation presents particular challenges for monetary policy. With Brent crude up 59 per cent in March and WTI rebounding toward US$94.05, central banks face impossible choices between fighting inflation and preventing recession. Markets no longer price in Fed rate cuts for 2026, with some traders expecting hikes instead. This environment benefits assets with fixed supply schedules that cannot be debased through monetary expansion.

The path forward depends on several critical factors. Bitcoin must defend the US$66,000 level in the next 24 to 48 hours to maintain technical support. Spot ETF flows need to show stabilisation to reduce institutional selling pressure. The CMC Fear and Greed Index requires a sustained move above 30 to signal a shift in sentiment toward neutral territory. Traditional markets need geopolitical de-escalation to reduce the 49 per cent probability of recession.

This moment separates short-term traders from long-term builders. Those focused on daily price movements see fear and uncertainty. For me, I am eyeing the oil price. If the price is high, nothing good will come of it. Just my opinion. 

 

Source: https://e27.co/oil-surges-59-in-march-while-sp-500-drops-6-what-this-means-for-your-crypto-portfolio-20260330/

Anndy Lian is an early blockchain adopter and experienced serial entrepreneur who is known for his work in the government sector. He is a best selling book author- “NFT: From Zero to Hero” and “Blockchain Revolution 2030”.

Currently, he is appointed as the Chief Digital Advisor at Mongolia Productivity Organization, championing national digitization. Prior to his current appointments, he was the Chairman of BigONE Exchange, a global top 30 ranked crypto spot exchange and was also the Advisory Board Member for Hyundai DAC, the blockchain arm of South Korea’s largest car manufacturer Hyundai Motor Group. Lian played a pivotal role as the Blockchain Advisor for Asian Productivity Organisation (APO), an intergovernmental organization committed to improving productivity in the Asia-Pacific region.

An avid supporter of incubating start-ups, Anndy has also been a private investor for the past eight years. With a growth investment mindset, Anndy strategically demonstrates this in the companies he chooses to be involved with. He believes that what he is doing through blockchain technology currently will revolutionise and redefine traditional businesses. He also believes that the blockchain industry has to be “redecentralised”.

j j j