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News and Analysis Intermediate

Bitcoin Deepens Its Correction Amid Macroeconomic Caution And Geopolitical Tensions

Date Icon 17 February 2026
Review Icon Written by: Antonio Di Giacomo

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    Article Summary

    Bitcoin began the week under renewed pressure, extending losses amid thin holiday liquidity, macroeconomic caution, and rising geopolitical tensions. The cryptocurrency remains in a deep corrective phase, reflecting shifting risk appetite as markets reassess U.S. monetary policy and global uncertainty. Concerns around a potentially more hawkish Federal Reserve stance, alongside upcoming inflation and growth data, continue to weigh on speculative assets. Meanwhile, gold’s resilience highlights growing risk aversion, while corporate exposure-particularly at MicroStrategy-has reignited debate around concentration risk. Technically, the $60,000-$65,000 zone remains critical for determining Bitcoin’s next directional move.

    Bitcoin started the week under pressure, extending losses by more than 4% and retreating toward the $66,600 area amid low volume due to holidays in key markets. Reduced liquidity amplified price swings, while investors adopted a defensive stance ahead of the release of key U.S. economic data and diplomatic talks between Washington and Iran, which have added another layer of global uncertainty.

    Bitcoin’s correction reflects a broader repricing of risk as investors navigate tighter financial expectations and heightened geopolitical uncertainty.

    Key Takeaways

    • Bitcoin is extending its correction amid low liquidity and cautious market sentiment.

    • Uncertainty around U.S. monetary policy continues to pressure crypto assets.

    • Geopolitical tensions are amplifying volatility across risk markets.

    • The $60,000–$65,000 zone is a key medium-term support for BTC.

    • Macro data and the Fed’s tone will be decisive for the next trend.

    The cryptocurrency is coming off a deep corrective phase. Last week, it came close to breaking below the psychological $60,000 level, consolidating a nearly 50% decline from the all-time high recorded in October. This adjustment reflects not only profit-taking following the previous rally but also a shift in risk appetite amid a more restrictive, volatile macroeconomic backdrop.

    One of the central drivers of the bearish pressure is uncertainty surrounding U.S. monetary policy. The potential appointment of Kevin Warsh as Chair of the Federal Reserve has raised market concerns, as he is perceived as less flexible on interest rates. A more hawkish leadership could imply tighter financial conditions, reducing the liquidity available for speculative assets such as cryptocurrencies.

    In this context, traders are closely monitoring key indicators, including industrial production, the PCE price index, the Fed's preferred inflation gauge, and the central bank's meeting minutes. Any signs of persistent inflation or a reduced willingness to cut rates in 2026 could strengthen the dollar and further pressure crypto assets, which have historically been sensitive to shifts in monetary policy expectations.

    Rising risk aversion has also influenced relative asset performance. While gold remains firm at historically elevated levels, supported by its safe-haven appeal, the technology sector and digital assets have experienced greater volatility. The correlation between Bitcoin and growth stocks remains a key factor, especially during sessions marked by sharp movements in the Nasdaq and other innovation- and technology-linked companies.

    At the corporate level, the situation of MicroStrategy, operating under the brand Strategy (MSTR), has once again come into focus. The company holds 717,131 bitcoins at an average acquisition price of $76,027, implying significant unrealized losses at current price levels. This scenario has reignited debate over concentration risk and corporate exposure to crypto asset volatility.

    From a technical perspective, the $60,000–$65,000 zone is emerging as a key medium-term support area. A sustained break below those levels could accelerate additional selling pressure and open the door to price levels not seen since the beginning of the previous bullish cycle. Conversely, stabilization accompanied by improvements in the macroeconomic environment could favor technical rebounds toward the $70,000–$72,000 range.

    In the short term, market behavior will be shaped by incoming economic data and the Federal Reserve's tone. The combination of reduced liquidity, sensitivity to geopolitical events, and shifting interest rate expectations creates an environment in which volatility may remain elevated, particularly if inflation or growth data surprise to the upside.

    In conclusion, Bitcoin is undergoing a deep adjustment amid a landscape marked by macroeconomic caution, geopolitical tensions, and uncertain monetary expectations. The evolution of U.S. data and the Federal Reserve's future direction will be decisive in determining whether the cryptocurrency finds a solid technical floor or the correction extends further. In this context, risk management and prudence remain essential for market participants.

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