Altcoins followed a similar risk-off trajectory. Ethereum, BNB and Solana reflected weaker bid depth during the pullback
Until macro stability returns and ETF inflows resume, crypto markets, analysts believe, are likely to remain defensive
Bitcoin slipped below the $80,000 mark after failing to hold above $89,000, with the decline exacerbated by thin weekend liquidity
Macro conditions also weighed on sentiment. Analysts noted that risk appetite softened across global markets as investors reassessed the outlook for monetary easing
Amid this, more than $1.5 billion in outflows from spot Bitcoin ETFs this week, analysts said, point to a near-term moderation in institutional risk appetite
The downturn followed broader weakness in global equities after renewed trade tensions between the US and Europe, triggered by President Donald Trump's latest tariff threats
The rally, analysts said, appears driven by spot accumulation and improving risk appetite, with on-chain data showing liquidations of short positions as Bitcoin moved above key resistance levels
Overall, muted capital inflows, analysts said, are likely to keep ETH range-bound, while Bitcoin's relative strength continues to support broader sentiment, though there is no clear breakout signal
After testing the $94,000-$95,000 zone earlier in the week, BTC retraced and briefly dipped below $90,000 before stabilising near the mid-$90,000 levels
Bitcoin, analysts said, benefited from its safe-haven narrative, short-covering near key levels of $91,500-$93,000, and robust stablecoin inflows
Until Bitcoin resolves its volatility squeeze and macro liquidity becomes less restrictive, altcoin movements, analysts believe, are likely to remain rotational and tactical,
With clearer regulations and growing institutional involvement, analysts believe, the crypto landscape is poised for transformation in the year ahead.
As digital assets continue to operate in a tightly regulated environment, the sector, analysts said, has displayed significant resilience, innovation, and growing integration into the broader system
While volatility is expected to persist, it may be less extreme than in previous cycles, with institutional adoption and infrastructure development paving the way for a more stable market
The broader market reflected the digestion of the Bank of Japan's 25-basis-point rate hike, a move that, analysts said, had been anticipated
The flagship digital asset now accounts for 8.1 per cent of total holdings, highlighting renewed investor appetite for stability in a market often defined by volatility
In the near term, holding $88,000 could allow a relief bounce, while a break lower, analysts believe, may open downside toward $86,000-$87,000
Bitcoin in 2026: Experts say volatility is normal, but disciplined investors could see steady gains
While equities briefly rallied, the momentum failed to carry over to digital assets
If Bitcoin remains range-bound post-FOMC, rotational flows, analysts believe, may continue to support altcoins at the margins