Why Is The BTC Price Down Today?

Bitcoin price dropped sharply today, leading to increased crypto selling. At press time, BTC price was trading at $76,519, down by 2.7 percent in the past 24 hours, 13.52 percent in the past week, and 16.08 percent in the past month. The decline followed extreme fear readings, heavy liquidations, institutional transfers, and a broader risk-off shift across equities and metals.

Reasons why BTC Price is Down 

Bitcoin price dipped as market sentiment deteriorated fast, reflected in the CMC Fear and Greed Index. The index dropped to 17, marking “Extreme Fear” and its lowest level since November 2025. Negative commentary dominated for the first time in nearly two months, weakening near-term buying conviction.

Additionally, on-chain data showed increased whale and institutional activity during the decline. Whale Alert reported 1,092 BTC moved from Coinbase to an unknown wallet. Another transfer of 826 BTC happened, moving from an unknown wallet to Coinbase Institutional, adding to sell-side pressure.

CryptoQuant analyst Maartunn flagged rare long-term holder movement. According to Maartunn, 200 BTC, aged over ten years, moved into a single block. Such activity has historically been associated with increased fear.

Additionally, BlackRock deposited 1,134 BTC and 35,358 ETH to Coinbase Prime. This move is among a few of BlackRock’s BTC transfers made in the past few weeks amid the outflows from the Bitcoin ETFs. 

Broader Risk-Off Shock and Liquidations 

Beyond crypto-specific factors, Bitcoin price followed a wider risk-off rotation across global markets. Global equities weakened, with tech stocks, including Microsoft, under pressure after mixed earnings results. 

As a result, correlated risk assets, including crypto, declined together. Meanwhile, precious metals also sold off sharply, removing a potential hedge narrative for Bitcoin. According to market maker Wintermute, the BTC price dropped below $80,000 for the first time since April 2025 due to tariff-related volatility. 

The firm reported $2.55 billion in liquidations over the weekend, ranking among the largest crypto liquidation events. Thin weekend liquidity amplified forced selling as leverage unwound fast.

Wintermute also linked the move to three overlapping drivers. These included disappointing Mag7 earnings, the nomination of ‘inflation hawk’ Kevin Warsh for Fed Chair, and the violent precious metals flush. 

Technical Breakdown Keeps BTC Under Key Averages

From a technical perspective, Bitcoin price remains under sustained downside pressure, according to Santiment. The 50-day moving average crossed below the 200-day moving average, confirming a bearish death cross. Since then, BTC has stayed below both indicators.

Source: Santiment

Currently, the 50-day average is moving downward near $83,100, while the 200-day average sits near $89,500. These levels now act as overhead resistance zones. Notably, the BTC price action has failed to reclaim either average.

Volume data further supports the bearish structure. There has been an increase in selling volume during the late November and early February declines. Recent volume remains elevated near $76,300, indicating continued distribution rather than exhaustion.