Bitcoin (BTC) briefly slipped below $67,000 on Tuesday, extending its four-week decline amid market volatility as investors grappled with the potential impact ofBitcoin (BTC) briefly slipped below $67,000 on Tuesday, extending its four-week decline amid market volatility as investors grappled with the potential impact of

Bitcoin Price Analysis: BTC Slumps Below $67,000, More Pain Ahead?

2026/02/18 22:21
6 min read

Bitcoin (BTC) briefly slipped below $67,000 on Tuesday, extending its four-week decline amid market volatility as investors grappled with the potential impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the broader economy. Software stocks continued their downturn with the IGV ETF down 3% over the past 24 hours and 32% since October.

Analysts expect Bitcoin to consolidate as markets look for a catalyst to draw capital out of AI stocks and commodities and back into crypto. The flagship cryptocurrency is down nearly 1% over the past 24 hours, trading around $67,808.

Poland Vetoes Second MiCA Bill

Poland has vetoed a second Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) framework, triggering further uncertainty for local platforms as a key deadline approaches. President Karol Nawrocki said the second bill was “practically identical” to the version vetoed previously. The veto comes after the Polish Financial Supervision Authority (KNF) warned that Poland has yet to designate a competent authority to supervise the cryptocurrency market as the MiCA transition deadline of July 1, 2026, approaches. However, local platforms have alternative jurisdictional solutions in the pipeline, as stated by Kanga Exchange co-CEO Slawek Zawadzki,

“This does not change our strategy. From the beginning, we considered the possibility that the MiCA-implementing law in Poland might not enter into force in time, and we prepared alternative jurisdictional solutions accordingly.”

Both MiCA frameworks triggered sharp criticism from crypto market supporters, highlighting deep divisions within the Polish government about how to regulate digital assets. President Nawrocki has signalled a more crypto-friendly approach by rejecting the proposals, while Polish politician Tomasz Mentzen called the proposals “extensive regulations” that could stifle innovation.

Strategy Adds 2,486 BTC Amid Ongoing Downturn

Michael Saylor’s Strategy has announced its latest Bitcoin purchase, acquiring 2,496 BTC for $168 million. The latest purchase takes the company’s total Bitcoin holdings to 717,131 BTC, valued at around $50 billion at current prices. The company funded its latest purchase by selling shares, a move that further dilutes its shareholders. The company has $7.8 billion in common shares and an additional $20 billion in preferred STRK shares. Strategy has over 312 million in outstanding shares, with shareholder dilution set to continue due to Michael Saylor’s Bitcoin acquisition strategy.

Lobby Group Urges Senate To Pass Bill Protecting Crypto Devs

Coin Center, a prominent crypto lobby group, has urged the US Senate Banking Committee to push a bill that prevents crypto protocol developers from being prosecuted for their projects. Senators Cynthia Lummis and Ron Wyden introduced a new version of the Blockchain Regulatory Certainty Act (BRCA). The act clarifies that software developers and infrastructure providers who don’t control user funds cannot be classified as money transmitters under federal law.

Jason Somensatto, Coin Center Policy Director, has already told the Senate Banking Committee that blockchain innovation in the US will be stifled if developers face threats of prosecution while engaging in activities that should be considered lawful. According to Somensatto, the bill ensures crypto developers can develop systems that a market structure bill is designed to promote and protect.

Bitcoin (BTC) Price Analysis

Bitcoin (BTC) briefly slipped below $67,000 on Tuesday, extending a four-week downturn as the market grappled with concerns about AI’s impact on the broader economy. The flagship cryptocurrency dropped to a low of $66,679 on Wednesday before rebounding to $68,144. It revisited $67,000 on Wednesday before moving to its current level of $68,180, rising marginally over the past 24 hours. Noelle Acheson, the author of the Crypto is Macro Now newsletter, stated that investor sentiment is weak despite adoption by legacy institutions.

“Sentiment is clearly bleak in crypto markets. There is strong progress in adoption by traditional institutions, but this is not reflected in overall prices, which depresses sentiment even more.”

Wall Street also witnessed another volatile session as uncertainty around AI and its impact on the economy grew. Investors are also increasingly skeptical that spending on AI will pay off anytime soon. Lack of capital remains a substantial roadblock preventing a sustained recovery for Bitcoin. Spot Bitcoin ETFs shed $360 million last week, marking a fourth consecutive week of outflows. Analysts expect Bitcoin to continue consolidating below the $70,000 mark until a fresh catalyst to drive price action emerges. Investors are also unsure if Bitcoin has found a bottom. While most agree that $60,000 is a key level, they fear it may not hold if risk appetite drops further. Robin Singh, chief executive officer of crypto tax platform Koinly, stated,

“One macro wobble, another wave of uncertainty, or even just sustained chop in the mid-$60,000s could easily tip this into a sharper flush back into the $50,000s.”

Bitcoin is currently trading between the 200-week simple moving average (SMA) and the 200-week exponential moving average (EMA). Historically, major Bitcoin bottoms have formed between the 200-week SMA and EMA, indicating that the flagship cryptocurrency is forming a bottom between these levels. Trader and analyst Rekt Capital warned of further downside in the absence of meaningful upside.

“While Bitcoin has produced a weekly close above the 200-week EMA for the second week in a row, this doesn’t mean it is now in the clear. The absence of any meaningful upside from here going forward, there is a risk that BTC loses the 200-week EMA in time, triggering additional downside.”

Crypto investor Ted Pillows highlighted the importance of a close above $71,000 to increase Bitcoin’s chances of a bullish breakout, stating,

“BTC has been ranging between $66,000-$71,000 for some time now. For a rally, Bitcoin needs a daily close above the $71,000 level. And if a breakdown happens below $66,000, BTC might revisit $60,000.”

Bitcoin (BTC) started the previous week in the red, registering a marginal decline to $70,101. The price fell 1.85% on Tuesday, slipping below the $70,000 mark to $68,803. Selling pressure intensified on Wednesday as BTC fell 2.59% to $67,024. The flagship cryptocurrency encountered volatility on Thursday as buyers and sellers struggled to establish control. Sellers ultimately gained the upper hand as the price fell 1.22% to $66,208. Despite the overwhelming selling pressure, BTC rebounded on Friday, rising nearly 4% to $68,812.

Source: TradingView

Price action was mixed over the weekend as BTC rose 1.42% on Saturday to reclaim $70,000. However, it was back in the red on Sunday, dropping 1.43% to $68,792. BTC faced volatility at the beginning of the week, ultimately registering a marginal increase. It returned to bearish territory on Tuesday, dropping over 2% to $67,466. The flagship cryptocurrency is up almost 1% during the ongoing session, trading around $67,884.

Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.


Bitcoin Price Analysis: BTC Slumps Below $67,000, More Pain Ahead? was originally published in Coinmonks on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Market Opportunity
Bitcoin Logo
Bitcoin Price(BTC)
$67,261.83
$67,261.83$67,261.83
-0.63%
USD
Bitcoin (BTC) Live Price Chart
Disclaimer: The articles reposted on this site are sourced from public platforms and are provided for informational purposes only. They do not necessarily reflect the views of MEXC. All rights remain with the original authors. If you believe any content infringes on third-party rights, please contact service@support.mexc.com for removal. MEXC makes no guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the content and is not responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided. The content does not constitute financial, legal, or other professional advice, nor should it be considered a recommendation or endorsement by MEXC.

You May Also Like

SEC Approves Generic ETF Standards for Digital Assets Market

SEC Approves Generic ETF Standards for Digital Assets Market

The United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has approved new rules for listing Commodity-Based Trust Shares, which now cover digital assets, including cryptocurrencies. The decision will now make it easier and faster for exchange-traded funds (ETFs) to get approved, allowing for more assets beyond just Bitcoin and Ethereum, while still protecting investors.  This recently announced action, under the leadership of Chairman Paul Atkins, represents a shift from previous approaches, making the market more transparent and more attractive to investors. SEC’s Landmark Rule Change The SEC’s new rules apply to major stock exchanges like Nasdaq, NYSE Arca, and Cboe BZX. These rules enable the listing and trading of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and other similar products that hold real commodities, including digital assets, without requiring separate approval for each one. Qualifying security products can now be approved more quickly under Rule 19b-4(e). If specific requirements are met, the approval process can be completed in as little as 75 days. This method involves rigorous market monitoring, strict custody rules, and enhanced disclosures. To qualify for the faster process, a digital asset must be traded on a regulated market and should have at least six months of trading history on a designated futures market. Alternatively, it can be part of an existing ETF with at least 40% of its net asset value (NAV) in that asset. Impact on Digital Assets Market The change is essential because it shows that the SEC is being less cautious about crypto ETFs. In the past, the SEC took a long time to review these products because it was worried about market manipulation and wanted to protect investors. Now, new general standards will allow more crypto products to be approved without needing individual reviews for each one. The U.S. is moving closer to the European Union’s MiCA framework and Hong Kong’s crypto licensing rules. The shift will help to strengthen the U.S.’s role in regulating digital assets. Under Chairman Paul Atkins, the government has made it easier for investors in the crypto space by lowering regulatory hurdles. For example, earlier this month, in July, the SEC provided clear rules about what must be disclosed for crypto exchange-traded products. This guidance clarifies how federal securities laws apply, encouraging innovation while remaining compliant.  These actions, under Atkins’ leadership, represent a shift from previous approaches, making the market more transparent and more attractive for investors. The post SEC Approves Generic ETF Standards for Digital Assets Market appeared first on Cointab.
Share
Coinstats2025/09/18 15:24
Will SEC Approve T. Rowe’s XRP-Inclusive Crypto ETF?

Will SEC Approve T. Rowe’s XRP-Inclusive Crypto ETF?

SEC to decide by Feb. 26, 2026 on NYSE Arca’s proposal to list T. Rowe Price’s Active Crypto ETF, which includes XRP exposure. The U.S. Securities and Exchange
Share
LiveBitcoinNews2026/02/19 13:00
SEC clears framework for fast-tracked crypto ETF listings

SEC clears framework for fast-tracked crypto ETF listings

The post SEC clears framework for fast-tracked crypto ETF listings appeared on BitcoinEthereumNews.com. The Securities and Exchange Commission has approved new generic listing standards for spot crypto exchange-traded funds, clearing the way for faster approvals. Summary SEC has greenlighted new generic listing standards for spot crypto ETFs. Rule change eliminates lengthy case-by-case approvals, aligning crypto ETFs with commodity funds. Grayscale’s Digital Large Cap Fund and Bitcoin ETF options also gain approval. The U.S. SEC has approved new generic listing standards that will allow exchanges to fast-track spot crypto ETFs, marking a pivotal shift in U.S. digital asset regulation. According to a Sept. 17 press release, the SEC voted to approve rule changes from Nasdaq, NYSE Arca, and Cboe BZX, enabling them to list and trade commodity-based trust shares, including those holding spot digital assets, without submitting individual proposals for each product. A streamlined path for crypto ETFs Under the new rules, an ETF can be listed without SEC sign-off if its underlying asset trades on a market with surveillance-sharing agreements, has active CFTC-regulated futures contracts for at least six months, or already represents at least 40% of an existing listed ETF. This brings crypto ETFs in line with traditional commodity-based funds under Rule 6c-11, eliminating a process that could take up to 240 days. SEC chair Paul Atkins said the move was designed to “maximize investor choice and foster innovation” while ensuring the U.S. remains the leading market for digital assets. Jamie Selway, director of the division of trading and markets, called the framework “a rational, rules-based approach” that balances access with investor protection. First products already approved Alongside the new standards, the SEC cleared the listing of the Grayscale Digital Large Cap Fund, which tracks spot assets based on the CoinDesk 5 Index. It also approved trading of options tied to the Cboe Bitcoin U.S. ETF Index and its mini version, with…
Share
BitcoinEthereumNews2025/09/18 14:04