Bitcoin is trading just below the $71,000 level and is finding it hard to move higher as market sentiment cools. According to CNBC Senior Crypto Reporter MacKenzie Sigalos, the current price movement shows a market that is no longer driven by strong excitement but is still supported by steady demand that is preventing a sharp fall. While Bitcoin has recovered from recent lows, short-term strength remains weak, pointing to uncertainty among traders.
Investors are becoming more careful with their positions, and the market is shifting from aggressive buying to a wait-and-watch phase. Instead of hype, decisions are now based on risk control and capital allocation, keeping Bitcoin price movement mostly sideways for now.
One major reason for Bitcoin’s slow performance is the lack of new positive triggers. Sigalos notes that progress on crypto regulation, especially the CLARITY Act, has stalled. Many investors expected clearer rules from this bill, but with no movement in Congress, that optimism has faded.
At the same time, the earlier boost in confidence linked to President Trump’s return has also cooled. Broader financial markets have shown signs of weakness, leading some large investment firms to reduce their exposure to risk assets. This cautious mood has weighed on Bitcoin, even though long-term interest in the asset remains.
The “digital gold” narrative is also being debated again. Critics say Bitcoin has not fully proven itself during periods of economic stress, while supporters argue that traditional currencies lose value over time due to inflation, which keeps Bitcoin’s long-term appeal as a store of value intact.
Despite the recent weakness, Bitcoin has repeatedly found buying interest near the $60,000 level. Sigalos explains that this area is close to the average cost required to mine new Bitcoin.
If the price drops below this level, many mining operations would struggle to stay profitable. That would reduce selling from miners who usually sell Bitcoin to cover expenses. Because of this, the $60,000 zone is acting as a strong price floor and has helped Bitcoin recover toward the $70,000 range. This pattern reflects how production costs can influence Bitcoin price support, similar to commodities.
Unlike earlier market cycles that were driven mostly by retail traders, large financial players are now playing a bigger role. Many individual traders have shifted attention to prediction platforms, while demand is being led by spot Bitcoin ETFs and companies adding Bitcoin to their balance sheets.
Spot Bitcoin ETFs recently recorded about $300 million in net inflows in a single day, showing that institutional demand is still present, even if investors are cautious. Discussions with ETF providers suggest interest remains steady as the market waits for clearer regulatory signals.
If selling pressure increases again, Bitcoin could retest the $60,000 support level, where buyers are likely to step in. On the upside, the absence of fresh positive news means Bitcoin may continue moving within a broad $60,000 to $71,000 range in the near term.
Until there is clearer regulation or stronger global market conditions, Bitcoin appears to be in a consolidation phase—supported by institutional demand, limited by uncertainty, and waiting for the next major catalyst to decide its direction.
Sideways markets can reduce volatility short term, but they also build pressure for sharper moves later. A breakout or breakdown usually follows a clear macro or policy signal.
Miners, exchanges, and blockchain startups may see tighter margins and slower growth. Companies with strong balance sheets are better positioned to weather extended consolidation.
Clear regulatory action, major monetary policy changes, or a decisive move in global equities could reset investor positioning. Any of these can quickly revive risk appetite.
Long-term investors and institutions benefit from predictable entry points and lower volatility. Short-term traders, however, may find fewer opportunities for rapid gains.
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