Here’s why Bitcoin dropped sharply back under US$65K. No, its not a tariff tumble!

2026-02-23 03:27:00
The immediate trigger was large scale liquidation that I noted at the time.
But, these don’t occur with no context.
SUmmary:
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Bitcoin drops ~5% in a short window, slipping under US$65,000
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Break of key technical support accelerates selling pressure
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Large holder (“whale”) flows to exchanges increase supply
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Broader tariff and macro uncertainty weighs on risk appetite
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No single regulatory shock or systemic crypto event identified
Bitcoin fell sharply in recent hours, breaking below the US$65,000 level after a swift wave of selling that saw prices drop roughly 5% in a short span. The move appears largely technical and sentiment-driven rather than tied to a single headline catalyst.
The US$65K region had been acting as a visible support zone following several sessions of sideways consolidation. Once breached, the level triggered a combination of stop-loss orders and short-term momentum selling, amplifying downside pressure. Such breaks often create a feedback loop in crypto markets, where liquidity can thin quickly and price action accelerates through clustered positioning.
On-chain and exchange flow data suggest increased selling from larger holders. Elevated inflows of bitcoin to exchanges — often interpreted as a precursor to distribution, added to supply at a time when momentum was already fading. This marks a shift from prior weeks, where accumulation patterns had underpinned price stability.
Macro factors also appear to have contributed. Renewed uncertainty surrounding US tariff policy and broader geopolitical risks have dampened global risk sentiment. In such environments, crypto assets often trade as high-beta risk instruments, making them vulnerable to de-risking flows. With equity volatility edging higher and oil markets sensitive to geopolitical headlines, broader cross-asset caution likely spilled into digital assets.
Importantly, there has been no major exchange failure, regulatory crackdown, or systemic crypto shock associated with the decline. The move appears more consistent with a technical breakdown compounded by macro unease and positioning adjustments.
Going forward, traders will watch whether bitcoin stabilises below US$65K or attempts a quick reclaim of the level. Failure to recover could expose lower support zones, while a rapid bounce may suggest the move was more of a positioning flush than the start of a deeper trend shift.



