Why crypto is up today: Bitcoin is facing a major hurdle around $70,000 that will decide if this rally is built to last

CoinDesk

by Krisztian Sandor

February 25, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Bitcoin has rebounded sharply, climbing back near $69,000 after a significant drop earlier in the week. This rally comes amid a broader relief move across crypto markets, which had been under pressure for weeks. While traders and analysts are cautious about whether this bounce signals a lasting uptrend or another short-term recovery, the rebound has provided some much-needed optimism to the sector. Despite the gains, key technical resistance levels at $70,000 and above remain challenging for Bitcoin to overcome, with experts warning that the market is still vulnerable to macroeconomic risks. The rally appears to be driven by a combination of technical factors and shifting market sentiment. Analysts suggest that prolonged bearish positioning in crypto markets created conditions for a sharp countertrend advance. However, without a clear catalyst sparking this move, many remain hesitant to declare it the start of a durable uptrend. Key resistance levels, particularly around $70,000 and $72,000, have historically proven difficult for Bitcoin to breach, with sellers often stepping in at these points. Meanwhile, other cryptocurrencies like Ethereum, Solana, and ADA also saw double-digit gains, mirroring the broader market rebound. Digital asset stocks, including Coinbase and Circle, also experienced significant increases as investor sentiment improved. However, experts caution that fundamental factors remain uncertain, leaving the sustainability of this rally in question. The upcoming expiration of $7.49 billion in Bitcoin options later this week adds another layer of complexity, with potential market volatility expected as a result. For readers interested in crypto, this rebound highlights the ongoing volatility and uncertainty in the market. While the short-term gains may present opportunities for traders, the lack of clear catalysts and lingering technical resistance levels suggest caution is warranted. Whether Bitcoin can break through these barriers will be crucial in determining whether this rally marks a meaningful shift or another temporary bounce in an otherwise volatile cycle.

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Originally published on CoinDesk on 2/25/2026