Will Bitcoin Hold $68,000? Five Key Factors to Watch This Week That Could Determine Market Direction

▲ United States, Bitcoin (BTC)

Bitcoin (BTC) is walking a tightrope around the $68,000 level. The momentum that once pushed it toward $126,000 has faded. However, according to a CoinGape report on February 22 (local time), major economic data releases and events scheduled for this week could mark the beginning of a new phase.

Investors are first turning their attention to the Strategy Conference in Las Vegas, United States. In particular, during the two-day corporate Bitcoin session starting on the 24th, Chairman Michael Saylor is expected to take the stage to advocate for incorporating Bitcoin as a corporate treasury asset. As Strategy is an overwhelmingly dominant whale holding 717,131 BTC, the tone of Saylor’s remarks is likely to play a key role in determining the market’s downside support.

The direction of macroeconomic indicators is also significant. The revised U.S. GDP for the fourth quarter of 2025 and the January Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index, both set for release on the 27th, are key metrics the Federal Reserve considers when weighing the timing of potential rate cuts. If slowing inflation is confirmed, capital inflows into risk assets such as Ethereum (ETH) and Bitcoin could accelerate. Conversely, if inflation exceeds expectations, concerns about tightening liquidity may push the market into further correction. With spot ETF markets experiencing five consecutive weeks of outflows, the importance of these indicators is greater than ever.

Regulatory developments are another crucial variable affecting the digital asset market this week. The March 1 deadline set by the White House for reaching a compromise on the U.S. cryptocurrency market structure bill (CLARITY) is fast approaching. As CEO Brad Garlinghouse continues discussions with key financial sector figures, the focus is on whether clear regulatory guidelines will be presented for assets including XRP. If regulatory uncertainty is resolved, the market could see significant institutional capital inflows.

On the supply and demand side, the large-scale options expiry scheduled for the 27th could act as a volatility trigger. With billions of dollars worth of Bitcoin and Ethereum options set to expire, sharp price swings are expected as open interest positions unwind. In particular, as Bitcoin hovers near the $68,000 level, intense positioning battles among whales around key strike prices are anticipated. Additionally, it remains to be seen how much recent news of a U.S.–Iran nuclear agreement easing geopolitical risks will contribute to improved investor sentiment.

This week, market direction is more likely to be determined by macroeconomic factors and institutional developments than by technical analysis. Whether the psychological support level of $68,000 holds or becomes a springboard for a new bull market ultimately depends on the chain reaction of data releases and events unfolding this week. Investors should respond cautiously, closely monitoring institutional capital flows and regulatory deadlines rather than reacting emotionally to short-term price fluctuations.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice. The publisher is not responsible for any investment losses incurred based on this information.