Why Is Bitcoin Down Today? BTC USD Struggles At $66k As ETFs See $133M In Outflows And Geopolitical Tensions Escalate

Ben Graham · February 18

Bitcoin is facing a turbulent week, slipping toward critical support levels as global markets react to rising geopolitical fears. While gold and oil are surging on reports of imminent escalation in the Middle East, we are seeing a classic Bitcoin risk-off move. Furthermore, US spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded its largest single-day outflow in recent weeks, losing $133 million as market sentiment plunged into extreme fear territory.

Moreover, when the Fed signals a “hawkish” stance, markets tend to shudder. They aren’t ready to lower interest rates just yet.

After hitting a dizzying high of over $126,000 earlier this year, BTC USD is struggling at $66,100 at the time of writing. All eyes are on the $60,000 line in the sand, a level that could determine whether this is just a dip or the start of a deeper slide.

While market corrections are normal, the $60,000 level acts as a major psychological floor for investors.

The current Middle East conflict is testing Bitcoin’s resilience, pushing investors towards traditional safe havens like gold. If this “trampoline” breaks, we could see prices seek lower ground to find stability again. Broad market uncertainty, including recent political shifts impacting sentiment, has amplified this downward pressure.

Bitcoin is trapped in between liquidity. pic.twitter.com/N4ZI95YeEh

— Crypto Rover (@cryptorover) February 18, 2026

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BTC Immediate Support Zone Sits Firmly Between $60,000 and $62,000

Bloomberg analysts seem to think that Bitcoin maybe paying the price of “winning over the Wall Street.”

Currently, the immediate support zone sits firmly between $60,000 and $62,000. If traders manage to defend this zone, we maybe able to see rebound toward $68,000.

This bounce could be fueled by a crypto market liquidation event, where traders betting against Bitcoin (shorts) are forced to buy back in, driving the price up rapidly.

Bitcoin is perfectly following to 2022-2023 price movements. pic.twitter.com/ba79Hg4M4m

— Crypto Rover (@cryptorover) February 15, 2026

However, not everyone is convinced the bottom is in as certain technical patterns signal caution. If the $60,000 support fails, the next major safety net is around $52,000, aligning with the 200-week moving average. Some analysts even warn of a potential dip toward $50,000 if panic selling intensifies.

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Key Takeaways

BTC USD is struggling at $66,100 at the time of writing. All eyes are on the $60,000 line in the sand, a level that could determine whether this is just a dip or the start of a deeper slide.

While the usual “digital gold” narrative is challenged right now, the fundamentals of the market haven’t disappeared.

The post Why Is Bitcoin Down Today? BTC USD Struggles At $66k As ETFs See $133M In Outflows And Geopolitical Tensions Escalate appeared first on 99Bitcoins.