Bitcoin Reclaims $65K as Dollar Slips
Bitcoin pushed back above the $65,000 mark on Wednesday, February 25, buoyed by a softer U.S. dollar and renewed optimism across Asian equity markets. The move marks the strongest rebound in weeks for the crypto market, but analysts remain divided on whether this bounce signals a sustainable recovery or just a temporary pause in a broader downturn.
Bitcoin Climbs as Risk Appetite Returns
Bitcoin (BTC) climbed to roughly $65,400 in early trading, recovering from recent weakness as global investors rotated back into risk assets. The rebound coincided with gains in Asian equities and a pullback in the U.S. dollar, traditionally supportive conditions for crypto prices.
Earlier this week, the total crypto market capitalization dipped to around $2.19 trillion nearly revisiting levels seen during the sharp sell-off on February 5. That retest of prior lows has become a focal point for traders assessing whether the market is forming a technical base.
Technical Setup
Market analysts are closely watching what appears to be a potential “double-bottom” formation, a technical pattern that often signals a bullish reversal.
A double bottom forms when price:
- Drops to a significant low
- Rebounds modestly
- Falls again to test the same support level
- Breaks above interim resistance
This creates a distinctive “W” shape on price charts. If confirmed, the pattern could open the door to roughly 10% upside from current levels. However, analysts caution that failure to sustain momentum could trigger renewed selling pressure. In that case, the market could face a deeper correction, potentially extending losses by as much as 25%.
The key level to watch is whether total crypto market capitalization can move decisively above the recent rebound peak near $2.47 trillion seen about 10 days ago.
Altcoins Rally as Dollar Weakens
Major altcoins followed Bitcoin higher:
- Ethereum (ETH) gained 4.2%
- Solana (SOL) surged 7%
- XRP (XRP) added 3%
The rally coincided with a 1.4% rise in Asian equities, according to MSCI’s regional index, which reached a record high. Gains were led by South Korean and Taiwanese technology stocks, particularly AI-related chipmakers ahead of earnings from Nvidia.
Meanwhile, the Bloomberg Dollar Spot Index edged lower following remarks from Donald Trump, who reiterated support for tariffs despite legal setbacks. A weaker dollar often supports alternative assets like Bitcoin, as it increases global liquidity and reduces currency pressure on international buyers.
Crisis of Confidence Still Looms
Despite the rebound, sentiment remains fragile. Bitcoin is still down nearly 50% from its all-time high, and many market participants question whether a true capitulation phase has occurred.
A “crisis of confidence” continues to weigh on investor psychology, with limited fresh catalysts driving sustained inflows into the space. Some analysts argue that deeper selling pressure may still be ahead before a durable bottom forms.
Historically, crypto recoveries often follow a period of broad capitulation — when weak hands exit the market and long-term holders accumulate at discounted levels. Whether the recent bounce represents the beginning of that process or merely a relief rally remains uncertain.
What Comes Next for Bitcoin?
The short-term outlook hinges on three critical factors:
- Whether the double-bottom pattern confirms with a breakout
- Continued weakness in the U.S. dollar
- Sustained strength in global risk assets
If bullish momentum builds, Bitcoin could extend gains toward the upper resistance band near recent recovery highs. If not, traders warn that the market could retest and potentially break below its February lows. For now, Bitcoin’s move back above $65,000 offers cautious optimism, but conviction across the market remains thin.
