Bitcoin ($BTC) is currently navigating a pivotal consolidation phase following a volatile start to February 2026. After hitting an all-time high of $126,100 in late 2025, the flagship cryptocurrency faced a sharp correction, dropping toward the $60,000 support zone earlier this month. As of today, February 21, 2026, Bitcoin is showing signs of recovery, trading near $68,162. The question for many traders is whether the current momentum is sufficient to propel the $Bitcoin price back above the psychological $70,000 threshold.
The current technical setup suggests that Bitcoin is testing a significant overhead supply zone. Based on recent price action, the $70,000 to $71,000 range has acted as a "wall" for bulls. However, with the Stoch RSI showing a bullish crossover in the oversold region and price action stabilizing above the $65,000 support, the path toward $70,000 remains the primary short-term target. A sustained break above $68,500 is the immediate prerequisite for this move.
The 4-hour chart reveals several critical layers of price action that traders must monitor:
The Stoch RSI (3, 3, 14, 14) is currently trending upward in the upper bounds (around 96.37). While this indicates strong buying momentum, it also suggests the asset is entering "overbought" territory on the short-term timeframe. This typically precedes a minor cooling-off period or a sideways consolidation before the next leg up.
The broader crypto news landscape in February 2026 has been dominated by a mix of "Extreme Fear" and cautious optimism. According to recent data from Santiment, the "Lambo" memes and retail FOMO have largely dried up, which contrarian analysts view as a healthy sign for a sustainable bottom.
| Indicator | Status | Market Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Fear & Greed Index | 14 (Extreme Fear) | Historical Buy Signal |
| Institutional Flows | Positive (Europe ETFs) | Long-term Support |
| Federal Reserve | Hawkish Signals | Pressure on Risk Assets |
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Regardless of the direction, securing your assets in hardware wallets is recommended during these periods of high macro uncertainty.
Bitcoin is in a "wait-and-see" mode. While the technicals on the 4-hour chart lean bullish with the recovery from the $64,000 lows, the overhead resistance at $70,000 remains formidable. If the current neutral sentiment shifts toward a relief rally, the end of February could see Bitcoin firmly back in the $70,000 - $75,000 range.

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