Bitcoin Hits Over Five-Week Low

Bitcoin fell to around $79,000 on Monday, hitting its lowest level since mid-September after a weekend sell-off intensified pressure on the cryptocurrency. The decline was fueled by weakening institutional demand, with US spot Bitcoin ETFs recording $635.6 million in net outflows on October 22, their largest single-day withdrawal since June, while roughly $815 million in leveraged crypto positions were liquidated over 24 hours, mostly long positions. Rising geopolitical tensions, elevated crude oil prices, and a broader risk-off mood fueled by concerns over AI-related spending also weighed on sentiment, while persistent inflation and uncertainty over the monetary policy outlook added to market caution. Investors are now turning their attention to the Federal Reserve’s October 27–28 meeting and the US September PCE inflation report due October 29, both of which could shape interest rate expectations and the outlook for risk assets.

Bitcoin held above $85,000 on Tuesday, hovering near its highest level since January while keeping its 7% gain over the past five days and about 35% increase over the past three months. Recent gains were partly supported by softer crude prices and renewed institutional demand, with US spot Bitcoin ETFs recording $433 million in net inflows on September 18, while corporate buying also increased as Strategy resumed Bitcoin purchases after a three-week pause. Regulatory developments also offered support, with the US SEC granting a five-year exemption to platforms using blockchain infrastructure to facilitate trading in tokenized stocks and other securities. The move came even as the US Senate last week halted further progress on the Clarity Act, which aims to establish clearer rules for digital assets. Meanwhile, traders are watching this week’s US-China summit for signs of progress toward easing trade tensions, which could further influence broader risk sentiment.

Bitcoin topped $86K on Monday, extending the rally that began last week and reaching its highest level since January. The cryptocurrency was supported by improving overall market sentiment, continued declines in oil prices, progress on the regulatory front and renewed institutional inflows. The US Securities and Exchange Commission introduced a five-year exemption for platforms facilitating the trading of tokenised stocks and other securities using blockchain technology. This came despite the US Senate voting last week to block the Clarity Act from advancing. The legislation would establish a regulatory framework for digital assets. Meanwhile, traders are also focused on this week’s summit between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, with markets looking for signs of progress towards easing trade tensions. Demand for Bitcoin has also strengthened. US spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded $433 million in net inflows on September 18, led by Fidelity and BlackRock.