BTC Price Today: Bitcoin Volatility Surges as Traders React to Macro Signals

The BTC price is back in focus Monday, Feb. 23, 2026, as Bitcoin swings sharply in early U.S. trading hours (ET), reflecting renewed volatility across global crypto markets. After a relatively steady stretch last week, the latest BTC price action shows traders repositioning amid macroeconomic uncertainty, institutional flows, and shifting risk appetite.

BTC Price Movement in Early ET Trading

As of mid-morning ET, the BTC price experienced notable intraday fluctuations, with sharp moves in both directions during Asian and European sessions carrying into U.S. markets. Analysts describe the action as technically driven, with key support and resistance levels being tested.

Over the past 24 hours, the BTC price has:

• Experienced increased trading volume compared to the previous session

• Seen liquidations on both long and short positions

• Reacted strongly to broader market sentiment, particularly equities

The volatility underscores Bitcoin’s current position as both a speculative asset and a macro-sensitive risk instrument.

Why BTC Price Is Moving Today

Several factors are influencing today’s BTC price movement:

1. Macro Economic Signals

Investors are closely watching U.S. economic data and Federal Reserve commentary. Expectations around interest rate policy continue to drive risk assets, including crypto. When rate-cut optimism rises, the BTC price often strengthens; when inflation concerns resurface, Bitcoin can retreat alongside growth stocks.

2. Institutional Flows

Spot Bitcoin ETF flows remain a central narrative. Recent sessions have shown mixed inflows and outflows, suggesting institutions are selectively positioning rather than aggressively accumulating. Changes in these flows tend to create amplified BTC price reactions due to the scale of capital involved.

3. Technical Chart Levels

From a technical perspective, traders are focused on:

• A major psychological round-number resistance zone

• A short-term moving average that has acted as support

• Derivatives market funding rates

When these levels are tested simultaneously, the BTC price can accelerate quickly in either direction.

BTC Price and Broader Crypto Market Reaction

Bitcoin’s volatility has also influenced altcoins. When the BTC price makes sudden moves, liquidity often rotates quickly:

• Some altcoins see amplified gains during upward BTC momentum

• During pullbacks, altcoins typically drop faster than Bitcoin

• Stablecoin volumes tend to spike as traders de-risk

This pattern played out again today, with market-wide volatility increasing as the BTC price shifted.

BTC Price Outlook: What Traders Are Watching Next

Looking ahead, market participants are focused on several catalysts that could shape near-term BTC price direction:

Short-term traders are watching for confirmation of either a breakout above resistance or a breakdown below support. Longer-term holders appear less reactive, with on-chain data suggesting a portion of supply remains tightly held.

Volatility Returns to BTC Price Narrative

After periods of consolidation earlier this month, volatility returning to the BTC price has reignited debate about whether Bitcoin is preparing for another major directional move or simply ranging within a broader consolidation structure.

Crypto markets remain highly sensitive to liquidity conditions. With global monetary policy still in flux and risk appetite shifting week to week, the BTC price may continue to see rapid swings in both directions.

For now, traders are bracing for continued volatility as the market digests macro signals and institutional positioning. Whether today’s move becomes the start of a new trend or fades into another consolidation phase will likely depend on how the BTC price reacts to the next round of economic data and capital flows.

The next 48 hours could prove pivotal in defining Bitcoin’s short-term trajectory.