Between 07:45 and 08:00 (UTC) on March 4, 2026, the price of BTC experienced rapid short-term fluctuations, with a return of +0.77%. The price ranged from 68,885.0 to 69,655.7 USDT, with a volatility of 1.12%. This movement was accompanied by increased spot trading volume, attracting market attention and intensifying volatility.
The main driver of this fluctuation was the continuous net inflow of funds into the US spot Bitcoin ETF, reaching $458 million in a single day. Institutional large holders concentrated their purchases, pushing BTC to rebound strongly in the short term. ETF funds were directly invested in long positions, reflecting strong confidence from institutions in the current range. On-chain monitoring showed multiple large BTC transfers to mainstream trading platforms during the fluctuation window, with some whale accounts actively adding positions. Order book buy orders increased, and spot funds dominated the market.
Additionally, geopolitical risks, especially tensions in the Middle East, along with increased volatility in traditional assets like US stocks and gold, prompted some funds to seek safe-haven assets in BTC. Market sentiment indicators, such as the fear and greed index, were at extreme fear levels, with retail funds continuously flowing out while institutions increased their holdings against the trend, creating structural divergence and further amplifying market volatility. Simultaneously, ETF fund inflows and the rebound of the US market premium index indicated a recovery in demand.
Caution is advised regarding the short-term volatility driven by institutional funds. If ETF inflows slow down or macroeconomic conditions worsen, there could be downward pressure on prices. It is recommended to continuously monitor key data such as ETF fund flows, large on-chain transfers, and market sentiment indicators, along with support and resistance levels, to prevent sudden market shifts. Stay updated with the latest market developments and risk information.
Disclaimer: The information on this page may come from third parties and does not represent the views or opinions of Gate. The content displayed on this page is for reference only and does not constitute any financial, investment, or legal advice. Gate does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information and shall not be liable for any losses arising from the use of this information. Virtual asset investments carry high risks and are subject to significant price volatility. You may lose all of your invested principal. Please fully understand the relevant risks and make prudent decisions based on your own financial situation and risk tolerance. For details, please refer to
Disclaimer.
Related Articles
Hong Kong young investor loses $160M in BTC, theft allegedly committed by live-in partner
A Hong Kong investor lost $160 million in Bitcoin due to a theft by their live-in partner who had access to their digital assets, underscoring security risks in sharing private keys.
GateNews11m ago
On-chain address cleaned out BTC and ETH positions, taking $1.75M profit before opening $39.4M long position
On March 20th, address 0x94d closed out 105 million dollars in BTC and ETH short positions, realizing profits of approximately 1.75 million dollars, then reversed to open long positions. The current long position size has reached 39.4 million dollars with unrealized losses of approximately 10,000 dollars. This address is known for reverse operations and excels at swing trading.
GateNews19m ago
Iran Strikes Qatar LNG Causing $20 Billion Annual Loss, Bitcoin Drops Below $70K
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched missile strikes on Qatar's Ras Laffan Industrial City on March 18-19, 2026, severely damaging two LNG production trains representing 12.8 million tons per annum (MTPA) of capacity—approximately 17% of Qatar's LNG exports—and forcing QatarEnergy to declare force majeure on long-term contracts for up to five years.
CryptopulseElite1h ago
CNBC's Jim Cramer Calls Market "Extremely Oversold," Appears to Reference Bitcoin
Gate News reported that on March 20, Jim Cramer, host of Mad Money under CNBC, an American financial media outlet, commented that the market is in a "very oversold" state, which may involve Bitcoin (BTC). Specific details of the comment have not been disclosed yet.
GateNews1h ago
Crypto Market Declines for Three Consecutive Days, BTC Narrows Losses and Rebounds Above $70,000, GameFi Sector Rises Against the Trend
The crypto market has declined for three consecutive days, with the SocialFi sector down 4.65%, while Bitcoin and Ethereum fell 0.88% and 1.94% respectively. GameFi showed strength, with Axie Infinity up 3.84%. Other sectors generally declined, with some tokens such as eCash and PIPPIN posting modest gains. Overall sector indices show varying degrees of decline.
GateNews2h ago
Analysts Recommend Holding "Dry Powder" During Price Volatility, BTC Oscillates Near $70,000
Gate News reported that on March 20, a certain analyst advised investors to hold "dry powder" (referring to cash reserves or funds awaiting investment) during periods of price volatility. On Thursday, Bitcoin price fluctuated around $70,377.59 and moved in the direction of $69,000.
GateNews2h ago