Cryptocurrency February 22, 2026

Bitcoin Pauses Near $68,000 as Tariff-Driven Swings Subside

Trading remains muted while markets await clearer signals on U.S. policy and economic data

By Jordan Park
Bitcoin Pauses Near $68,000 as Tariff-Driven Swings Subside

Bitcoin traded essentially flat on Sunday, holding close to the $68,000 level after earlier volatility tied to a tariff announcement faded. The largest cryptocurrency was last reported up about 0.18% at $68,212.2, trading inside a narrow band as investors awaited clearer macro guidance and fresh catalysts. Markets continue to weigh uncertainty around U.S. monetary policy and upcoming economic data, and institutional flows into crypto products have shown mixed momentum.

Key Points

  • Bitcoin traded little changed on Sunday and held near the $68,000 level, last up about 0.18% at $68,212.2.
  • Overall trading activity was subdued and prices moved within a narrow range as investors awaited clearer macro signals and fresh catalysts.
  • Markets are weighing uncertainty around U.S. monetary policy and upcoming economic data, while institutional flows into crypto investment products have shown mixed momentum.

Bitcoin showed little net movement on Sunday, remaining close to the $68,000 mark as the market digest recent headlines and trading activity stayed subdued. The world's largest cryptocurrency was last recorded up about 0.18% at $68,212.2, moving within a tight range as participants waited for clearer signs on macroeconomic policy and data.

Trading volumes have been relatively muted in recent sessions, with price action struggling to produce a decisive breakout in either direction. Observers noted that investor attention remains focused on the trajectory of U.S. monetary policy and a slate of forthcoming economic releases, factors the market views as potential catalysts for sharper moves.

Institutional flows into crypto investment products have not shown a consistent pattern, with momentum described as mixed. That uneven institutional engagement contributed to the lack of strong directional conviction in recent trading, leaving bitcoin to consolidate rather than trend strongly.

On Saturday, bitcoin experienced a period of choppy trading after U.S. President Donald Trump said he would raise a temporary global tariff rate to 15%. The comment briefly pressured prices lower, but the market stabilized later in the session and returned to a narrow trading band.

With volatility tied to the tariff-related headline largely fading, market participants are left monitoring the interplay between policy signals and economic data for the next meaningful driver of price. For now, the cryptocurrency's price action reflects a market in a holding pattern, balancing headline-driven swings against a backdrop of mixed institutional demand.


Market context

  • Bitcoin remains near $68,000, with the last reported price at $68,212.2, up about 0.18%.
  • Trading has been subdued and contained to a narrow range while investors await clearer macro signals and new catalysts.
  • Earlier tariff-related remarks by the U.S. President caused temporary choppiness before prices stabilized.

Risks

  • Uncertainty around U.S. monetary policy and upcoming economic data could prompt sharper moves in cryptocurrency markets, affecting price stability - this impacts the broader financial markets and institutional investors.
  • Headline-driven trade policy remarks, such as the U.S. President's comment about raising a temporary global tariff rate to 15%, can produce sudden volatility in crypto prices, affecting traders and liquidity providers.
  • Mixed momentum in institutional flows into crypto investment products may limit market depth and amplify price swings, impacting asset managers and institutional market participants.

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