As we enter the third month of the new year, numerous crises have unfolded and left their mark on the cryptocurrency landscape. Bitcoin began the first quarter bracing for several negative developments, including the Supreme Court’s ruling, the risk of MSCI index exclusion, and escalating tensions after the Iranian attack. While realization of these risks allowed Bitcoin’s price to surge above $74,000, the asset soon faced renewed selling pressure as traders cashed in on gains. Nevertheless, there are signs that at least institutional sell-offs have subsided for now.
Institutional Momentum Cools Down
The liquidity crunch that started last year—prompted by South Korean investors pulling out of cryptocurrencies—worsened in late 2025 as U.S. investors also moved into a selling stance. Although the Coinbase Premium Index has yet to reach levels considered reassuring, it may be premature for bulls to celebrate.
Market commentator Darkfost has drawn attention to changes in the Coinbase Premium Index, cautioning that while some interpret these moves as a signal of a bullish turnaround, the reality is more subdued. The data currently points not to a dramatic shift, but instead to a pause in institutional sales. A true recovery, Darkfost explained, would require renewed momentum from institutional buyers.
“It’s amusing to see so many articles and posts about the Coinbase Premium Index, since when we look at the trend, the index is actually at zero on the weekly timeframe. Yes, you heard right—exactly at zero. Sure, we’ve had a few positive days, but nothing dramatic. I’ve even seen hourly charts being touted as evidence that institutional demand is back. In reality, the market has simply returned to equilibrium, and now the Coinbase Premium Index has slipped slightly back into negative territory. The main takeaway is that the wave of institutional selling has stalled.
And that’s a trend—this isn’t just a daily or hourly development. Although it’s a positive sign, we don’t yet see proof that institutional buyers are returning. Demand remains weak.”
Crypto Forecaster Proves Accurate Again
Just hours ago, an analyst going by the name Roman Trading issued a skeptical outlook on Bitcoin’s latest rally attempt. He boldly predicted that the move would run out of steam and fail to attract significant interest. As the weekend approached, Bitcoin’s performance seemed to vindicate this forecast, with the price slipping below $68,000. The loss of support levels has now raised the prospect of a renewed slide toward $63,000.
Should Bitcoin breach both the $65,800 and $63,000 thresholds, it may once again test the $60,000 mark.
Yet the analyst suggests that the real downside risk extends even further, targeting a possible drop to $52,000.
“This was a classic false breakout against the high timeframe resistance—a move well supported by MACD/RSI and volume data. We consider it a highly predictable shift and expect the decline could continue all the way to the $52,000 range.”
