On 3 February 2026, Bitcoin traded under $74,000 after the U.S. House approved a tight 217–215 procedural vote tied to a Senate-supported funding bill aimed at reopening the federal government. The total crypto market cap fell to about $2.5 trillion, with Bitcoin down roughly 6% in 24 hours and nearly 15% over the week as broader macro and political uncertainty kept risk appetite muted.

Bitcoin sank about 15% between January 28 and 31, then dropped roughly 10% on Saturday, forcing over $2 billion in long liquidations. On-chain and market-structure signals point to risks of a move toward the 200-week average near $58,000 and the realized price around $56,000. One analyst now sees a potential cycle bottom in the $54,000–$44,000 range.

VistaShares launched BTYB on the New York Stock Exchange, an actively managed ETF that primarily invests in US Treasurys while employing options to provide weekly income and Bitcoin-linked exposure. The fund targets approximately 80% in Treasurys and about 20% tied to BTC via a synthetic covered-call strategy.

Newly unsealed US Justice Department emails indicate Jeffrey Epstein met then NYDFS superintendent Ben Lawsky in 2014 as New York drafted the BitLicense, finalized in 2015. The records mention Epstein floated a pro Bitcoin tax idea but show no evidence he shaped the final rule. The disclosures arrive as part of the wider Epstein Files release in late 2025 and early 2026.

Recently released legal files show that Jeffrey Epstein followed Bitcoin from its early price swings, discussed funding key infrastructure, and cultivated ties with major industry figures. The documents describe his role in Blockstream's initial financing, his 2016 proposal for a blockchain-based "Sharia Coin" to wealthy Saudi contacts, and his continued skepticism about buying Bitcoin even near its 2017 peak.

Galaxy Digital’s Head of Research Alex Thorn warns that Bitcoin’s lack of strong onchain ownership between $70,000 and $80,000 leaves price vulnerable to a deeper slide from its October 6, 2025 all-time high of $126,298. He argues that historic drawdowns from record levels often extend to 50%, implying potential downside toward $63,000 and possible tests of key support levels near the 200-week moving average and realized price.

Bitcoin recently fell sharply toward the $74K demand zone and is now showing signs of short-term consolidation. Price action suggests a possible corrective rebound toward the $83K–$90K region, followed by another pullback into internal supply zones. Liquidity clusters near $70K indicate that a deeper sweep remains possible if BTC fails to reclaim higher levels.

Bitcoin is trading slightly above $78,000 after an 11% weekly decline, with daily volume around $52 billion amid elevated volatility. Social and on-chain metrics show extreme fear, mounting losses for short-term holders, and a market still searching for a durable bottom while long-term investors remain largely unaffected.