Bitcoin remained resilient on Thursday, holding above a key psychological level after a strong rally earlier in the week, even as broader financial markets turned more cautious and momentum across the crypto market began to cool. The world’s largest cryptocurrency traded near $96,200, gaining around 1% in the past 24 hours and roughly 6% over the past seven days, signaling continued strength despite a softer risk environment.
Ether also maintained elevated levels, hovering near $3,300 after posting more modest gains. The second-largest cryptocurrency had surged alongside bitcoin earlier in the week before entering a period of consolidation. Overall, total crypto market capitalization rose nearly 5% to approximately $3.25 trillion, marking its strongest levels in months before upside momentum eased.
Outside the crypto space, global markets showed signs of risk aversion. Oil prices declined for the first time in six sessions after U.S. President Donald Trump indicated that military action against Iran could be delayed, reducing immediate geopolitical tensions. At the same time, precious metals pulled back from record highs, Asian stock markets edged lower, and U.S. stock-index futures slipped as investors rotated away from technology shares.
Despite this mixed macroeconomic backdrop, crypto sentiment improved notably. The crypto market sentiment index climbed to 48, its highest reading since late October, reflecting growing trader confidence after a cautious end to 2025. According to Alex Kuptsikevich, chief market analyst at FxPro, bitcoin’s technical outlook has strengthened, with the asset clearing several key resistance levels and opening a potential path toward the $100,000 to $106,000 range.
However, Thursday’s price action suggested consolidation rather than a renewed breakout. While bitcoin and ether held their gains, performance among major altcoins was uneven. Solana and BNB traded higher, while XRP dropped about 3% and dogecoin fell more than 3%, underperforming the broader crypto market. Such divergence often points to profit-taking and a pause after a rapid rally.
Stablecoins like USDT and USDC remained firmly pegged to the dollar, indicating no signs of market stress or forced selling. With upcoming U.S. economic data unlikely to change expectations for a Federal Reserve rate cut before midyear, investors are closely watching whether bitcoin can continue to hold above $95,000 as equity markets soften. For now, the crypto market appears to be digesting recent gains rather than accelerating into a new leg higher.
