Risk-off sentiment is intensifying

Escalation in the Middle East remains the main source of pressure on markets. Strikes on energy infrastructure are continuing, oil prices are rising, and there is still no clear end to the conflict.
Powell’s hawkish tone at the Fed meeting only added to that pressure. He made it clear that rate cuts are unlikely amid rising prices and inflation. Markets are now pricing in just one cut, while some major banks expect zero cuts this year. All of this is weighing on risk assets, especially equities.
In this backdrop, BTC is still showing a local safe-haven effect. Geopolitics is clearly reinforcing the broader risk-off mood. Crypto is not immune - liquidity-driven moves and manipulation are still part of the picture - but it continues to look relatively strong versus other risk assets, with BTC once again holding above 70K.
Forecasting here is difficult because the situation can shift at any moment. As long as uncertainty in the Middle East persists, BTC will likely keep trading within the current range. Altcoin squeezes and pumps are not going anywhere, so we work with what the market gives us and reassess from there.