Bitcoin struggles near $90K as US tariff fears spook ETF investors

Bitcoin’s recent rally above the key psychological threshold of $90,000 proved short-lived, with analysts pointing to ongoing macroeconomic uncertainties and a significant reduction in institutional investments in cryptocurrency markets.

Bitcoin (BTC) staged a near 10% recovery to above $95,000 on March 2 before forming a double-top chart pattern around $94,200 on the daily chart, a setup that indicates an imminent price decline.

Bitcoin bottomed at around $81,400 the following day and has since been struggling to remain above the $90,000 mark, TradingView data shows.

Multiple factors are contributing to the Bitcoin slump, including US spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs), according to Ryan Lee, chief analyst at Bitget Research.

The analyst told Cointelegraph:

“Significant outflows from spot Bitcoin ETFs have amplified selling pressure, as institutional investors pulled back, likely reacting to macroeconomic uncertainties and shifting risk sentiment.”

The US spot Bitcoin ETFs are seeing their fourth consecutive week of net negative outflows after recording over $2.6 billion worth of cumulative net outflows during the last week of February, Sosovalue data shows.

Beyond ETF inflows, macroeconomic factors are also pressuring Bitcoin’s price action, Lee said, adding:

“New tariff announcements from President Trump have heightened concerns about inflation and economic stability, prompting investors to favor safer assets over risk-on investments like Bitcoin.”

Still, analysts remained optimistic about Bitcoin’s price trajectory for late 2025, with price predictions ranging from $160,000 to above $180,000.

Related: Rising Bitcoin activity hints at market bottom, potential reversal

US tariff concerns may be alleviated next week

Some of the concerns related to a potential global trade war may be alleviated with next week’s announcements, according to Iliya Kalchev, dispatch analyst at digital asset investment platform Nexo.

The implementation of US tariffs has “weighed in” on crypto markets after going into effect, leading to declines in digital assets and traditional equities, the analyst said, adding:

“However, long-term optimism won over short-term unease after US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick indicated that a deal to reduce tariffs on Canada and Mexico could be announced as early as Wednesday.”

Related: Bitcoin price risks correction to $72K as investor sentiment weakens

Trade policy uncertainty will likely “keep sentiment guarded” while the increased likelihood of Federal Reserve rate cuts may “suggest a potential turnaround” for crypto markets, added the analyst.

Meanwhile, the wider crypto market is still recovering from the $1.4 billion Bybit hack on Feb. 21, marking the largest hack in crypto history.

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