Crypto Today: Bitcoin Stalls Near $70K as Altcoins Explode & ETF Flows Reignite Momentum

1. Bitcoin Tests $70K — But Can’t Break Through

Bitcoin approached the $70,000 level but failed to sustain a breakout, trading between roughly $67,000–$69,000 during the session.

After a sharp rebound fueled by ETF inflows and macro optimism earlier in the week, traders appeared cautious at key resistance. Volume cooled slightly as short-term participants took profits.

📎 Source: CoinDesk – Bitcoin stalls near $70K as altcoins lead
https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2026/02/26/bitcoin-stalls-near-usd70-000-while-dot-uni-lead-altcoin-surge

2. Altcoins Take the Spotlight – DOT & UNI Surge

While Bitcoin paused, altcoins stepped in.

Polkadot (DOT) surged over 20% amid renewed interest and positioning ahead of upcoming token issuance adjustments.
Uniswap (UNI) climbed roughly 15% following governance developments tied to revenue capture mechanics.
Additional momentum appeared in tokens like AERO and NEAR, highlighting selective risk appetite.

This wasn’t random speculation — traders rotated into assets with specific catalysts.

📎 Source: Crypto2Community – Best crypto gainers (Feb 26)
https://crypto2community.com/crypto-news/best-crypto-gainers-today-february-26-dot-aero-near/

3. ETF Inflows Add Structural Support

Bitcoin’s earlier rebound toward $68K–$69K was partly attributed to renewed spot ETF inflows, which continue acting as a structural demand driver in 2026.

Institutional flows have been inconsistent this year, but positive sessions tend to quickly lift sentiment and stabilize dips.

📎 Source: Economic Times – Bitcoin jumps near $68K on ETF inflows
https://m.economictimes.com/markets/cryptocurrency/crypto-market-rebounds-as-bitcoin-jumps-5-trades-near-68k-on-strong-etf-inflows/articleshow/128806994.cms

4. Broader Risk Sentiment Improves

Strong corporate earnings — particularly from Nvidia — boosted broader risk appetite across equities, spilling over into crypto markets.

Bitcoin and Ethereum both benefited from the risk-on tone, though crypto remains sensitive to any reversal in macro sentiment.

📎 Source: Barron’s – Bitcoin climbs as Nvidia earnings lift markets
https://www.barrons.com/articles/bitcoin-price-cryptos-nvidia-xrp-9c7904fa

5. Bigger Picture: Rotation, Not Mania

Despite strong altcoin moves, the market structure doesn’t reflect full-blown altseason.

Bitcoin remains range-bound under major resistance. ETF flows are supportive but not euphoric. Select tokens are outperforming due to specific catalysts rather than broad speculative frenzy.

This is tactical rotation — not overheated expansion.

📎 Source: Invezz – 2026 crypto market strength vs bear debate
https://invezz.com/news/2026/02/26/is-2026-bear-market-in-why-some-assets-are-still-showing-strength/