BTCUSD Today, February 23: Bitcoin Slides on 15% Tariff Plan, $65K Test
Bitcoin price today fell as much as 5% and briefly traded below $65,000 after President Trump floated a 15% global tariff plan, pushing risk assets lower. We track BTCUSD as traders weigh policy risk, thin liquidity, and technical pressure. The session low sat near $64,299 while the rebound struggled to hold above $66,000. With analysts warning of downside toward $50,000, we outline the levels, indicators, and scenarios that matter. Our goal is clear, practical guidance for US investors watching fast macro headlines.
Why Bitcoin Slid on Tariff Headlines
A uniform 15% tariff would raise costs for global trade, add inflation risk, and tighten financial conditions. That backdrop often pressures speculative assets first. Reports on the proposal hit crypto quickly, sending Bitcoin price today under $65,000 before dip buyers stepped in. Policy uncertainty tends to widen ranges, and in crypto that shows up fast through lower bids and faster order book gaps.
While crypto sold off, equity moves were more mixed, and haven demand improved. This split highlights how Bitcoin can trade like a high beta macro asset during policy shocks. News coverage tied the slide to tariff uncertainty, noting a shift toward safety like gold source. For traders, that rotation explains why rallies faded even when stocks held steadier intraday.
Key Levels: $65K, $62K, and $50K Support
Bitcoin price today ranged from $67,656 to $64,299, a swing aligned with a 14-day ATR near $3,778. Reported volume is about 22% below its average, which matches the thin liquidity many desks flagged. In such tape, moves accelerate through pockets of no interest, then snap back. Market cap sits near $1.35 trillion, keeping round numbers important for risk markers.
Immediate pivots cluster near the Keltner lower band around $65,520, the session low near $64,300, and psychological $62,000. Below that, analysts cite $50,000 as a possible stress target if selling broadens. Overhead, the 50-day average near $82,615 and the 200-day near $99,631 cap any squeeze. The Bollinger lower band around $56,800 outlines a deeper downside zone.
What Technicals Say About Momentum
Trend readings lean bearish. RSI sits near 34, close to oversold but not washed out. ADX around 49 signals a strong trend, and MACD remains negative, affirming downside momentum. Stochastics near 34 show weak follow-through on bounces. Put together, the setup favors rallies being sold until momentum cools and closes reclaim prior breakdown levels with better breadth.
With ATR near $3,800, position sizing and clear invalidation levels matter. Many traders use recent swing highs, roughly $67,600 to $68,000, to judge if pressure is fading. Others watch a daily close back above $70,000 to confirm improvement. Until then, Bitcoin price today likely trades choppy within wide ranges, rewarding patience and disciplined risk control.
Outlook: Scenarios for the Next Week
Base case, Bitcoin price today chops between $62,000 and $68,000 while markets parse tariff details. Bear case, a break under $62,000 opens $58,000 to $56,800, near the Bollinger lower band. Our model’s short-term projection sits near $54,427 monthly, while the yearly outlook is $98,201. These are estimates, not guarantees, and can shift with fresh policy signals.
A bullish turn needs policy clarity, calmer dollar moves, and better liquidity. A firm close above $70,000 could target the 50-day average near $82,615. Strong risk appetite, plus steadier equities, would help. Coverage also flagged the macro backdrop as the key swing factor for BTC price this week source.
Final Thoughts
Bitcoin price today reacted to tariff shock headlines, thin liquidity, and a strong trend backdrop. The tape respects $65,000 as a pivot, with $62,000 and then $50,000 as deeper risk markers if pressure builds. On strength, watch $68,000 to $70,000 first, then the 50-day average near $82,615 for confirmation. Technicals read bearish but near oversold, so quick countertrend pops are likely within a wider range. Stay data driven, plan entries and exits around clear levels, and keep position sizes aligned with recent volatility. We will keep updating as policy headlines evolve and liquidity conditions shift. This is not financial advice.
FAQs
Why did Bitcoin price today drop below $65,000?
Reports that President Trump is considering a 15% global tariff sparked a risk-off move. Higher trade costs can lift inflation risk and pressure growth, which often hits speculative assets first. Bitcoin price today reacted quickly as liquidity thinned, pushing through stops before stabilizing near key support zones.
What levels are most important after this crypto market selloff?
We are watching $65,000 as a pivot, $62,000 as near-term support, and $50,000 as a stress target flagged by several desks. On strength, $68,000 to $70,000 are first hurdles, then the 50-day average near $82,615. These levels help frame risk and potential rebound paths.
Are technicals signaling more downside for BTC price?
Trend indicators lean bearish. RSI is near 34, ADX is strong near 49, and MACD is below signal, which supports selling rallies. If price closes back above $70,000, momentum could improve. Until then, ranges can stay wide, so sizing and tight invalidation levels matter most.
Could Bitcoin price today revisit $50,000 soon?
It is a plausible downside scenario if policy risks rise and liquidity worsens, but it is not a certainty. A break under $62,000 would increase odds of testing the high $50,000s. Conversely, a sustained close above $70,000 would reduce the likelihood of a quick slide to $50,000.
Disclaimer:
The content shared by Meyka AI PTY LTD is solely for research and informational purposes. Meyka is not a financial advisory service, and the information provided should not be considered investment or trading advice.