BTCUSD Today, February 23: Tariff Shock Knocks Bitcoin Below $65,000
Bitcoin price today is under pressure after a tariff shock hit global risk assets. The move followed the Trump tariff plan to raise global duties to 15%, sending traders to cut exposure and pushing the token briefly below $65,000. For Swiss investors, the pair BTCUSD trades with wide swings and thin liquidity. We break down the drivers, the key technical levels, and what this means for portfolios funded in CHF. Stay focused on volatility, execution, and risk controls today.
Tariff shock rattles crypto and Swiss risk appetite
Bitcoin slid in early trade as risk assets sold off on tariff headlines, with bitcoin below $65K for a short stretch before stabilizing. The catalyst was fresh discussion around the Trump tariff plan, which raised uncertainty for global trade and growth. That sparked a crypto market selloff as liquidity thinned and traders de-risked. Coverage highlighted a drop of more than 3% intraday as sentiment cooled source.
Tariffs can slow growth, tighten financial conditions, and support the dollar, all of which usually weigh on speculative assets. Crypto is highly sensitive to these swings, so shocks tend to move prices fast. Reports noted Bitcoin briefly falling under $65,000 as uncertainty rose around the policy path and global demand source.
For Switzerland, tariff worries often lift safe-haven demand for CHF and pressure export-focused stocks. That mix can reduce local risk appetite and widen spreads for crypto ETPs on SIX. While CHF moves can buffer USD volatility, they can also increase tracking gaps for USD-quoted crypto. Swiss investors may prefer CHF-based exposure or hedges when policy headlines drive sharp intraday swings.
Price action and key levels to watch
Price action shows sharp intraday ranges, with Average True Range at 3,778, underscoring elevated day-to-day swings. ADX at 49.27 signals a strong trend under way, so breakouts can extend. Bollinger Bands sit near 90,619 upper and 56,800 lower, framing the wide field. Keltner lower around 65,520 highlights how close price has tracked to stress points as headlines bite and liquidity recedes.
Momentum remains weak. RSI at 34.16 is near oversold but not extreme, while MACD at -5,494 versus a -5,466 signal shows bearish momentum with a negative histogram. Stochastic at 34.17 supports a cautious stance. Together, these suggest bounces may fade unless flows improve. Traders should expect two-way volatility, with rallies likely meeting supply until breadth and volume strengthen.
Key levels cluster around psychology and means. Immediate focus is $65,000 as a line in the sand. The Bollinger middle near 73,709 marks a mean-reversion target if sentiment steadies. Above that, the 50-day average at 82,615 and the 200-day at 99,631 cap major resistance. On weakness, the Bollinger lower band near 56,800 is a downside reference if selling accelerates.
Liquidity, flows, and ETP implications for Switzerland
Analysts have flagged weak liquidity and downside risk, which can magnify moves when stop orders trigger. During a crypto market selloff, depth thins and spreads widen, making execution more costly. In that setting, market orders can slip. Using limit orders, smaller clips, and patient entries can help reduce slippage while the Bitcoin price today whipsaws on tariff headlines and macro news.
Swiss investors often use SIX-listed crypto ETPs for access. On headline days, these products can show wider bid-ask spreads and tracking gaps versus spot. A CHF hedged share class can reduce USD swings, but hedges also add costs. Review the factsheet and average spreads, and compare premiums or discounts to net asset value before trading when volatility is high.
Consider staggered limits instead of single large prints. If sizing in CHF, predefine levels and use time-in-force to avoid chasing. Avoid high leverage when ATR is rising. Place alerts around $65,000 and the 73,709 mean. Reassess if RSI breaks below 30 or if daily closes stack under $65,000, which would signal control by sellers beyond intraday noise.
Outlook: scenarios for the next month and quarter
The Bitcoin price today sits near a key psychological area. If risk remains tight and liquidity weak, a retest under $65,000 is possible. Our monthly projection stands at 54,427, which implies risk of further downside if macro stress lingers. A firm close back above 68,000 to 70,000 would ease pressure and hint at a base building process into March.
Our quarterly model projects 122,324, while the yearly view is 98,201, with three-year at 125,321. These paths assume calmer policy headlines, better liquidity, and steady spot ETF inflows. A turn up in RSI and a MACD cross would support this path. Failing that, price may chop in the 57,000 to 75,000 zone until a clear macro signal appears.
Our system grade is C+ with a HOLD suggestion, reflecting mixed momentum and wide ranges. We favor disciplined entries over chasing. For CHF-based portfolios, consider whether to hedge USD risk and size positions accordingly. This is not advice. Use clear stops, know your max loss, and review costs and taxes before any trade tied to fast-moving tariff narratives.
Final Thoughts
Bitcoin price today reflects a macro shock, not a crypto-only story. Tariff headlines pushed a quick drop under $65,000, with momentum still weak and volatility high. For Swiss investors, focus on execution quality, spreads on SIX-listed ETPs, and whether to hedge USD exposure. Watch $65,000 as near-term support, 73,709 as a mean marker, and 82,615 as trend resistance. RSI near 34 and a negative MACD argue for patience. If policy noise fades and price reclaims the mid- to high-60,000s on strong breadth, a steadier base can form. Until then, trade small, use limits, and avoid over-leverage.
FAQs
Why did Bitcoin fall below $65,000 today?
Tariff headlines drove risk-off trading. The Trump tariff plan raised uncertainty around global growth and trade, prompting investors to cut exposure. That pressure, plus thin liquidity, pushed Bitcoin through $65,000 before stabilizing. Macro news continues to steer intraday moves, so expect two-way volatility as traders reassess positioning and hedging.
What are the key levels to watch after the crypto market selloff?
We are watching $65,000 as near-term support. A close above the 73,709 Bollinger midline would signal a better tone. On strength, 82,615 and 99,631 are important moving averages. On weakness, the 56,800 lower band is a risk marker. Use these zones with strict risk controls and confirmed volume.
How do tariffs affect digital assets like Bitcoin?
Tariffs can slow growth, tighten financial conditions, and lift the dollar. Those effects usually reduce risk appetite and can pressure speculative assets, including crypto. When uncertainty rises, liquidity thins and swings increase. That is why Bitcoin often moves sharply on policy headlines, even if the news is not crypto specific.
What should Swiss investors consider when trading Bitcoin today?
Focus on execution. Check ETP spreads on SIX, review tracking gaps, and decide whether CHF hedging suits your portfolio. Use staggered limit orders, avoid high leverage while ATR is elevated, and set alerts near $65,000 and 73,709. Always size positions to your risk budget and account for fees and taxes.
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.