Bitcoin climbs back above $71,000 as tech selloff pauses

Bitcoin clawed its way back above $71,000 on Thursday after a sharp selloff earlier in the day dragged prices briefly below the $70,000 mark, mirroring tentative stabilization across global markets.

The move came as a broader rout in technology stocks showed signs of fatigue. Futures tied to the Nasdaq 100 edged higher after two bruising sessions that erased the index’s gains for the year, while European stocks steadied and Asian markets trimmed losses.

Bitcoin had fallen as much as 7% over the previous 24 hours as investors reduced risk across assets tied to growth and leverage. The slide coincided with renewed pressure in precious metals, where silver plunged as much as 17%, extending a brutal reversal after last month’s record rally.

Gold also slipped, underscoring how quickly speculative trades across markets have been unwound.

In crypto, the bounce above $71,000 appears more like short covering than a renewed rush of buyers. Trading volumes remain elevated, but demand in the spot market has thinned, according to analysts.

Stablecoin balances on exchanges have also been drifting lower, suggesting fresh capital is staying on the sidelines rather than stepping in aggressively on dips.

Macro uncertainty continues to weigh on sentiment. Investors are recalibrating expectations around US interest rates amid speculation over Federal Reserve leadership and the risk of a stronger dollar, which typically pressures assets like bitcoin that thrive on easy liquidity.

Some firms remain cautious. Galaxy Digital has warned that, without a clear catalyst, bitcoin could still revisit lower levels if selling resumes.

Others see the bulk of the drawdown as already behind the market, with estimates clustering around a potential bottom in the low-to-mid $60,000 range.