Between 07:45 and 08:00 (UTC) on March 4, 2026, the price of BTC experienced rapid short-term fluctuations, with a return of +0.77%. The price ranged from 68,885.0 to 69,655.7 USDT, with a volatility of 1.12%. This movement was accompanied by increased spot trading volume, attracting market attention and intensifying volatility.
The main driver of this fluctuation was the continuous net inflow of funds into the US spot Bitcoin ETF, reaching $458 million in a single day. Institutional large holders concentrated their purchases, pushing BTC to rebound strongly in the short term. ETF funds were directly invested in long positions, reflecting strong confidence from institutions in the current range. On-chain monitoring showed multiple large BTC transfers to mainstream trading platforms during the fluctuation window, with some whale accounts actively adding positions. Order book buy orders increased, and spot funds dominated the market.
Additionally, geopolitical risks, especially tensions in the Middle East, along with increased volatility in traditional assets like US stocks and gold, prompted some funds to seek safe-haven assets in BTC. Market sentiment indicators, such as the fear and greed index, were at extreme fear levels, with retail funds continuously flowing out while institutions increased their holdings against the trend, creating structural divergence and further amplifying market volatility. Simultaneously, ETF fund inflows and the rebound of the US market premium index indicated a recovery in demand.
Caution is advised regarding the short-term volatility driven by institutional funds. If ETF inflows slow down or macroeconomic conditions worsen, there could be downward pressure on prices. It is recommended to continuously monitor key data such as ETF fund flows, large on-chain transfers, and market sentiment indicators, along with support and resistance levels, to prevent sudden market shifts. Stay updated with the latest market developments and risk information.
Disclaimer: The information on this page may come from third parties and does not represent the views or opinions of Gate. The content displayed on this page is for reference only and does not constitute any financial, investment, or legal advice. Gate does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information and shall not be liable for any losses arising from the use of this information. Virtual asset investments carry high risks and are subject to significant price volatility. You may lose all of your invested principal. Please fully understand the relevant risks and make prudent decisions based on your own financial situation and risk tolerance. For details, please refer to
Disclaimer.
Related Articles
BlackRock IBIT Adds 3,355 BTC in $256M Institutional Inflow on April 20
IBIT led Bitcoin ETF inflows with $256M (≈3,355 BTC) on Apr 20, pushing total spot-ETF inflows near $58B and assets over $100B, underscoring rising institutional demand and access via regulated ETFs.
Abstract: This report notes that BlackRock's iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) attracted $256 million in net inflows on April 20, about 3,355 BTC, signaling robust institutional interest in Bitcoin spot ETFs. IBIT dominated daily flows, with Bitcoin ETF inflows totaling over $238 million for the day and cumulative spot ETF inflows approaching $58 billion; overall spot Bitcoin ETF assets exceed $100 billion, representing more than 6% of Bitcoin's market cap. The trend suggests growing institutional confidence in Bitcoin as a long-term asset, aided by regulated access and simplified custody; IBIT remains the leading issuer, though Fidelity and ARK Invest are also attracting capital.
GateNews36m ago
Scammers Pose as Iranian Authorities to Extort Stranded Shipowners in Bitcoin and Tether
Gate News message, April 21 — Unknown actors sent fraudulent messages to shipping companies with vessels stranded west of the Strait of Hormuz, claiming to be Iranian authorities and offering safe passage in exchange for fees paid in Bitcoin or Tether, according to Greek risk firm MARISKS. The messa
GateNews1h ago
MicroStrategy’s BTC holdings are nearing Satoshi Nakamoto! Can it become the world’s biggest holder in as fast as nine months?
MicroStrategy recently spent $2.5 billion to buy an additional 34,164 bitcoins. Its total holdings have surpassed 815k BTC, nearing Satoshi Nakamoto’s known amount. Analysts project that if it continues this pace of accumulation, MicroStrategy could become the world’s largest bitcoin holder within 9 to 14 months.
ChainNewsAbmedia2h ago
U.S. Crypto Adoption Rebounds to 12% in March as Bitcoin ETF Inflows Hit $1.32B
U.S. crypto adoption rose to 12% in March after hitting 7% in February, driven by positive Bitcoin ETF inflows. Despite recovery, sentiment is fragile, with many expecting lower Bitcoin prices in 2026, and adoption trends remain skewed towards men and higher-income groups.
GateNews2h ago
Tether Acquires 8.2% Stake in Antalpha, Gaining Exposure to Bitcoin Lending Platform
Tether-affiliated entities invested $25 million in Antalpha, acquiring 8.2% ownership at the IPO price of $12.80 per share. Antalpha, a fintech platform for Bitcoin mining, reported strong financials, but shares fell over 27% post-disclosure.
GateNews3h ago
