Bitcoin Surges Past $69,000 Amid Cooling Inflation Data
By John Nada·Feb 13, 2026·6 min read
Bitcoin climbs above $69,000 following U.S. inflation data, with traders eyeing resistance levels for a potential rally to $80,000.
Bitcoin (BTC) charged above $69,000 on Friday as U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI) data showed cooling inflation, leading traders to hope for a short-term BTC price recovery. The surge in Bitcoin's price was directly linked to the CPI report, which suggested that inflationary pressures were easing, a development that typically fuels investor confidence in equities and cryptocurrencies alike.
Traders are closely monitoring critical resistance levels between $68,000 and $70,000, which are seen as pivotal points for a potential rally. This resistance area has been a focal point for market participants, particularly after Bitcoin attempted a breakout on Thursday but was subsequently slammed back down at the $68K level. Analyst Daan Crypto Trades emphasized the importance of this threshold, stating, "That's the area to watch if BTC wants to see another leg up at some point."
The market analysis forecasts a possible short squeeze could propel Bitcoin toward $80,000 if bulls succeed in confirming the $65,000 level as support. The significance of the $65,000 mark cannot be overstated, as it serves as a critical line for traders. If the price can hold above this level, it would establish a solid foundation for further upward movement. The BTC/USD one-hour chart indicates consolidation within a falling wedge, a technical pattern that, according to analysts, often precedes a price breakout. The expectation is that once the price breaks above the upper trendline of this wedge at $68,000, it could trigger a rally to $72,000.
Fellow analyst Ted Pillows highlighted the risks associated with the current market dynamics, noting that the chances of a deeper correction would increase if the $65,000-$66,000 support does not hold. He pointed out that if Bitcoin reclaims the $70,000 level, it could quickly rally by 8%-10%, showcasing the volatility and rapid price movements that characterize the cryptocurrency market. This potential for swift gains is what attracts many traders to Bitcoin, despite the inherent risks.
From a technical perspective, BTC’s price action has been forming a V-shaped recovery chart pattern on the four-hour chart, which is a bullish indicator. This pattern indicates a strong reversal from a downtrend, suggesting that buyers are stepping in aggressively. The BTC/USD pair is currently retesting a key area of resistance defined by the 20-period EMA at $67,500 and the 200-week exponential moving average (EMA) at $68,000. Bulls need to push the price above this level to increase the chance of a rally to the pattern’s neckline at $72,000. If Bitcoin breaks through this neckline, it would not only confirm the V-shaped recovery but also invigorate bullish sentiment across the market.
Analysts are also keeping a close eye on liquidity data, which reveals significant challenges ahead. Bitcoin's price is contending with order-book walls just below $75,000 and around $80,000, which could complicate upward momentum. According to exchange order-book liquidity data from CoinGlass, liquidation risks build near the $80,000 mark, where liquidation clusters are forming. Bitcoin analyst ZordXBT noted that liquidations are stacking well above $72K and around the area from $77K to $80K, indicating that a significant number of short positions exist in this range.
This accumulation of liquidations presents an opportunity for a potential price spike if the market can break through these ceilings. The chart suggests that if the $72,000-$75,000 level is broken, it could spark a liquidation squeeze, forcing short sellers to close positions and driving prices toward $80,000, which is the next major liquidity cluster. This dynamic could create a perfect storm for bullish traders, highlighting the interplay between technical analysis, market sentiment, and liquidity.
Zooming in on the market structure, Ted Pillows highlighted significant bid clusters at $65,000 and ask orders around $68,000. He suggested that the price is likely to revisit these areas to wipe out the liquidity, which means that traders should be prepared for potential volatility as the market tests these critical support and resistance levels. The anticipation of a revisit to $65,000 before a pump to $68,000 indicates the market's current indecisiveness, and how it could be primed for a breakout depending on the outcome of these testing levels.
As Bitcoin navigates these resistance levels, the broader implications of cooling inflation data cannot be ignored. The U.S. economy has been grappling with inflationary pressures for some time, and any signs of easing may have a ripple effect across various asset classes. Investors are likely more willing to take on risk when inflation shows signs of stabilizing, which could lead to increased capital flowing into cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. This trend could be further fueled by the growing acceptance of Bitcoin as a hedge against inflation, as many investors view it as a store of value amidst economic uncertainty.
The potential for Bitcoin to reclaim lost ground is not just a technical analysis game; it is also a reflection of market psychology and macroeconomic factors. As more traders and institutional investors become aware of the correlations between inflation data and cryptocurrency prices, we may see more strategic positioning in anticipation of price movements. The interplay of fear and greed, especially in a market as volatile as cryptocurrency, will continue to play a significant role in determining Bitcoin's short-term trajectory.
The upcoming days will be critical in determining whether Bitcoin can sustain its upward trajectory or face deeper corrections if key support levels fail to hold. Investors are advised to keep a close watch on market indicators and sentiment as they navigate the complexities of the crypto landscape. The volatility of Bitcoin, while presenting risks, also offers opportunities for those who are well-informed and strategic in their trading decisions.
As Cointelegraph reported, if Bitcoin breaks $72,000, it will revive hopes of a recovery toward the 20-day EMA at $76,000 and eventually, the 50-day simple moving average (SMA) above $85,000, bringing the potential total gains to 26%. This potential for substantial returns is a driving force behind the current bullish sentiment in the market, as traders position themselves for what they hope will be a resurgent Bitcoin.
The dynamic nature of the cryptocurrency market means that traders must remain vigilant, as sudden shifts in sentiment can lead to rapid price changes. With the landscape constantly evolving, those engaged in Bitcoin trading must employ robust risk management strategies to protect their investments. The current moment is a reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in the crypto markets, underscoring the importance of being well-prepared and responsive to market movements.
In light of these developments, the sentiment around Bitcoin has become increasingly optimistic, particularly among those who believe in its long-term value proposition. As institutional interest continues to grow, further validation of Bitcoin as a legitimate asset class could lead to increased demand, further driving prices higher. The potential for Bitcoin to reclaim and exceed its previous all-time highs remains a tantalizing prospect for many investors, adding to the allure of this rapidly evolving cryptocurrency.
