# Crypto: February’s Slide — BTC Below $77,000, ETH in Critical Territory
The week of February 2, 2026, ends on a bearish note for the cryptocurrency market. Bitcoin (BTC) is trading at $76,937, down nearly 4% over seven days. Ethereum (ETH) is under even greater pressure at $2,269, down more than 6% over the same period. This decline unfolds in a tense macroeconomic environment marked by persistent concerns over inflation and interest rates.
Analysis: The Factors Behind the Drop
Several factors explain this correction. First, US economic data released this week revived concerns: the January Consumer Price Index (CPI) came in slightly above expectations at 3.2% year-over-year. This reinforced the scenario of a Fed keeping rates higher for longer, weighing on risk assets like cryptocurrencies.
Second, the market digested significant sell-side flows on exchanges. According to on-chain data, addresses linked to miners transferred substantial BTC volumes to trading platforms, signaling profit-taking after January’s rally. On the Ethereum side, the relative weakness is also explained by less pronounced institutional interest compared to Bitcoin, and persistent regulatory uncertainties in Europe regarding the status of smart contracts.
Finally, the overall sentiment remains cautious. The Fear & Greed Index has fallen to 42, in “fear” territory, down from 55 the previous week. Trading volumes are down 12% on major platforms, a sign of cautious waiting.
Outlook: What to Watch Going Forward
In the short term, Bitcoin is testing a key support level around $76,000. A break below this level could open the path toward $72,000, while a rebound above $80,000 would reignite the bullish momentum. For Ethereum, the $2,200 zone is crucial: losing this threshold would expose the asset to a return toward $2,000.
The coming week will be marked by the release of the Fed meeting minutes (Wednesday) and US employment figures (Friday). These events could either ease inflation fears or reinforce them. In the meantime, caution remains warranted. For beginner investors, this is a time for patience and risk management, without panicking over movements that remain within the norm of crypto cycles.
Disclaimer: This article does not constitute investment advice.
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