Bitcoin concluded a tumultuous week with a significant rebound, following indications of a peace agreement between the US and Iran that alleviated some of the strain on worldwide markets.
The recent recovery came after a period of declines influenced by assertive remarks from the central bank, concerns over oil market disruptions, and a lack of enthusiasm for riskier assets.
The cryptocurrency markets have bounced back, gaining approximately $75 billion in value following remarks from US President Donald Trump on Saturday, indicating that a peace agreement with Iran is on the horizon.
According to TradingView, Bitcoin prices dropped to a five-week low of $74,250 on Saturday. The asset rebounded to reach the 50-day exponential moving average at $77,000 during early trading on Sunday, and subsequently rose to above that level on Monday.
Meanwhile, cryptocurrency traders began to focus on specific altcoin trends.
AI tokens, privacy coins, and institutional blockchain initiatives have garnered interest, whereas Cardano has faced a governance challenge regarding its research funding.
Following President Trump's declaration that the US and Iran had mostly agreed on a peace agreement, Bitcoin rebounded from a one-month low. Markets were reassured by the remark after days of worry over a developing crisis in the Middle East.
As investors have turned their attention back to riskier assets, the price of Bitcoin has risen to above $77,000.
In particular, NEAR, Worldcoin, Zcash, ONDO, Morpho, and Hyperliquid – all digital assets pertaining to privacy and artificial intelligence – had substantial price increases.
The rebound highlighted the close relationship between bitcoin and geopolitical risk.
Clearly specified conditions concerning sanctions, the Strait of Hormuz, and Iran's nuclear programs are necessary for a final deal.
Bitcoin Pain From Hawkish Fed Bets
Last week, BTC previously dipped below $75,000, reaching its lowest point in approximately a month.
It subsequently bounced back to above $77,000, reflecting over a 1.5% increase over the past 24 hours, as market participants responded to indications that the US-Iran conflict might be shifting towards a potential negotiated pause.
But the fall in the top token came after a cautionary statement from Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller, who indicated that rate hikes might be considered if inflation remains elevated.
The markets responded swiftly.
Investors started to factor in the likelihood of a 25 basis point increase by October 2026, leading to increased pressure on risk assets.
The action mirrored a well-known trend. In an environment characterized by elevated real yields and a robust dollar, Bitcoin often experiences downward pressure. This is particularly true when investor sentiment is low, and there are concerns about increasing energy prices.
Without Ethereum, Altcoins Soar
Tokens associated with artificial intelligence played a significant role in the market's recovery.
NEAR Protocol experienced a remarkable increase of 14.8% in just 24 hours, with an impressive weekly gain exceeding 62%. Worldcoin experienced a notable increase of 8.7% today, bringing its weekly growth to over 26%.
Assets associated with privacy saw an upward trend as well.
Zcash experienced an impressive increase of 8.8% in just 24 hours and nearly 28% over the week, positioning it as one of the standout performers among large-cap assets.
Other significant alternative cryptocurrencies also bounced back. Ondo experienced an impressive rise of 8.5%, while Morpho saw a notable gain of 7.8%, and Hyperliquid recorded an increase of 6.3% during the same timeframe.
Ultimately, the path to recovery hinges on the transition from mere public declarations to a solidified framework.
The primary outstanding matters probably encompass the easing of sanctions, the status of Iran's nuclear initiatives, assurances against further assaults, and the enforcement measures related to Hormuz.
Currently, the market is interpreting the recent statement from Trump as a significant signal of easing tensions. Bitcoin has bounced back from its one-month low, and altcoins are reflecting a more optimistic risk-on sentiment.
More Gains?
According to TradingView, over the past seven months, the price of Bitcoin has remained firmly over $75,000.
After laying the groundwork and positioning itself above $76,200, BTC began a trend of recovery. The $76,500 and $76,600 levels were crossed with an upward advance.
Bulls were able to push prices over the $74,209 low, which is the 50% Fibonacci retracement level of the slide from the $78,100 high.
Yet, there is activity from sellers close to $77,000. On the hourly chart of the BTC/USD pair, there is also a negative trend line forming, with resistance at $77,050.
At its present price, Bitcoin has exceeded the 100-hour simple moving average and is trading above $77,250. It may try to start a fresh rising trend if the price stays over $77,050.
Near the $77,450 level, which is also the 83.2% Fibonacci retracement level of the fall from the $78,100 swing high to the $74,209 low, is where you'll see immediate resistance.
Around the $78,000 threshold is where the first major obstacle is. If the price can break over the $78,000 level of resistance, it might continue to rise.
The price might rise and test the $79,000 level of resistance in this case. If prices continue to rise, they may reach $81,500. At $82,000, the bulls may face their next obstacle.
Further declines might be in store for Bitcoin if it fails to break through the $77,450 level of resistance. You can find immediate support at about $76,150. The starting point for significant support is approximately $75,650. Around the $76,000 mark is anticipated to be the next support level. The $75,000 support level could be approached soon if the price keeps declining.
Currently, $74,200 acts as a crucial support level; a drop below this threshold could hinder a short-term recovery for BTC.
What Other Technical Readings Show?
TradingView's technical analysis overview for the coming week, based on key data from moving averages, oscillators, and pivots, showed a neutral sign.
While oscillators managed to signal a neutral sign, moving averages still pointed to a sell stance.
Over the past month, BTC has continued its downward trajectory after being unable to surpass the resistance level at $82,000, currently sitting 39% lower than its peak in October.
Separately, InvestTech's Algorithmic Overall Analysis and recommendation for one to six weeks was a weak positive score.
The research said, "Investors have paid higher prices over time to buy Bitcoin, and the token is in a rising trend channel in the short term. Rising trends indicate that the token experiences positive development and that buy interest among investors is increasing."
InvestTech added, "The token is approaching resistance at $78,300, which may give a negative reaction. However, a break upwards through $78,300 will be a positive signal. The token is assessed as technically slightly positive for the short term."
Bitcoin ETFs Post $1 Billion Weekly Outflow
US spot Bitcoin ETFs suffered their steepest weekly outflow in months, shedding a net $1 billion in the week ended May 15, 2026, according to data from SoSoValue — ending a six-week run of steady inflows that had signalled renewed institutional appetite for the cryptocurrency.
The week's losses were compounded by significant outflows from GBTC, BITB, and other funds, with only a handful of products — including Morgan Stanley's MSBT — posting modest inflows.
On the final trading day of the week alone, all 11 Bitcoin ETFs logged a combined $290.42 million in net outflows, with not a single fund finishing in positive territory.
The reversal followed a strong April, during which spot Bitcoin ETFs drew $1.97 billion — their best monthly performance of 2026 — as BlackRock's IBIT led
institutional demand.
Despite the weekly setback, the longer-term picture remains one of accumulation.
Cumulative net inflows since the products launched in January 2024 still stand at roughly $58.34 billion, with total assets under management reaching $104.29 billion.
Amid the Bitcoin outflows, altcoin ETFs attracted capital, with investors showing the strongest interest in XRP ETFs at $60.5 million and Solana ETFs at $58.12 million.
