Bitcoin stalls as Fear & Greed cools, flows fade

Why crypto markets are losing momentum now

Crypto markets have struggled to maintain momentum in recent sessions, with social data showing far fewer bullish signals. According to CryptoSlate, composite gauges such as the Fear & Greed Index have repeatedly slipped into fear, reflecting risk aversion. This decoupling of mood from positive headlines resembles a trust gap where rallies fade quickly. The backdrop has left momentum fragile across majors.

Institutional tone has cooled as well. According to Sygnum’s late‑2025 global investor survey, sentiment shifted toward neutral‑to‑bearish even as many respondents still intend to maintain or increase exposure. Regulatory uncertainty and a lack of clear catalysts were cited as key headwinds. That mix implies selective allocation rather than broad risk‑on behavior.

From a technical perspective, near‑term structure has weakened. As reported by Kitco on Feb 18, 2026, Bitcoin broke short‑term support within a parallel bear‑flag channel and could probe the $65,000–$63,000 area before finding firmer footing. Rising stablecoin dominance during pullbacks is consistent with caution. Together, these signals help explain the loss of impulse buying.

Why it matters now and immediate market implications

The timing matters because downside pressure is compounding across weeks while liquidity thins. As reported by CoinDesk on Feb 18, 2026, Bitcoin is tracking a fifth straight weekly decline, and at the time of this writing it hovers near $66,000.

Institutional macro views have also tightened. Bloomberg Law reported on Feb 12, 2026 that Standard Chartered cut its year‑end Bitcoin outlook and flagged weakening momentum amid a tougher macro backdrop. Such recalibrations can curb risk appetite in the absence of catalysts. They also heighten sensitivity to support breaks.

Market microstructure reflects this hesitancy, with rallies stalling near overhead supply and follow‑through lacking. Bitfinex analysts described the pattern as “a lack of follow‑through strength,” noting bulls appear hesitant without clearer macro signals. This dynamic can keep prices range‑bound until flows or news shift decisively.

Broader breadth has narrowed as capital defends key thresholds. According to Yahoo Finance on Feb 18, 2026, total crypto market capitalization has been defending roughly $2.30 trillion support while select altcoins retraced on profit‑taking. That posture points to caution rather than capitulation. It leaves markets vulnerable to data surprises in either direction.

What to watch next in a cautious crypto market

Crypto market sentiment: Fear and Greed Index, social trends

Sentiment gauges remain pivotal. KuCoin’s news desk recently highlighted that Google search interest for “Bitcoin” fell toward 12‑month lows, echoing softer social engagement. Sustained readings in fear on composite indices would signal lingering caution, while stabilization could ease downside pressure.

Bitcoin price momentum and flows: Inter-exchange Pulse, ETF activity

On‑chain flow indicators are a useful cross‑check. Bitget noted that the Bitcoin Inter‑exchange Flow Pulse remains in a bearish phase but is starting to flatten; the metric tracks whether coins move from cold storage to exchanges, a proxy for sell‑side supply. Business Standard reported on Feb 18, 2026 that spot ETF demand looks selective rather than aggressive, and that market price sits well above realized price (around $55,000) and below a “true market mean” reference (~$79,000), underscoring a cautious, hold‑heavy base.