Overnight, BTC climbed close to 76,000$, before pulling back to around 74,300$. Ethereum added about 2% over the past 24 hours and is trading near 2,310$. As prices moved higher, market sentiment improved noticeably, with the Fear and Greed Index returning to neutral territory.

Macro backdrop supports Bitcoin demand

The crypto market’s recent strength has coincided with a temporary improvement in the macroeconomic environment. One of the supporting factors was easing tension around the Strait of Hormuz, which triggered a short-term decline in oil prices. Lower energy costs typically help reduce inflation pressure and support risk assets.

Oil later resumed its rise, but the temporary stabilization was enough to give markets fresh momentum. In this environment, both equity indices and cryptocurrencies moved higher. Bitcoin is increasingly reacting to global liquidity conditions, reinforcing its growing integration into the broader macroeconomic landscape.

Oil prices declined slightly from March 16 to March 17, but remain at elevated levels | Source: tradingeconomics
Oil prices declined slightly from March 16 to March 17, but remain at elevated levels | Source: tradingeconomics

ETFs are attracting capital again

Institutional demand remains another important driver. Bitcoin ETFs have now recorded inflows for a third consecutive week. Between March 9 and March 13, net inflows totaled 767 million$, with another roughly 209 million$ added during the latest trading session.

Inflows into spot Bitcoin ETFs are increasing
Inflows into spot Bitcoin ETFs are increasing.

That points to steady interest from large investors despite the market’s ongoing volatility.

It is also notable that Bitcoin is showing relative strength compared with gold. While capital continues to flow into crypto assets, the performance of precious metals has remained more muted. This may signal a shift in risk perception, with BTC increasingly viewed as an alternative defensive asset.

The Fed decision is now in focus

The next key event for the market is the Federal Reserve meeting on March 18. If policymakers leave the current stance unchanged without sounding more restrictive, that could help support the ongoing rally.

At the same time, any more hawkish signals from the Fed could increase volatility and trigger profit-taking.

Conclusion

Bitcoin’s current rise is being supported by two main factors: macroeconomic stabilization and steady ETF inflows. However, the next move will depend heavily on the Fed’s tone. In the short-term outlook, the market remains highly sensitive to monetary policy, making the coming days especially important for the BTC trend.