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The markets are trending towards the oldest cryptocurrency again. Prices range from $65,000 to $72,000. Trading on this area has develop into a spotlight for large players and long holders. Some retailers are pushing ahead. Others dodge.
Rotation of trading volume
According to stock market figures, Bitcoin's share of transactions has increased, while many altcoins have lost ground. Bitcoin reportedly accounted for nearly 37% of total trading in a recent snapshot, with a number of the market now turning away from smaller tokens.
Ethereum still holds a big share at around 28%, but the general share of altcoins has fallen sharply for the reason that end of last yr, from around 59% to levels near 35%. This decline looks big on the charts. It shows how money flows back to probably the most well-known asset.
Altcoin volumes shrink by 50% as capital flows back into Bitcoin
“This pattern has occurred repeatedly in previous correction phases, including in April 2025, August 2024, and October 2022 near the tip of the bear market.” – By @Darkfost_Coc
Link ⤵️https://t.co/B0ZFeiMukl pic.twitter.com/jVRTOkaTic
– CryptoQuant.com (@cryptoquant_com) February 18, 2026
The price range that pulls attention
Large orders and institutional influx have been concentrated within the mentioned price range. Whales and long-term keepers are energetic there; Accumulation and sales are each visible. Some activity appears to be profit-taking following sharp increases.
Some moves are defensive, as traders prefer the perceived safety of the oldest coin when the broader market is uncertain. Liquidity is concentrated where market participants expect it. In this case, price fluctuations could also be greater on one side than on the opposite.
What market capitalizations and dominance reveal
Bitcoin's market capitalization has reportedly fallen from nearly $1.55 trillion to around $1.34 trillion in recent weeks, while many altcoins' overall market capitalization has seen significantly smaller declines.
The shift in volume doesn’t all the time correspond to changes in market capitalization, however it is critical: more trading in Bitcoin means more attention and faster price discovery for this asset.
The dominance values have fallen barely in a brief time period, but Bitcoin stays probably the most traded token on the most important platforms. Historical patterns show capital flowing into Bitcoin during corrections, and this cycle matches that pattern.
BTCUSD is currently trading at $65,952. Chart: TradingView
Why traders are watching
Some traders consider that stability will return if Bitcoin maintains its current range. Others warn that a powerful concentration of orders can create sudden pressure when sentiment changes.
Moving away from altcoins may miss opportunities for selective buyers, however it also reduces risk for individuals who prefer a single market leader. Market observers will closely monitor volume flows and order books in the subsequent meetings.
Bitcoin is taking back the highlight
Bitcoin has reportedly re-established itself because the principal focus of crypto trading for now. Short-term behavior will rely on whether buyers proceed so as to add within the $65,000-$72,000 zone or if selling pressure increases and forces a broader move.
Either way, the move away from many altcoins is evident and traders are recalibrating where they place their bets.
Featured image from Pexels, chart from TradingView
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