BTC rebounds to $81,000 as 7.2M coins return to profit

Bitcoin (BTC) has rebounded to around $81,000 as about 7.2 million BTC addresses moved back into profit, according to on-chain data. Loss-held BTC fell after a spike earlier in February, improving sentiment for bulls. In broader market context, Ethereum (ETH) struggled to reclaim the $2,300 area while macro signals remained mixed. A Fed official, Schmid, argued against cutting rates before end-2025. At the same time, inflation data running hot could weigh on crypto risk appetite in the coming weeks, even as AI-driven optimism supports parts of the economy. On-chain analysis highlighted that BTC “underwater” holdings decreased to 7.2 million, while 12.8 million BTC are in profit. The article notes that overall profitability is still below typical levels, but the direction of change is positive. For altcoins, CRV showed a breakout after months of consolidation, with analysts linking the move to BTC’s momentum. If CRV follows the projected channel behavior, it could target above $0.335. Traders may view this as a short-term bullish reset driven by recovering on-chain positioning, but keep an eye on rates/inflation headlines that could cap follow-through.
Bullish
This is assessed as bullish because BTC’s rebound is supported by measurable on-chain positioning improvement: underwater BTC fell to 7.2 million while profitable holdings rose to 12.8 million. Historically, when “underwater” supply declines and profits broaden, dips often attract renewed demand and reduce sell pressure. In the short term, the BTC move toward the ~$81,000 resistance area can pull liquidity and momentum into high-beta altcoins such as CRV, reinforcing breakouts. However, the article also flags a potential headwind: Schmid’s stance against early rate cuts and potentially stronger-than-expected inflation. Similar macro-tightening expectations in past cycles have sometimes caused crypto rallies to stall after an initial on-chain-driven bounce. Longer term, if the on-chain trend (losses shrinking) persists alongside stable policy expectations, the market could sustain higher ranges. If inflation or rate-cut timing worsens, BTC’s recovery may revert to a trading range, limiting altcoin follow-through.