Bitcoin experienced declines in January and February 2026, and March begins with geopolitical tensions

In 2026, bitcoin recorded a first, with consecutive declines in January and February. March began with a negative trend, influenced by tensions in the Middle East, and a potential decline at the end of the month would mark six consecutive months of decline, a rare event in its history. Alongside monitoring the international situation, investors are awaiting important economic data from the U.S. that could influence the Federal Reserve's decisions regarding interest rates.

In this context, cryptocurrencies like $NEAR and $DOT have had positive developments, recording significant increases. Citi announced plans to integrate bitcoin into its banking systems, offering custody and management services for digital assets, while Barclays is exploring a platform for payments with stablecoins. These movements highlight the growing interest of financial institutions in crypto assets, as the market becomes increasingly integrated into the traditional financial system.