Why Bitcoin Is Dropping Right Now (and What I'm Watching Next)

By Neil Patel – Mar 11, 2026 at 8:57PM ESTKey PointsBitcoin's recent price drop could be the result of significant profit-taking by long-term holders. Investors should pay attention to Bitcoin's fundamentals as well as changing macro conditions.As of this writing on the morning of March 11, Bitcoin (BTC 0.09%) is trading 44% below its record from October 2025. This volatility can be hard for market participants to stomach. However, the drawdowns are nothing new for this cryptocurrency. Image source: Getty Images. To be clear, no one knows for certain what's driving the latest price dip. River Financial, a Bitcoin financial services firm, argues that more long-term holders, particularly individuals, have been capturing profits. This adds tremendous selling pressure. Another explanation is that levered positions faced forced liquidations, as margin calls were triggered by Bitcoin's price falling. The good news for Bitcoin supporters is that the top digital asset has historically always recovered from recent lows to reach new highs. Patient investors were rewarded. ExpandCRYPTO: BTCBitcoinToday's Change(-0.09%) $-64.77Current Price$69540.00Key Data PointsMarket Cap$1.4TDay's Range$69034.00 - $71230.0052wk Range$60255.56 - $126079.89Volume47B Looking ahead, it's important to pay attention to macroeconomic developments. If the Federal Reserve starts to lower interest rates again, it can encourage investors to buy riskier assets. This should push capital to flow to Bitcoin. I'll also be watching Bitcoin's fundamentals closely. The number of nodes running the software and the network hashrate both trend higher over time. The dollar value being transferred annually is measured in the trillions. And the blockchain has never been hacked. These factors all indicate that the cryptocurrency is working as it should.Read NextMar 11, 2026 •By Reuben Gregg BrewerGot $1,000? Here's How I'd Split It Between Precious Metals and Crypto for the Next DecadeMar 11, 2026 •By Alex CarchidiDon't Do This 1 Very Tempting Thing With Your Bitcoin, Ethereum, or XRP Right NowMar 11, 2026 •By Lyle DalyCrypto Crash: 2 Top Coins I'd Consider Buying Before Prices ReboundMar 10, 2026 •By David Jagielski, CPADoes Bitcoin's Recent Rally Prove That It's a Good Safe-Haven Investment?Mar 10, 2026 •By Alex CarchidiGot $1,000? Here's Why You Should Be Buying Bitcoin Right NowMar 10, 2026 •By Dominic BasultoBettors Give Bitcoin 4% Odds of Topping $150,000 by June -- Why the Market Is Still Playing OffenseAbout the AuthorNeil Patel is a contributing Motley Fool stock market analyst covering consumer staples, consumer discretionary, financials, information technology, and communication services. Prior to The Motley Fool, Neil worked in corporate finance roles at JPMorgan Chase and Capital One. He also has experience working on a start-up in the cryptocurrency space. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a specialization in finance from Ohio State University.TMFNeilPatelStocks MentionedBitcoinCRYPTO: BTC$69,540.00(-0.09%)-$64.77*Average returns of all recommendations since inception. Cost basis and return based on previous market day close.