Bitcoin falls to $68k as crypto markets nurse four-week losing streak

Global cryptocurrency markets experienced significant turbulence as Bitcoin fell to $68,000 amid a sustained four-week losing streak that has shaken investor confidence worldwide. The digital asset's decline represents a notable reversal from its earlier peaks, with traders and analysts scrambling to identify the catalysts behind the prolonged downturn. Major financial centers including New York, London, and Hong Kong reported heightened volatility across crypto exchanges, with Bitcoin's price dropping approximately 15% over the past month alone. Market observers attribute the sustained decline to a confluence of factors including tightening regulatory scrutiny in key markets, reduced liquidity following the end of tax season, and profit-taking by institutional investors who had accumulated positions during earlier rallies. The broader cryptocurrency ecosystem has felt the impact, with altcoins including Ethereum, Solana, and Cardano experiencing similar downward pressure as market sentiment turns increasingly cautious. Despite the current downturn, some long-term analysts suggest that this correction may represent a healthy consolidation phase following Bitcoin's meteoric rise earlier in the year, potentially setting the stage for a more sustainable growth trajectory in the coming months.