Bitwise Sees Bullish Setup for Bitcoin Despite Escalating Geopolitical Shockwaves

Bitcoin faces mounting pressure from escalating geopolitical tensions, yet Bitwise says extreme risk spikes have historically preceded strong medium-term gains, positioning the cryptocurrency for a potential rebound as macro liquidity and inflation dynamics evolve.

Bitwise Emphasizes Bullish Historical Pattern Following Major Geopolitical Risk Events

Market volatility is intensifying as geopolitical tensions escalate. Bitwise Europe released its Weekly Crypto Market Compass on March 2 titled “ Bitcoin Under Pressure as Geopolitical Risks Rise – Why History Points to a Bullish Setup,” outlining how Middle East conflict has weighed on bitcoin while historically signaling potential medium-term upside.

The report states:

“Although bitcoin tends to trade lower in the short-term, geopolitical risks usually tend to mean-revert and decline to lower levels, which tends to provide a renewed tailwind over the medium- to long term.”

Bitcoin briefly rebounded above $69,000, supported by what Bitwise described as the strongest net inflows into global bitcoin exchange-traded products (ETPs) since early January, before retreating as broader risk sentiment deteriorated following U.S. and Israeli strikes against Iran. According to Bitwise’s analysis, when the Geopolitical Risk Index rises into the top 20% of historical observations, bitcoin has often delivered above-average forward returns over the following month despite near-term drawdowns.

The researchers detail: “This historical pattern has shown that the risk-reward has been positively skewed to the upside after major geopolitical risk events, although downside risks may remain in the short-term.”

They link this dynamic to the macroeconomic response that frequently follows armed conflicts, including higher fiscal expenditures and monetary expansion. Such conditions have historically supported scarce assets like bitcoin, particularly during reflationary cycles. Rising energy prices, with tokenized oil markets briefly approaching $80 per barrel, may further reinforce inflationary pressures that shape liquidity trends.

According to the report:

“If past reflation cycles are any guide, this may provide a potential macro tailwind for bitcoin and other major cryptoassets for the remainder of 2026.”

Global crypto ETPs recorded approximately $1.04 billion in net inflows last week, led by $881 million into bitcoin products, even as derivatives positioning contracted and options markets reflected elevated demand for downside protection, Bitwise detailed. While short-term volatility and cautious sentiment persist, historical precedents tied to extreme geopolitical stress point to a potentially constructive medium-term setup for bitcoin as macro liquidity conditions adjust.

FAQ 🧭

• Why is bitcoin under pressure right now?

Escalating geopolitical tensions and deteriorating risk sentiment have triggered short-term selling and volatility.

• What does history suggest about bitcoin after geopolitical shocks?

Past spikes in geopolitical risk have often been followed by above-average forward returns despite initial drawdowns.

• How are institutional flows responding to the volatility?

Global bitcoin ETPs recorded strong net inflows even as derivatives markets signaled elevated downside hedging.

• What macro factors could support bitcoin into 2026?

Reflationary cycles driven by fiscal expansion and rising energy prices have historically supported scarce assets like bitcoin.