NEW YORK, March 19, 2026, 14:24 EDT

Bitcoin slipped beneath the $70,000 mark on Thursday, last quoted at $69,320.42 for a 2.7% drop. Ether tumbled 3.1%. A renewed surge in oil prices and the Federal Reserve’s hawkish stance sapped demand for riskier bets. Reuters

Bitcoin’s earlier push toward the mid-$70,000s this week had sparked fresh chatter about its resilience compared to stocks after the newest Middle East turmoil. But that argument took a hit Thursday. QCP Capital noted bitcoin isn’t behaving like a straightforward high-beta play anymore, though it hasn’t managed to attract steady safe-haven demand either. Investors.com

The Fed kept rates steady at 3.50%-3.75% on Wednesday and stuck with its forecast…