Bitcoin retests $70K as veteran trader flags ‘ugly’ setup

• Bitcoin traded to intraday lows of $70,500 amid key macro and geopolitical-related events.
• Veteran trader Peter Brandt has highlighted a potential bearish retest of support.
• The Iran war and inflation concerns tick potential negative catalysts boxes.

Bitcoin price flipped lower to trade below $70,500 as sellers showed fresh strength, with BTC down as cryptocurrencies reacted to US inflation data, the Federal Reserve’s rate decision, and the escalation in the Iran war.

Veteran trader Peter Brandt has shared his outlook for BTC in terms of technical setup, noting that a constructive “horn” remains in play. However, it could also be an “ugly” flag pattern.

BTC price 24-hour performance

Bitcoin is currently trading at approximately $70,850 as of March 19, 2026.

The benchmark digital asset has declined by nearly 4% over the past 24 hours, sliding from highs near $74,800 amid a confluence of negative catalysts.

Notably, the price movement ties directly to global events.

The ongoing Iran-Israel conflict, now in its third week, has escalated with Iran’s missile strikes in the Gulf after Israel eliminated key Iranian figure Ali Larijani.

This has spiked oil prices, fueling inflation fears and contributing to Bitcoin’s risk-off sentiment, as seen in prior dips below $64,000 after initial attacks.

Meanwhile, the US Federal Reserve’s March meeting held interest rates steady, citing inflation and uncertainty over the direction of the war in Iran and its impact on global energy markets.

Fed Chair Jerome Powell emphasized a cautious stance, delaying cuts amid rising inflation risks, which prompted a retreat across risk assets.

Earlier in the day, US inflation data showed the producer price index (PPI) coming in hotter than expected. BTC fell from above $74,000 as traders turned their attention to the further impact of the war.

BTC price forecast: Brandt’s shares potential “ugly” outlook

Peter Brandt, known for his classical charting expertise, highlighted Bitcoin’s potential price setup via a post on the social media platform X.

“The horn is constructive. The flag is ugly. Take your pick,” he cautioned as downside pressure resurfaced.

Comment on Bitcoin
I am well aware that you cryptocultists cannot stand the idea of traders being flexible and not totally dogmatic like you, but Bitcoin is set up for me in two ways.
The horn is constructive
The flag is ugly
Take your pick
Opinions are a dime a dozen $BTC pic.twitter.com/ORFbiI5yo3

— Peter Brandt (@PeterLBrandt) March 18, 2026

A look at the chart suggests a “horn” pattern that represents a volatile, widening formation.

In terms of technical setup, this signals a potential breakout momentum if Bitcoin pushes through upper resistance.

​Brandt’s chart shows consolidation above macro support, with price poised near the range top. If bulls manage to reclaim $74,000, a move to the $80,000 could materialize.

However, the flag pattern suggests action could turn bearish amid the macro and geopolitical factors.

Bitcoin price on the daily chart indicates rejection at the recent top could be another bearish wedge pattern, ex-fund manager Aksel Kibar notes.

Potentially, bears could target a retest of $68,000. Any further decline may see BTC revisit the $65,000-$60,000 range.