Bitcoin Near $76K; Ethereum Falls as Iran Talks Stall

Bitcoin held near $76,000 on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, while Ethereum slipped below its 50-day moving average. Major cryptocurrencies traded in a tight range and did not mirror gains in the Nasdaq following headlines about negotiations involving Iran.

Traders noted weak conviction after U.S. stock benchmarks rallied on reports from the Strait of Hormuz; Bitcoin and other digital assets showed limited reaction. Data indicate the historical correlation between Bitcoin and the Nasdaq has weakened.

On technical charts, Bitcoin attempted to break above a long-term pivot but failed to sustain the advance. The coin is trading near its 50-day moving average at about $74,800 and faces short-term resistance between $75,000 and $77,000, with a 4-hour 200-period moving average near $77,000. Some analysts flagged a possible head-and-shoulders pattern that would target roughly $70,000 on a measured move. Key supports include the $60,000–$63,000 zone and the February low at $59,935. Upside resistance clusters are in the $80,000–$83,000 range, around $90,000–$95,000, and near $98,000–$100,000, before the previous all-time high area near $124,000–$126,000.

Ethereum fell below its 50-day moving average, around $2,220, and is trading near a trendline that stretches back to October. Traders cited $2,000 as a minor support level, with deeper support between $1,700 and $1,800 and a February low at $1,744. Resistance appears around $2,400, with further supply at $2,500–$2,800 and a momentum test in the $3,000–$3,200 area. Ethereum's cycle highs remain well below its record near $4,950.

OANDA market analyst Elior Manier wrote that cryptocurrencies are “hesitant to take a clear direction” while the outcome of the Iran talks is unresolved. He added that remaining above the 50-day average would keep Bitcoin's outlook more neutral than bearish, and that a confirmed breakdown would alter that view.

Trading volume and liquidity remained thin on May 26. Market participants monitored crude oil benchmarks, U.S. dollar moves and geopolitical headlines for events that could prompt larger price moves.