Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) declined in Asian trading hours on April 24, 2026, as fresh macroeconomic data from Japan reinforced risk-off sentiment already fueled by the Iran conflict.
BTC was trading near $77,000 to $78,700 during the window. ETH held around $2,340 but struggled to reclaim the $2,400 level it has repeatedly failed to clear this week.
What Moved Markets
Japan released inflation data that came in above expectations. Traders read the print as a signal that the Bank of Japan may face limited room to ease monetary policy. A tighter Japanese monetary environment historically pressures risk assets globally.
At the same time, the Iran war continued to weigh on sentiment. Market participants reduced exposure ahead of the weekend. Crypto futures liquidations surpassed $118 million in the 24-hour window, hitting long positions hardest.
BTC's intraday high reached $79,490 before sellers pushed the price back below $78,000. The 100-hour simple moving average offered a short-term support reference near $77,800.
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Background
Bitcoin had been recovering steadily through early and mid-April 2026 after finding support near $75,000. Spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded eight consecutive days of net inflows ahead of this session, providing a constructive demand backdrop. Ethereum spot ETFs posted $633 million in cumulative inflows over the prior ten days. Despite that institutional demand signal, price action for both assets remained constrained by macro headwinds throughout the month.
The Iran conflict emerged as a recurring driver of volatility for risk assets in this period. Each escalation prompted traders to trim positions, particularly in the hours before a weekend.
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What Comes Next
Bitcoin's next key test is a clean break and hold above $79,500. A failure there keeps the $75,000 support level in focus for the coming week. ETH needs to close above $2,400 on a daily basis to shift short-term momentum.
Traders are monitoring weekend geopolitical developments from the Iran theater. Any escalation over the next 48 hours could trigger additional liquidation pressure on leveraged long positions.
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