Investing.com — Bitcoin traded sideways on Saturday after tumbling to a seven-week low near $72,000 in the previous session, weighed down by unresolved tensions between the U.S. and Iran, and weaker exchange-traded fund demand.

The world’s largest cryptocurrency last traded 0.2% higher at $73,581.1 by 07:58 ET (12:58 GMT).

Bitcoin fell about 3% over the past seven days, when renewed military exchanges and conflicting signals from Washington and Tehran undermined hopes for a swift diplomatic breakthrough in the Middle East.

Bitcoin pressured by cooling ETF inflows

The weakness came even as the S&P 500 recorded its ninth consecutive weekly gain, its longest winning streak since 2023, and Brent crude stabilized near $92 a barrel amid hopes for a ceasefire extension between Washington and Tehran.

Market participants have pointed to slowing inflows into spot Bitcoin ETFs as one factor behind the recent pullback. The cooling demand has offset support from broader risk appetite across financial markets.

Adding to investor caution, CryptoQuant founder and CEO Ki Young Ju warned that Bitcoin’s current downtrend could persist into early 2027. In a post on X, Ju said historical profit-taking cycles have typically led to roughly 18 months of weaker investor returns before a sustainable recovery emerges.

According to Ju, Bitcoin’s current bearish phase began in October 2025 as investors started locking in gains accumulated during the previous rally. He argued that prices may remain under pressure until unrealized profits begin rebuilding across the market.

Not all indicators point to a prolonged downturn. CryptoQuant’s Bull-Bear Cycle Indicator turned positive earlier this month for the first time since 2023, while some analysts have argued that Bitcoin may have already established its cycle low earlier this year.

Meanwhile, regulatory developments remain in focus. JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon renewed his criticism of the proposed Digital Asset Market Clarity Act, arguing the legislation could create an uneven regulatory framework by allowing crypto firms to offer products that resemble bank deposits without equivalent safeguards.

The bill, which would divide oversight of digital assets between the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, is expected to face a Senate vote in the coming months.

Investors are now watching whether ETF flows recover and whether regulatory clarity can help improve sentiment across the broader cryptocurrency market.

Crypto price today: most altcoins rise

Most altcoins were a mixed bag on Friday at the end of the month.