Bitcoin holds key support above $76K amid Middle East tensions, while altcoins mostly fall.

Bitcoin and ether prices fell due to rising Middle East tensions that pushed oil prices and the U.S. dollar higher, with bitcoin dropping about 1% to $80,800 and ether down 2% to $2,290. Despite the decline, bitcoin remains above the critical $76,000 support level, which is seen as a key marker for the bull market's continuation. Most altcoins underperformed, though CRO, CRV, and TON gained between 5% and 10%, supported by factors like a proposed tokenomics overhaul for CRO. Crypto futures open interest rose to $125 billion, indicating steady trader positioning amid reduced short-term speculation. Market volatility remains subdued for bitcoin, while U.S. equity volatility has slightly increased, reflecting cautious investor sentiment amid geopolitical risks.