Bitcoin price failed to continue higher and dipped below $88,500. BTC is now declining and might struggle to stay above $86,800. Bitcoin started a fresh decline from the $90,500 zone. The price is trading below $88,000 and the 100 hourly Simple moving average. There is a bearish trend line forming with resistance at $87,650 on the hourly chart of the BTC/USD pair (data feed from Kraken). The pair might continue to move down if it trades below the $86,800 zone. Bitcoin Price Corrects Gains Bitcoin price failed to stay in a positive zone and started a fresh decline below $90,000. BTC dipped below $89,500 and $88,500 to move into a bearish zone. The bears were able to push the price below the 50% Fib retracement level of the upward move from the $84,420 swing low to the $90,552 high. Besides, there is a bearish trend line forming with resistance at $87,650 on the hourly chart of the BTC/USD pair. Bitcoin is now trading below $88,000 and the 100 hourly Simple moving average. If the price remains stable above $87,000, it could attempt a fresh recovery wave. Immediate resistance is near the $87,650 level and the trend line. The first key resistance is near the $88,500 level. The next resistance could be $89,100. A close above the $89,100 resistance might send the price further higher. In the stated case, the price could rise and test the $90,000 resistance. Any more gains might send the price toward the $90,500 level. The next barrier for the bulls could be $91,500 and $92,000. More Losses In BTC? If Bitcoin fails to rise above the $88,500 resistance zone, it could start another decline. Immediate support is near the $87,000 level. The first major support is near the $86,750 level and the 61.8% Fib retracement level of the upward move from the $84,420 swing low to the $90,552 high. The next support is now near the $86,000 zone. Any more losses might send the price toward the $85,450 support in the near term. The main support sits at $84,500, below which BTC might accelerate lower in the near term. Technical indicators: Hourly MACD – The MACD is now gaining pace in the bearish zone. Hourly RSI (Relative Strength Index) – The RSI for BTC/USD is now below the 50 level. Major Support Levels – $86,750, followed by $86,000. Major Resistance Levels – $87,650 and $88,500.
The Bitcoin price could experience major swings this Friday as billions of dollars in options are set to expire. A crypto market expert has warned that the scale of this event could trigger “something big,” potentially affecting both volatility and the actions of retail and institutional investors. Bitcoin Price Braces For Major Moves This Friday On Monday, crypto analyst NoLimit signaled that this upcoming Friday could be a historic moment for Bitcoin. According to the expert, over $23.6 billion worth of Bitcoin options are scheduled to expire on December 26, marking the largest options expiry the market has ever seen. The analyst has stated that anyone with crypto holdings should pay close attention. Related Reading: The Bitcoin Bull And Bear Cases That Crypto Traders Should Know About NoLimit explained that an options expiry involves leveraged bets on Bitcoin’s price. He stated that calls are wagers that the price will rise, while puts predict it will fall. The analyst also emphasized that when these options expire, they either become worthless or force buying and selling in the spot market to hedge the positions. He also highlighted that with $23.6 billion in options expiring in a single day, a massive amount of risk will be removed from dealer books all at once. According to the analysis, this risk offloading is a key driver of market volatility, as the magnitude of the expiry is unprecedented. Looking at the data, previous year-end expiries were significantly smaller. In 2021, the options expiry was around $6 billion, followed by $2.4 billion in 2022. It climbed to $11 billion in 2023 and reached $19.8 billion in 2024. NoLimit has suggested that this year’s jump to $23.6 billion represents a significant shift in market dynamics. The analyst pointed out that retail investors no longer dominate the market. He stated that institutional-sized risk is now being repriced in real time, and this Friday could trigger significant price movements. NoLimit also suggested that the scale and timing of the expiry make it a critical event for traders and investors in the market. Analyst Reveals Why This Friday Truly Matters In his analysis, NoLimit outlined the specific reasons why this Friday truly matters as Bitcoin’s $23.6 billion options prepare to expire. He explained that dealers are heavily hedged around key strikes, and once expiry hits, those hedges are removed. As a result, the shift can trigger sharp moves for Bitcoin in either direction. Related Reading: Don’t Expect A Fast Bitcoin Move – Here’s How Long The Last Leg Could Take The analyst noted that current market conditions could further amplify the impact. According to his analysis, Bitcoin’s liquidity is extremely low during the holiday week, and less volume typically means each order has more influence. As a result, the expert stated that a violent price move could occur even without major news. NoLimit also noted that much of Bitcoin’s Open Interest is concentrated near the major psychological levels. Once the expiry passes, this open interest disappears entirely. He explained that this is why markets often experience sideways trading leading into expiry, followed by a clear directional move shortly afterward. The analyst added that volatility is the key setup this week. He says the crucial moment to watch is the Bitcoin price after the expiry, not before. Featured image from Pixabay, chart from Tradingview.com
According to recent interviews, billionaire investor Ray Dalio has sharpened his caution about Bitcoin’s fit for official reserves while still recognizing its scarce nature. Related Reading: Before You Sell Bitcoin For Gold, Hear This Warning He said that Bitcoin carries money-like qualities because of its limited supply, but he drew a firm line over who should hold it on a balance sheet. Dalio said public transaction records and the risk of outside interference make it hard for reserve managers to treat Bitcoin the same way they treat gold. Dalio Flags Traceability Concerns Dalio warned that the open ledger that underpins Bitcoin creates vulnerabilities for large custodians. He argued that public transactions can be traced and, in some scenarios, interrupted, which raises concerns for institutions charged with protecting national wealth. NEW: RAY DALIO SAYS THAT BITCOIN IS “UNLIKELY TO BE HELD SIGNIFICANTLY BY CENTRAL BANKS” – TRANSACTIONS ARE TOO TRANSPARENT, THE GOVERNMENT CAN INTERFERE WITH THEM pic.twitter.com/NzxrhBzp4m — DEGEN NEWS (@DegenerateNews) December 20, 2025 He contrasted this with gold, which he said is harder for authorities to control once it is taken out of the formal financial system. He also raised security worries, including the possibility that Bitcoin could be cracked, broken, or controlled in ways that would alter its long-term usefulness as a store of value. Stablecoins Seen As Transactional Tools Based on reports, Dalio also gave a low rating to stablecoins as long-term holdings. He pointed out that stablecoins are tied to fiat currencies and generally do not pay interest, so they work well for quick transfers but not as wealth preservation. He said he keeps some exposure to Bitcoin personally — “a little bit” — but places gold ahead of it when the goal is an asset shielded from state actions. Last year, Dalio urged investors to favor scarce assets like gold and Bitcoin over debt instruments as many big economies wrestle with rising debt. Institutional Demand And Market Signals Crypto markets are moving closer to mainstream finance with spot Bitcoin ETFs and improved custody services, and market structure is shifting. BTC will hit $250k by year-end 2027. 2026 is too chaotic to predict, though Bitcoin making new all-time highs in 2026 is still possible. Options markets are currently pricing about equal odds of $70k or $130k for month-end June 2026, and equal odds of $50k or $250k by year-end… — Alex Thorn (@intangiblecoins) December 21, 2025 According to Galaxy Research, overlapping macro and market risks make Bitcoin unusually hard to forecast in 2026. Galaxy’s team says options pricing and volatility trends show Bitcoin acting more like a macro asset than a pure high-growth gamble. The same research group nonetheless kept a long-term bullish stance, projecting that Bitcoin could reach $250,000 by the end of 2027. Related Reading: Bitcoin’s $126K Sprint May Be Over — Fidelity Predicts 2026 Slide Macro Signals And Price Outlook That mix of views highlights a separation between policy suitability and price potential. Dalio’s focus is on whether sovereigns will accept the asset on a reserve ledger; Galaxy’s analysis looks at how markets may price Bitcoin under evolving macro forces. Featured image from Unsplash, chart from TradingView
JPMorgan Chase & Co. is considering offering cryptocurrency trading services to its institutional clients, based on reports from Bloomberg and Reuters. The move is reported to be in early stages and has not been confirmed by the bank. Related Reading: Bitcoin’s $126K Sprint May Be Over — Fidelity Predicts 2026 Slide Institutional Demand And Product Options Reports have disclosed that the bank is looking at a range of possible offerings, including spot trades and derivatives, as it tests whether client demand justifies a rollout. Decisions will depend on risk assessments and the regulatory environment, sources say. Banks Respond To A Shifting Market Wall Street is already moving closer to crypto. Morgan Stanley, for example, plans to make crypto trading available on its E*Trade platform by mid-2026, a step that shows firms are racing to meet investor interest. The global crypto market is estimated to be about $3.1 trillion, with Bitcoin close to $1.8 trillion of that total, according to market data cited by reporters. JPMorgan Chase reportedly plans launching crypto trading services for institutional clients. https://t.co/Ggj0bOxcUc — TheStreet (@TheStreet) December 22, 2025 Plans To Start Without Custody Several industry reports say JPMorgan may initially focus on executing trades rather than holding clients’ tokens — that is, the firm would facilitate transactions but not provide custody services at first. That approach would let the bank offer access while limiting direct exposure. Banking History And Changing Views JPMorgan’s public position on crypto has shifted over time. Its CEO was once highly critical of Bitcoin, yet the firm has been testing blockchain and tokenization projects in recent years. The broader policy climate has also turned more favorable: US President Donald Trump has taken a stance seen by some observers as supportive of crypto, and that has affected industry calculations. What This Would Mean For Clients If JPMorgan moves ahead, clients could gain access to bank-grade execution for Bitcoin and other tokens, potentially with institutional custodians or third-party safekeeping used where needed. Market makers and asset managers would likely react quickly; liquidity could increase, and trading costs might shift. Those outcomes would depend on the exact products launched and on regulatory guardrails. Collateral And Tokenization Moves Earlier This Year The bank has already taken other crypto steps. In October, Bloomberg reported that JPMorgan planned to allow institutional clients to use Bitcoin and Ether as collateral for loans by the end of the year, a sign that the firm is testing ways to bring crypto into traditional banking functions. Related Reading: Saylor Sparks Bitcoin Speculation With ‘Green Dots’ Signal Bitcoin Price Reaction Traders reacted positively to the news of JPMorgan exploring crypto trading, sending Bitcoin briefly higher into the $88,000–$90,000 range. While the price didn’t break past $90,000 decisively, the announcement added support near existing resistance levels and boosted market sentiment. Analysts note that any lasting price impact will depend on whether JPMorgan actually launches trading services and how US regulators respond, but for now, the story has reinforced optimism among institutional and retail investors alike. Featured image from Unsplash, chart from TradingView
Bitcoin (BTC) is trading at a critical level as market participants watch closely for its next major move. A crypto analyst has revealed that the leading cryptocurrency is approaching a make-or-break level as it hovers around a key support zone that has been holding the price in the short term. The analyst has also outlined clear upside and downside levels that could determine whether the Bitcoin price regains momentum towards $90,000 or faces renewed downward pressure. Bitcoin To Face Make Or Break Zone At $100,000 In an X post this Monday, crypto expert CyrilXBT presented a fresh Bitcoin market outlook suggesting its price could be nearing a critical make-or-break level. He noted that Bitcoin was still in a broader downtrend from its peak, but recent price action suggested the market may be forming a base rather than continuing lower. Related Reading: Expert Predicts The Most Realistic Timeframe For XRP Price To Reach $100 The accompanying chart clearly reflected this bearish structure. It showed a series of lower highs after the market peak, reinforcing the idea that BTC is presently in a decline. Price action was also compressed into a tight range above a highlighted support zone, signaling indecision between buyers and sellers. According to CyrilXBT, fortunately, the $84,000 to $88,000 zone has been doing most of the heavy lifting, with buyers actively defending it. He revealed that repeated tests of this range had failed to produce a decisive breakdown, showing that demand remained present despite sustained selling pressure. CyrilXBT has stated that as long as Bitcoin continues to hold the $84,000 to $88,000 region, prices will move upward at a slow but steady pace rather than making an explosive move. He noted that this type of structure often pushes BTC toward the $92,000 to $95,000 range, which he has set as BTC’s first upside target. This move is described as a recovery attempt within the existing trend rather than a complete reversal. The analyst pointed to $100,000 as the most important level above the current price. He noted that this level had previously provided strong support and had now flipped to resistance. He further described $100,000 as the true make-or-break level that would determine whether Bitcoin could regain bullish momentum. Related Reading: XRP Holders Are In For More Pain As There’s ‘Not A Single Support Holding’ BTC Risks Crash If Resistance Fails In his post, CyrilXBTC noted that if BTC fails to hold $100,000, its price outlook could turn bearish quickly. The crypto analyst disclosed that a loss of the $84,000 area could trigger a steeper decline toward lower support zones between $76,000 and $72,000. He also indicated that this area represented the next major level at which buyers could step in to prevent further downside. At the time of writing, Bitcoin is trading above $87,000 after declining by more than 8.5% this year. If a crash below $84,000 occurs, the cryptocurrency could lose between 12.6% and 17.2% of its market value. Featured image created with Dall.E, chart from Tradingview.com
Bitcoin’s recent bounce may look like a sign of renewed strength, but the price action tells a more deceptive story. With downside liquidity still thin and support holding firm, the market appears primed for a move that draws in eager bulls rather than rewarding them. This rally could be less about recovery and more about setting the stage for maximum pain when sentiment flips. Aligning The Mid- And Long-Term Bitcoin Outlook During an in-depth technical and psychological analysis, Mr. Wall Street explained that his broader outlook on Bitcoin had already been clarified a week earlier, after some confusion around his mid and long-term stance. With those time horizons now clearly defined, he turned his focus to the short-term picture, outlining current market behavior. Related Reading: Bitcoin In Standby Mode: Weekend Ranges Rule Before Holiday ‘Chop’ He reiterated that while his mid-term bias on Bitcoin remains bearish, the short-term structure has turned bullish. The reason centered on insufficient downside liquidity to justify market makers initiating the next major leg lower. This imbalance supported the case for a temporary relief move to the upside. Thus, Mr. Wall Street placed long positions around the Value Area Low between $80,000 and $84,000 on a bounce that could later evolve into a bull trap. Shortly after, Bitcoin dipped and successfully retested the $84,000 level, which aligns with the weekly MA100, following several deceptive upside moves. As a result, his long orders were filled as planned, leaving him holding a position from $84,550. The analyst noted that he plans to exit only in the $98,000–$104,000 zone, where a Fair Value Gap converges with heavy liquidity, making it an ideal area to take profit. Being In Longs Doesn’t Change The Macro Bearish Thesis Mr. Wall Street clarified that holding long positions does not signal a bullish shift on Bitcoin. The broader outlook remains bearish, with expectations for the next major downside move toward the $64,000–$70,000 region. In the short term, Bitcoin is sitting at strong support while downside liquidity is limited, which reduces the probability of an immediate continuation lower. Related Reading: Citi Analysts Project Bitcoin Price Could Reach $189,000 Next Year In Bullish Scenario A more logical scenario involves market makers engineering a bullish move to attract retail participation. As late buyers enter long positions, they gradually become exit liquidity, setting the stage for a larger downside move once sufficient liquidity is built. He also mentioned the $68,000–$74,000 zone had become too widely anticipated to function as a true “maximum pain” area capable of resetting market structure. For that reason, the downside target was revised lower to the $64,000–$70,000 range, with expectations that this zone could be reached in late Q1 or early Q2 of 2026. This level represents an initial major target rather than the final bottom. Recent price action was highlighted as a clear example of these dynamics. Bitcoin’s rapid move from $87,000 to $90,000, followed by a sharp drop to $85,000 within hours, resulted in widespread liquidations. Many traders chased the upside and were quickly trapped, and fake moves in both directions are likely to continue as liquidity is built ahead of a larger move lower. Featured image from Pixabay, chart from Tradingview.com
Bitcoin price started a decent recovery wave above $88,000. BTC is now consolidating below $89,000 and might aim for a fresh increase. Bitcoin started a recovery wave above the $87,500 zone. The price is trading above $87,500 and the 100 hourly Simple moving average. There is a bullish trend line forming with support at $87,900 on the hourly chart of the BTC/USD pair (data feed from Kraken). The pair might continue to move up if it settles above the $89,100 zone. Bitcoin Price Eyes More Gains Bitcoin price attempted a fresh recovery wave above $87,500 and $88,000. BTC even cleared the $88,800 resistance and tested the $90,500 hurdle. A high was formed at $90,552 and the price is now consolidating gains. There was a minor decline below $89,000 and $88,500. The price dipped below the 23.6% Fib retracement level of the upward move from the $84,420 swing low to the $90,552 high. Bitcoin is now trading above $87,800 and the 100 hourly Simple moving average. There is also a bullish trend line forming with support at $87,900 on the hourly chart of the BTC/USD pair. If the price remains stable above the trend line, it could attempt more gains. Immediate resistance is near the $89,100 level. The first key resistance is near the $89,500 level. The next resistance could be $90,500. A close above the $90,500 resistance might send the price further higher. In the stated case, the price could rise and test the $92,000 resistance. Any more gains might send the price toward the $92,500 level. The next barrier for the bulls could be $93,200 and $93,500. Another Decline In BTC? If Bitcoin fails to rise above the $89,500 resistance zone, it could start another decline. Immediate support is near the $88,000 level and the trend line. The first major support is near the $87,500 level. The next support is now near the $86,750 zone and the 61.8% Fib retracement level of the upward move from the $84,420 swing low to the $90,552 high. Any more losses might send the price toward the $85,450 support in the near term. The main support sits at $84,500, below which BTC might accelerate lower in the near term. Technical indicators: Hourly MACD – The MACD is now losing pace in the bullish zone. Hourly RSI (Relative Strength Index) – The RSI for BTC/USD is now below the 50 level. Major Support Levels – $88,000, followed by $87,500. Major Resistance Levels – $89,500 and $90,500.
Bitcoin’s price action in recent days has been characterized by tight consolidation and fading momentum. After recovering from a dip toward the $85,000 area last week, Bitcoin has spent most of the time trading between roughly $87,500 and $89,000, struggling to build a sustained move in either direction. This ongoing indecision has led to technical commentary from a crypto analyst known as DrBullZeus, who noted that Bitcoin is currently trapped inside a clearly defined range and may need a decisive breakout before the next directional move becomes clear. Bitcoin Continues To Respect A Well-Defined Range According to the analysis, Bitcoin is still trading inside a clearly established range, repeatedly bouncing between the same support and resistance zones. These zones are highlighted in the 1-hour candlestick timeframe chart below, which shows the Bitcoin price oscillating between a lower support area around the mid-$87,000 region and an upper resistance band just below $90,000. Related Reading: Crypto Founder Reveals What Will Drive Bitcoin Price To $200,000 In 2026 Multiple daily candlesticks have tested both zones without producing sustained follow-through, and this strengthens the idea that neither bulls nor bears currently have full control. Short-term breakouts have quickly stalled, and pullbacks have failed to develop into deeper corrections. This type of price behavior suggests equilibrium, where buyers step in near support, and sellers defend resistance to keep the price volatility contained. Important Levels That Could Define The Next Major Move According to the technical analysis, Bitcoin’s next direction depends on how the price reacts around two clearly defined levels. The resistance zone just below $90,000 is the main hurdle on the upside. Related Reading: Don’t Expect A Fast Bitcoin Move – Here’s How Long The Last Leg Could Take A clean break and sustained hold above this area would mean that buyers are finally gaining control and allow for a push to the $92,000 level highlighted on the chart. Recent attempts to move higher have stalled at this zone, which is why a decisive breakout would likely attract fresh momentum and shift short-term sentiment from range trading to bullish. On the downside, support in the $87,000 range is still acting as a buffer against deeper losses. As long as this level holds, the range structure between support and resistance will stay intact. However, a clear loss of this support would change the short-term sentiment from range trading to bearish very quickly. This, in turn, will expose Bitcoin to a move back toward the $85,000 area, where price previously found strong demand in early December. At the time of writing, Bitcoin is trading at $89,690, up by 1.1% in the past 24 hours. The latest price action has been shaped by a rebound from an intraday low near $87,655, a level that closely aligns with the support zone highlighted in the technical analysis and reinforces its importance in the current market structure. Featured image from Pixabay, chart from Tradingview.com
Michael Saylor’s brief post on X that showed “green dots” ahead of orange dots has stirred fresh talk in markets. According to traders who track his public messages, the pattern is being read as a possible hint that more Bitcoin buying could be on the way. Related Reading: Bitcoin’s $126K Sprint May Be Over — Fidelity Predicts 2026 Slide Bitcoin is trading just below a heavy resistance band around $90,000, a level where selling pressure has built up and where traders and market desks are closely watching for either a breakout or another rejection. Market Reaction And Signals Prices moved on the rumor alone. Short-term traders bought into the idea that a large buyer may be shifting action back toward accumulation. Based on reports, some market participants compared the signal to earlier Saylor posts that preceded corporate purchases. Green Dots ₿eget Orange Dots. pic.twitter.com/aLdvPe4YuG — Michael Saylor (@saylor) December 21, 2025 No official company filing or treasury update has been released to confirm any new acquisition. The message was posted without any accompanying press release, and that lack of confirmation kept some desks cautious. Institutional Demand And On-Chain Clues Reports have disclosed that institutional flows still matter to Bitcoin’s price path. Large spot Bitcoin ETFs and corporate treasuries are part of the backdrop that traders cite when interpreting a high-profile hint from a corporate figure. On-chain metrics, where available, are being scanned for coin movements into custody accounts. One key piece of evidence that would change market conviction is a clear transfer into an exchange or ETF custody wallet, followed by a public disclosure; absent that, the green-dot post remains a market signal more than a proof point. What Traders Are Watching Liquidity sits near $90,000. Many orders cluster around that level, and that makes it a psychological and technical barrier. If a big buyer steps in under the wall, sellers may be cleared and price could push higher. If selling stays firm, BTC could stall and move sideways for several sessions. Traders are also watching order books, funding rates, and ETF balances for shifts. Volume spikes paired with visible custody inflows would be a stronger signal than a social post alone. Related Reading: Banks Could Favor A Higher XRP Price, Finance Expert Says History And Context Michael Saylor is a visible buyer historically, and his public comments have affected sentiment before. Reports linking his posts to later buys have circulated in market media, and traders use that history to give the current message weight. Featured image from Unsplash, chart from TradingView
Bitcoin’s price has spent recent sessions grinding sideways after failing to reclaim higher resistance levels, trading within a narrow range and frustrating both bullish and bearish Bitcoin investors. The lack of follow-through has intensified market debate, with macroeconomic headlines driving sharp sentiment swings. Amid the uncertainty, a crypto analyst has pushed back against the prevailing noise, arguing that Bitcoin’s price action is telling a far clearer story than narratives suggest. Bitcoin’s Price Action Exposes The Limits Of Narrative-Based Trading In a recent post on X, the analyst asserts that Bitcoin’s recent performance highlights a disconnect between market headlines and actual trading behavior. After pulling back from recent highs, Bitcoin has stabilized in the $70,000–$90,000 range, repeatedly defending key support levels rather than accelerating lower. Despite widespread attention to inflation reports, central bank commentary, and macroeconomic uncertainty, this steady behavior suggests that the market is responding to price movements rather than external narratives. Related Reading: XRP Holders Are In For More Pain As There’s ‘Not A Single Support Holding’ The analyst emphasized that Bitcoin is following a clear technical structure, confined within an ascending channel, which has guided price behavior over recent sessions. Attempts to push the price below support have repeatedly failed, demonstrating that selling pressure lacks the strength to disrupt the broader trend. Because market sentiment typically lags price, panic-driven headlines and bearish projections often exaggerate perceived weakness. In this context, sideways movement represents a natural pause, allowing the market to rebalance positions without indicating a reversal. This range-bound behavior, the analyst explains, reflects measured control rather than disorder. After recent volatility, the stabilization of Bitcoin’s price highlights disciplined accumulation and cautious positioning among market participants. Consolidation within the channel forms part of a functional market rhythm, helping the trend digest prior moves while preserving structural integrity. As long as support holds, he argues, the ascending framework remains valid, reinforcing the broader bullish trend. Chart Insights For Bitcoin Investors Amid Sideways Trading With a chart posted alongside his statement, the analyst describes Bitcoin’s recent price action as a corrective consolidation. He notes that after those losses, price has stabilized, reflecting a balance between buyers and sellers. Bulls are hoping for a rebound, bears are anticipating a breakdown, and the price movement shows both sides testing each other. Related Reading: Ripple Goes Institutional: What The Doppler Finance And SBI Partnership Means For XRP He adds that upward moves remain capped below previous support levels, while higher lows indicate corrective positioning rather than renewed strength. The analyst explicitly states that his price target remains 96k, as long as Bitcoin holds the ascending channel structure. This target frames his bullish outlook despite the ongoing consolidation, showing that he expects the trend to continue within the defined structure rather than reversing. He emphasizes that phases like this often precede more decisive moves: a breakdown of the channel could signal renewed downside, while a sustained break above the upper boundary would be needed to challenge the prevailing trend. Until such developments occur, he stresses that investors should focus on structure rather than short-term noise. Featured image created with Dall.E, chart from Tradingview.com
The recent Bitcoin price decline has already triggered a major sell-off wave across the crypto market, and it doesn’t seem to be letting up anytime soon. While trading below $90,000, there are a number of implications for the pioneer cryptocurrency depending on the next move. The tug-of-war between the bulls and the bears makes either direction possible, and with major levels lying at risk, a crypto analyst has analyzed what the consequences of each move could be. How Bitcoin Price Could Play Out Either Way Crypto analyst HAMED_AZ analyzes the Bitcoin price chart, pointing out the current trend and what could lead to either a recovery or a crash. First, the crypto analyst outlines that the bitcoin price is now in a corrective phase. This began with the all-time high record of $126,000, and since then, the cryptocurrency has lost more than $35,000 of its value. Related Reading: Citi Projects $143,000 Base Case For Bitcoin In 12-Month Outlook The corrective phase also places the cryptocurrency inside a tight range, holding it between $84,000 and $94,000. Both of these levels have served as major support and resistance in the past, making them the points to beat that will determine the next move. A continuation of trading inside this range ensures that the Bitcoin price does not see any major move. The main move will happen when either of these support or resistance levels is broken, depending on which camp is able to pull the momentum in their favor. Bull Or Bear Case To Watch Out For The first case is if the Bitcoin bulls are able to crush the resistance that has been mounting at $94,000 over the last week. Since the expectations for an upward move are high, if it does play out this way, then it would push the Bitcoin price toward retesting this resistance level. Related Reading: Don’t Expect A Fast Bitcoin Move – Here’s How Long The Last Leg Could Take If the breakout is confirmed and the resistance fails, then the crypto analyst believes that the Bitcoin price will once again cross above the psychological level of $100,000. The main target lies as high as $108,000 before the momentum runs out. However, there is still the possibility of the bears taking control if they are able to push the price below the $84,000 support. This level acted as the major support in the last downtrend, so it has become the level to hold. Failure to secure this level would trigger a crash that could send the Bitcoin price as low as $72,000. Featured image from Dall.E, chart from TradingView.com
Fidelity’s top markets strategist has warned that Bitcoin’s October high of $126,000 could mark the top of the current cycle, and investors should be ready for a rough ride in 2026. Related Reading: Banks Could Favor A Higher XRP Price, Finance Expert Says According to Jurrien Timmer, a notable pullback is possible next year with key support seen in a range of $65,000 to $75,000. That view sits alongside data points and trader commentary that recall past big drops after sharp peaks. Cycle Warning From Fidelity Timmer said Bitcoin’s price history follows a roughly four-year rhythm tied to halvings. Past peaks have been followed by steep corrections of about 70 to 85%. For example, after a high of $1,137 in 2013 the price slipped to roughly $230, and the 2017 peak near $14,050 later traded down toward $3,415. Prices surged again after 2021, and that pattern of parabolic advance then sharp retreat has been repeated. Some traders say those falls are tests of patience rather than a sign the story is broken. Fidelity Warns: #Bitcoin Cycle Peak May Already Be In Fidelity’s Jurrien Timmer believes the $126K October high was the top for this cycle. Based on $BTC 4-year halving pattern, He expects 2026 to be a down year, with support around $65K–$75K. Short-Term Pain, Long-Term… pic.twitter.com/t9wNeF5lTo — Crypto Patel (@CryptoPatel) December 21, 2025 Historical Charts Show Parabolic Moves Reports have disclosed that long-term log charts help put these swings in perspective by showing percentage growth across cycles, which can make big-dollar moves easier to read. Market action often looks like a rapid climb to a peak, a quick drop, and a long period where prices move sideways and gains feel slow. Those sideways stretches are where many long-term holders are rewarded, though it can take years. BTC will hit $250k by year-end 2027. 2026 is too chaotic to predict, though Bitcoin making new all-time highs in 2026 is still possible. Options markets are currently pricing about equal odds of $70k or $130k for month-end June 2026, and equal odds of $50k or $250k by year-end… — Alex Thorn (@intangiblecoins) December 21, 2025 Galaxy Research has flagged overlapping macro and market risks that make forecasting harder for 2026, and options and volatility trends suggest Bitcoin is behaving more like a macro asset than a pure growth gamble. Galaxy Research is still bullish on a multi-year view and projects a path toward $250,000 by the end of 2027. First Quarter Patterns May Matter Related Reading: Before You Sell Bitcoin For Gold, Hear This Warning Based on reports from traders, the first quarter has in past cycles been a period that often supports price stability, although recent years have shown less regularity. Large inflows and treasury buys that could arrive in 2025 might be offset by early-cycle selling from big holders. The balance between institutional demand and whale supply will likely show itself in the first half of 2026, making that stretch important for whether historical four-year rhythms hold firm. Featured image from Unsplash, chart from TradingView
Bitcoin supporters are warning holders not to rush out of BTC to buy gold even as the metal climbs above $4,000 per ounce. According to market educator Matthew Kratter, Bitcoin’s features — like ease of transfer, clear supply rules, and divisibility — make it a stronger long-term store of value than gold. Related Reading: Bitcoin Feels The Weight Of Quantum Risk Concerns, Industry Leaders Warn Gold Supply Concerns Kratter points to steady increases in the gold supply, estimating it has risen about 1-to-2% annually for decades. Based on that rate, supplies would double roughly every 47 years. That steady growth, he says, can be amplified by large new finds — on land or, he adds, potentially beyond Earth — which could flood markets and push prices down after a surge. Reports have disclosed that sudden inflows of precious metal have reshaped economies before, citing how the arrival of New World gold into Europe in the 1500s contributed to major inflation and the collapse of Spain’s power. Gold’s Practical Limits The physical nature of gold creates limits in a world that moves value over networks. Moving large amounts is costly and risky. Kratter has argued that tokenized gold — digital tokens claiming to represent physical reserves — brings back counterparty risk: issuers might mint more tokens than they hold, refuse redemption, or see reserves seized. Based on reports from market watchers, these concerns have pushed some buyers toward assets that are easier to move or verify over the internet. Industrial Metals Catch Up Reports have disclosed that industrial metals also posted huge gains in 2025, a year when copper, lithium, aluminum, and steel ran as strong as gold in many markets. Demand from AI data centers, electric vehicles, and clean-energy projects has pushed consumption higher. Supply hiccups — like mine outages and stretched inventories — tightened markets at the same time. That mix of stronger demand and shakier supply has helped lift prices across the board. Tariffs And Trading Rushes Trade policy has added more heat. US President Donald Trump’s announcements of 50% tariffs on certain copper, steel, and aluminum products prompted traders and buyers to rush shipments and stockpile supplies. BTCUSD trading at $87,915 on the 24-hour chart: TradingView That front-loading behavior briefly drained available inventories and sent prices swinging. Traders told reporters that even short-term tariff threats can cause big moves because firms try to avoid future costs by buying early. Where Bitcoin Fits In The debate between gold and Bitcoin is still active. Bitcoin proponents highlight scarcity — the fixed BTC supply rule — and speed of transfer. Gold advocates contend that gold has centuries of use as money and that Bitcoin’s volatility remains a hurdle for some investors. Related Reading: Banks Could Favor A Higher XRP Price, Finance Expert Says The industrial metals rally adds a third thread: these materials are tied to real economic activity, not just safe-haven flows. Analysts say investors should weigh different risks. Gold can act as a hedge in turbulent times, but steady mine output and big discoveries can change its long-term math. Industrial metals may keep rising if energy and tech demand holds. And Bitcoin’s supporters argue its digital traits make it better suited to a world that values fast, verifiable transfers. Featured image from Gemini, chart from TradingView
Bitcoin price attempted to start a fresh increase but failed at $89,250. BTC is now consolidating below $89,000 and might react to the downside. Bitcoin started a recovery wave above the $86,800 zone. The price is trading above $87,000 and the 100 hourly Simple moving average. There is a key rising channel forming with support at $87,650 on the hourly chart of the BTC/USD pair (data feed from Kraken). The pair might continue to move up if it settles above the $89,500 zone. Bitcoin Price Faces Resistance Bitcoin price attempted a fresh recovery wave above $88,200 and $89,000. BTC tested the $89,250 resistance zone and struggled to continue higher. The price is now consolidating gains below $89,000. There was a minor decline and it tested the 23.6% Fib retracement level of the upward move from the $84,421 swing low to the $89,238 high. However, the bulls are active above $87,500. Bitcoin is now trading above $87,500 and the 100 hourly Simple moving average. There is also a key rising channel forming with support at $87,650 on the hourly chart of the BTC/USD pair. If the bulls remain in action, the price could attempt more gains. Immediate resistance is near the $89,000 level. The first key resistance is near the $89,250 level. The next resistance could be $89,500. A close above the $89,500 resistance might send the price further higher. In the stated case, the price could rise and test the $90,500 resistance. Any more gains might send the price toward the $92,000 level. The next barrier for the bulls could be $92,650 and $93,200. Another Decline In BTC? If Bitcoin fails to rise above the $89,000 resistance zone, it could start another decline. Immediate support is near the $87,500 level. The first major support is near the $87,000 level. The next support is now near the $86,800 zone and the 50% Fib retracement level of the upward move from the $84,421 swing low to the $89,238 high. Any more losses might send the price toward the $85,500 support in the near term. The main support sits at $84,400, below which BTC might accelerate lower in the near term. Technical indicators: Hourly MACD – The MACD is now losing pace in the bullish zone. Hourly RSI (Relative Strength Index) – The RSI for BTC/USD is now above the 50 level. Major Support Levels – $87,500, followed by $86,800. Major Resistance Levels – $89,000 and $89,500.
Although the Bitcoin price has recently displayed swift recovery to the upside, the broader picture still mirrors a bleak future for the flagship cryptocurrency. A new on-chain evaluation has surfaced, which suggests that Bitcoin’s recent price recovery could be happening within a broader, weak trend, with macroeconomic factors acting as the major influences. Related Reading: Bitcoin Could Drop To $70K As Bank Of Japan Rate Move Approaches—Analysts Weak Japanese Yen Fails To Ignite Crypto Risk Appetite In a QuickTake post on CryptoQuant, education group XWIN Research Japan explains reasons to believe that the Bitcoin market is merely at a “post-rebound adjustment” phase, rather than being underway to a full-scale price recovery. The research and education institution begins by pointing out the rate increment to 0.75% by the Bank of Japan. Since the move has been largely priced in, this rate hike did not give strength to the Japanese yen. Instead, a directly opposite result is the reality: the yen remains weak. Historically, a weak Yen has been a catalyst for ‘yen-funded carry trades’, where Japanese investors borrow Yen for the purpose of investing in other assets like cryptocurrencies for profits. However, XWIN Research Japan reveals that the current scenario deviates from historical trends. This conjecture depends on readings obtained from the Bitcoin: Estimated Leverage Ratio metric, which tracks how much leverage traders are using in the futures market, in relation to the amount of Bitcoin held on exchanges. Per the research group, there has been an ostensible decline in the estimated leverage ratio across exchanges. Also worth noting is the observation that there has been no leverage recovery, even during Bitcoin’s recent price fluctuations. Hence, it becomes clear that “yen-funded carry trade-driven risk-taking remains contained rather than expanding.” Related Reading: Bitcoin In Standby Mode: Weekend Ranges Rule Before Holiday ‘Chop’ Coinbase Premium Index Reveals Absent Spot Demand — Implications For Price At the same time, a very critical sign of a sustained bull market is nowhere to be found. This is monitored by the Coinbase Premium Index metric, which measures the difference between Bitcoin’s price on Coinbase (based in the U.S), and global exchange averages. Notably, the index has recovered from deep negative territory to moderate levels. However, this only indicates that selling pressure is easing, rather than intensifying. On the other hand, it also reveals that U.S spot investors are still uninterested in entering the market. XWIN Research Japan therefore concludes that, while the yen stays weak, “the lack of sustained spot buying implies that the current recovery does not yet reflect a structural uptrend.” Nonetheless, a possible scenario could also change the present narrative. This involves the Coinbase Premium Index regaining ground within positive territory, and price rising, without renewed heightened leverage. If these occur at the same time, XWIN Research Japan explains that it would be the perfect sign of an ongoing demand-driven accumulation. At press time, Bitcoin stands valued at $88,034, with CoinMarketCap data reflecting a minor 0.84% loss in the last 24 hours. Featured image from Pixabay, chart from Tradingview
Bitcoin continues to consolidate within the $88,000 price zone, resulting in no significant price move over the last day. The “digital gold” had experienced a highly volatile trading week, marked by swift price swings between $85,000 and $90,000. During this period, the Bitcoin futures markets registered two major short liquidation events, which could meaningfully impact price trajectory in the days ahead. Related Reading: Bitcoin In Standby Mode: Weekend Ranges Rule Before Holiday ‘Chop’ Bitcoin $600M Short Liquidation To Limit Price Upside: Analyst In a QuickTake post on December 20, popular analyst Amr Taha highlights some important developments in the Bitcoin futures markets with significant implications for price growth. As the premier cryptocurrency struggled to establish a stable price direction over the last week, the market recorded two consecutive short liquidation events, eventually pushing prices to trade above the $87,700 price level. Notably, short liquidation occurs after traders bet on the downside and the asset’s price moves sharply upward, eroding their margin and forcing exchanges to close those positions, sometimes amplifying the rally in a short squeeze. Traders log in waves of short positions amid heightened bearish expectations, such as when Bitcoin twice fell below $90,000 in the last week. Amr Taha reports that each of the dual short liquidations exceeded $300 million, bringing total losses to $600 million. Interestingly, the analyst further explains that short liquidations are bullish during the move, but once completed, they frequently mark temporary resistance unless followed by strong spot buying and volume expansion. This is due to a lack of organic market demand, as the initial price boost was driven by former short sellers being forced to buy back their position, thus creating the short price squeeze seen in the market. Related Reading: Major Ethereum Metric Just Hit A New All-Time High – Can Price Reclaim $3,000? Low USDT Transaction Volume Signals Fading Liquidity Notably, Amr Taha also discovered another underlying development that could limit Bitcoin’s recent price surge. The renowned analyst notes that USDT Transaction volume on the TRON and Ethereum blockchains has drastically declined over the last month. On November 10, USDT transfers on these platforms reached $13 billion (TRON) and $35 billion (Ethereum). However, CryptoQuant data shows that these figures dropped to $1.7 billion on TRON and $3.7 billion on Ethereum, marking respective losses of 86.9% and 89.4%. Generally, a diminishing USDT transaction volume suggests low market liquidity, which would impact investors’ ability to drive up market demand. This factor, coupled with the expected brief performance of the short-squeeze, means Bitcoin may struggle to produce more price gains in the coming days. At press time, the leading cryptocurrency trades at $88,321, reflecting a 0.72% gain in the past day. Featured image from Flickr, chart from Tradingview
Bitcoin has slipped into standby mode as the weekend unfolds, with price action remaining compressed inside a familiar range. Volatility is muted, momentum is lacking, and traders are largely focused on well-defined scalp levels rather than expecting a decisive move. With the holiday period approaching, patience and precision are taking center stage as the market waits for its next real catalyst. Bitcoin Slips Back Into Weekend Range Mode According to a recent update, analyst Lennaert Snyder noted that Bitcoin has once again entered a period of “weekend chop.” While he does not expect any major trending moves during this time, he has outlined several specific scalp scenarios and price traps he is monitoring closely to take advantage of short-term volatility. Related Reading: Bitcoin’s Make-or-Break Phase Begins: Weekly Support Holds, Momentum Fades If Bitcoin swipes the wick near $88,865 and tests the resistance box situated just above it, he will be hunting for scalp-short opportunities, specifically after failing to hold the level. Conversely, for those looking to go long, he is eyeing the $87,420 level, which marks the start of the previous impulse and a key support box. If the price tests this area, Snyder will be watching for clear reversal patterns to trigger a scalp-long. However, if the market loses that “start impulse” support, the analyst believes a continuation short down to the $85,890 lows becomes highly probable. Once the price arrives at those deeper lows, he will pivot his strategy to wait for a reversal to long position. Finally, Snyder identified a major breakout trigger: when Bitcoin can gain and hold $89,375 (the top of the resistance box), the analyst assumes the market will finally squeeze toward the $90,400 region. While he doesn’t expect this breakout to materialize before Monday, he has his alerts set and suggests traders take the time to enjoy their weekend. Weekend Lull Keeps Bitcoin Range-Bound In an X post, analyst Daan Crypto Trades observed that BTC is entering the weekend in a state of relative stagnation. The analyst suggested that this is an ideal window for traders to step back and rest, allowing for a mental reset before the market dynamics potentially shift in the coming week. Related Reading: Bitcoin Bullish Structure Weakens As Inter-Exchange Liquidity Touches Red Zone – Details Despite various fluctuations, Bitcoin’s price has remained essentially unchanged over the past few weeks. The asset remains firmly stuck in the middle of its established range, lacking the necessary momentum to either break out toward new highs or break down into a deeper correction. Daan Crypto Trades warned that next week will likely be characterized by more choppy price action, as market activity often thins out significantly around the Christmas holidays. Featured image from Pngtree, chart from Tradingview.com
According to onchain data, Bitcoin may be moving into a different phase of market participation rather than simply hitting a classic cycle top or bottom. Related Reading: Bitcoin Feels The Weight Of Quantum Risk Concerns, Industry Leaders Warn New, large entrants are paying higher prices and holding on, and that change is reshaping where the network’s cost base sits. This is not just a short blip; the pattern has several clear data points behind it. New Whales Rewrite The Network Cost Base According to CryptoQuant figures, addresses classified as new whales now account for almost 50% of Bitcoin’s realized cap. Before 2025, that share rarely rose above 22%. Realized cap tracks the value of BTC at the price each coin last moved, so this shift shows where capital entered the system, not just who currently holds the most coins. Reports say the realized cap share from new whales continued to climb even during pullbacks, which suggests the network’s aggregate cost basis is being re-anchored at higher levels. Short-Term Demand Surges As Larger Players Buy Dips Short-term holder supply expanded by roughly 100,000 BTC over a 30-day span, reaching an all-time high, according to analysts. That jump in STH supply points to intense demand at the near-term level. Based on exchange flows, about 37% of BTC sent to Binance came from whale-size wallets, defined in the data set as holdings between 1,000–10,000 BTC. Reports from Hyblock show the cumulative volume delta for whale wallets — those in the $100,000–$10 million range — posted a positive $135 million delta this week. In contrast, retail wallets ($0–$10,000) and mid-size traders ($10,000–$100,000) logged negative deltas of $84 million and $172 million, respectively. In short: larger players absorbed selling pressure while smaller holders reduced their exposure. Related Reading: XRP ETFs Grow Past $60M As Price Struggles To Respond Derivatives Point To Short-Term Risk Price action was sharp. Bitcoin rose to $88,000 from $85,100 in about five hours after the Bank of Japan raised rates, a move that many investors had tracked as a potential macro trigger. Open interest climbed faster than the price, and funding rates turned positive, which indicates fresh margin-driven long positions were being added rather than a simple cover of shorts. That kind of flows pattern raises the chance of volatile reversals if sentiment shifts, even when spot demand looks healthy. Featured image from Unsplash, chart from TradingView
Over the last week, volatility levels surged in the Bitcoin market as prices exhibited sharp movements at the two extremes. Data from CoinMarketCap showed the leading cryptocurrency lost its support around $90,000 but repeatedly found strong buying interest near $85,000, effectively creating a volatile price range between both levels. Despite an uptick in the last day, investors’ uncertainty remains at its peak level considering a broader correction trend that has persisted since early October. Prominent market analyst Ted Pillows has identified some historical data that could guide in navigating this fragile market. Related Reading: Citi Analysts Project Bitcoin Price Could Reach $189,000 Next Year In Bullish Scenario Bitcoin To $100,000? In an X post on December 19, Pillows shares a technical analysis of Bitcoin’s price structure, projecting some significant market gains in the short-term. According to the market expert, Bitcoin is presently mirroring a 2021-2022 market setup, which suggests the asset may be headed for the $100,000 mark. In the chart below, Pillows’ annotations suggest that Bitcoin is forming a head-and-shoulders pattern. The left shoulder emerged after Bitcoin peaked at $110,000 in January 2025, followed by a rally to a new all-time high of $126,100 in October, which formed the head. Notably, a similar pattern was observed in 2021-2022, when prices reached $63,600 (left shoulder) in April 2021, $69,100 (head) in November 2021, and $48,433 (right shoulder) in March 2022 . Currently, Bitcoin appears to be in the final corrective phase ahead of the right-shoulder formation, which Pillows expects to develop near the $100,000 level, implying a potential 13.6% upside in the coming days. However, the head-and-shoulders is a bearish chart pattern, indicating that completion could initiate a cascading price fall that was similarly seen in the 2021—2022 cycle. During this time, Bitcoin’s price dropped by half, trading as low as $22,000. However, Pillows’ projections are that Bitcoin could drop by around 35% after touching the $100,000, indicating a potential bottom price target of $65,000. Interestingly, this aligns with other cautious predictions that suggest Bitcoin remains highly vulnerable to future financial trends and is likely to fall to around $70,000. Related Reading: Ethereum Exchange Supply Just Crashed To New Lows, Why This Is Bullish For Price Bitcoin Market Overview At the time of writing, Bitcoin was trading at $88,168, reflecting a 3.16% gain in the past 24 hours. Meanwhile, the daily trading volume is down by 14.81% and valued at $44.83 billion. Meanwhile, investors transferred over 11,000 BTC to exchanges this week, signaling a significant selling intent amid recent price swings. Crypto analyst Ali Martinez reports that the BTC exchange balance has now moved from 2.753 million BTC to 2.764 million BTC, representing 13.84% of all circulating supply. Featured image from Pexels, chart from Tradingview
The Recent volatility in the Bitcoin market pullbacks is being widely interpreted as a wave of selling pressure, but the underlying data tells a different story. On-chain metrics show little evidence of broad holder distribution, suggesting that these dips are not being driven by investors exiting their positions. Instead, the weakness in price appears to stem from the market structure issues. Why Structural Weakness Is Often Temporary These Bitcoin dips aren’t coming from selling pressure; they’re coming from stablecoin-denominated shorts. The co-founder of GlydeGG, Sweep, revealed on X that when large amounts of leverage enter the system through dollar or stablecoin, market makers don’t just let the price move. Related Reading: The Bearish Structure That Puts Bitcoin Price At $92,550, And Then $82,000 Their mandate is to remain neutral because neutrality demands balance. They achieve this by selling spot BTC, not because they’re bearish, but because neutrality requires it. As a result of that, the price drops without fear, panic, and without real spot. The United States doesn’t need to dump assets to influence global markets; it exports dollars. Those dollars become leverage, while leverage creates synthetic pressure, which in turn forces hedging, and hedging hits the spot markets; that’s the cycle. This is why recent sell-offs feel empty, because retail has already left. Currently, the market is rebalancing within a system price against a weakening currency, and all markets are now denominated in a currency that’s losing purchasing power. That’s why volatility rises even when conviction doesn’t change. This isn’t a bear market; it’s clearing the Liquidity Providers (LPs), which is how big players buy BTC cheaply without ever owning it. How Bitcoin Supply Dynamics Are Entering A New Phase An ambassador and partner of Wolfswapdotapp, Crypto Miners, has pointed out that the Bitcoin supply dynamics are shifting fast. According to K33Research, nearly $300 billion worth of previously dormant BTC re-entered circulation in 2025. This supply release has been driven by long-term holder sales, large OTC transactions, and ETF-related absorption, which represents one of the largest supply unlocks in BTC history. Related Reading: Bitcoin’s Make-or-Break Phase Begins: Weekly Support Holds, Momentum Fades On-chain data from CryptoQuant has shown that the long-term holder distribution over the last 30 days has reached its highest level in more than five years. At the same time, the selling pressure currently is outweighing demand, as ETF flows turn negative, and retail participation has weakened. Despite near-term fragility, K33 noted that this distribution phase may be approaching exhaustion. The early holder selling is expected to fade into early 2026, potentially setting the stage for renewed accumulation as institutional rebalancing stabilizes supply. For now, the markets remain sensitive, but structurally, this looks like a late-cycle supply redistribution rather than panic selling. Featured image from Pixabay, chart from Tradingview.com
On-chain analytics platform Glassnode has revealed the number of Bitcoin supply that is currently sitting at a loss. This comes as the BTC price continues to trade below the psychological $90,000 level following its crash, which began last month. Here’s The Amount Of Bitcoin Supply At A Loss In a report, Glassnode revealed that the Bitcoin supply in loss has risen to 6.7 million BTC, marking the highest level of loss-bearing supply observed in this cycle. The analytics platform further noted that this represents 23.7% of the circulating supply, which is currently underwater. 10.2% of this supply is held by long-term holders and 13.5% by short-term holders. Related Reading: The Bearish Structure That Puts Bitcoin Price At $92,550, And Then $82,000 Glassnode stated that this distribution suggests that, much like in prior cycle transitions into deeper bearish regimes, the loss-bearing Bitcoin supply accumulated by recent buyers is gradually maturing into the long-term cohort. Meanwhile, the analytics platform noted that the 6-7 million range, which has been at a loss since mid-November, mirrors early transitional phases of prior cycles, where mounting investor frustration came before a shift toward more bearish conditions and intensified capitulation at lower Bitcoin prices. Notably, the Bitcoin price has dropped to levels last seen in 2024, erasing its year-to-date (YTD) gains. Glassnode stated that this has left behind a dense supply cluster accumulated by top buyers in the $93,000 to $120,000 range. The resulting supply distribution is said to reflect a top-heavy market structure where recovery attempts are capped by heavy overhead sell pressure, especially in the early stages of a bearish phase. Glassnode declared that as long as the Bitcoin price remains below this range and fails to reclaim key thresholds, most notably the Short-Term Holder Cost Basis at $101,500, the risk of further corrective downside persists. BTC Spot Demand Is Unstable Glassnode revealed that the Bitcoin spot market flows continue to reflect an uneven demand profile across major venues. The Cumulative Volume Delta bias is said to show periodic bursts of buy-side activity, but has failed to develop into sustained accumulation, especially during the recent BTC price pullbacks. Related Reading: Why Is Bitcoin And Ethereum Prices Down Today? BlackRock Deposits Spark Worry The on-chain analytics platform noted that the Coinbase spot CVD remains relatively constructive, indicating steadier participation from US-based investors. On the other hand, Binance and aggregate Bitcoin flows remain choppy and largely directionless. Glassnode stated that these dispersion points point to selective engagement rather than coordinated spot demand. Meanwhile, the platform alluded to recent Bitcoin price declines, which it pointed out have not triggered decisive expansion in positive CVD. Glassnode noted that this suggests dip-buying remains tactical and short-term. In the absence of sustained accumulation across all venues, Bitcoin’s price action continues to rely more on activity in the derivatives market and liquidity conditions rather than organic spot demand. At the time of writing, the Bitcoin price is trading at around $86,800, up in the last 24 hours, according to data from CoinMarketCap. Featured image from Pixabay, chart from Tradingview.com
Concerns over quantum computing are weighing on Bitcoin’s price and slowing some investment flows, amid a sharp divide between developers and many investors. Related Reading: UK Crypto Ownership Takes Biggest Hit Since 2021, Regulator Says Developers Call Threat Distant According to Bitcoin developer Adam Back of Blockstream, quantum machines remain far from able to break Bitcoin’s protections. He said the tech is still “ridiculously early” and that research hurdles persist. Back expects no real threat within the next decade and argued that even if parts of Bitcoin’s cryptography were compromised, the network would not automatically be emptied. Security, he noted, does not rest solely on encryption in a way that would allow mass theft on the blockchain. i think the risks are short term NIL. this whole thing is decades away, it’s ridiculously early and they have massive R&D issues in every vector of the required applied physics research to even find out if it’s possible at useful scale. but it’s ok to be “quantum ready” and — Adam Back (@adam3us) December 18, 2025 The Risk That Keeps Some Awake Other voices in the community disagree. Jameson Lopp, a well-known Bitcoin engineer, has warned about the worst-case outcome if quantum advances allowed attackers to break the ECDSA signature scheme that secures many wallets. In that scenario, forged signatures could be used to move funds, and user confidence might erode quickly. That warning has been repeated as a technical possibility, not as something imminent. How should we treat quantum vulnerable coins in a future where quantum computing becomes a threat? This panel from the Presidio Quantum Bitcoin Summit features myself, @theblackmarble, and @cryptoquick.https://t.co/jhr6hjLXru — Jameson Lopp (@lopp) September 14, 2025 Investors Worry, Capital Shifts Nic Carter, a partner at Castle Island Ventures, told observers that it is “extremely bearish” when influential developers appear to dismiss any quantum risk outright. He said the gap between investor concern and developer assessment is large. Reports have disclosed that some capital is being held back while large holders consider spreading risk into other assets. Craig Warmke of the Bitcoin Policy Institute added that perceived quantum risk has already pushed some holders to reduce their Bitcoin positions. Quantum risk is stemming the flow of capital into bitcoin, and encouraging large holders to diversify out of bitcoin. When non-technical people express concerns, they sometimes use technically incorrect language. It’s frustrating to see technical people dismiss concerns with an… https://t.co/MtSNY7Ivg3 — Craig Warmke (@craigwarmke) December 18, 2025 Current Technology Falls Short Most cryptographers agree quantum computers today are not powerful enough to crack Bitcoin’s cryptography. That assessment is widely reported by analysts who follow both fields. Metaculus’s median date for when quantum computers will break modern cryptography is 2040:https://t.co/Li8ni8A9Ox Seemingly about a 20% chance it will be before end of 2030. — vitalik.eth (@VitalikButerin) August 27, 2025 Still, the timeline is debated. Based on reports from researchers and public comments from industry figures like Vitalik Buterin, there is a measurable chance — about ~20% — that a machine capable of breaking today’s crypto could exist by 2030. That estimate has prompted calls for proactive steps. Related Reading: Trump-Linked World Liberty Backs USD1 With Treasury-Fueled Expansion Calls For Preparedness Grow Financial institutions and national programs, the reports say, are investing heavily in quantum work, and tools like AI are accelerating research in the field. As a result, many in the crypto world argue contingency plans should be ready well before any practical threat appears. Suggestions include moving to quantum-resistant signature schemes and improving wallet practices so funds are not left exposed while upgrades take place. Some experts point out that banks and other big targets may face attacks earlier, which could give the crypto sector time to respond. Featured image from Shutterstock, chart from TradingView
Bitcoin price attempted to start a fresh increase but failed at $89,500. BTC is now struggling below $86,500 and might continue to move down. Bitcoin started a fresh decline below the $86,500 zone. The price is trading below $86,500 and the 100 hourly Simple moving average. There was a break below a bullish trend line with support at $87,250 on the hourly chart of the BTC/USD pair (data feed from Kraken). The pair might continue to move down if it settles below the $85,000 zone. Bitcoin Price Dips Again Bitcoin price attempted a fresh recovery wave above $88,000 and $88,500. BTC tested the $89,500 resistance zone and reacted to the downside. There was a sharp decline below $88,000. There was a break below a bullish trend line with support at $87,250 on the hourly chart of the BTC/USD pair. The price even spiked below the $85,000 support. However, the bulls were active near the $84,500 zone. A low was formed at $84,421 and the price is now consolidating losses below the 23.6% Fib retracement level of the downward move from the $89,437 swing high to the $84,421 low. Bitcoin is now trading below $87,000 and the 100 hourly Simple moving average. If the bulls remain in action, the price could attempt more gains. Immediate resistance is near the $86,600 level. The first key resistance is near the $87,000 level and the 50% Fib retracement level of the downward move from the $89,437 swing high to the $84,421 low. The next resistance could be $88,000. A close above the $88,000 resistance might send the price further higher. In the stated case, the price could rise and test the $88,800 resistance. Any more gains might send the price toward the $89,500 level. The next barrier for the bulls could be $90,000 and $90,500. More Losses In BTC? If Bitcoin fails to rise above the $87,000 resistance zone, it could start another decline. Immediate support is near the $85,000 level. The first major support is near the $84,500 level. The next support is now near the $83,200 zone. Any more losses might send the price toward the $82,500 support in the near term. The main support sits at $80,500, below which BTC might accelerate lower in the near term. Technical indicators: Hourly MACD – The MACD is now gaining pace in the bearish zone. Hourly RSI (Relative Strength Index) – The RSI for BTC/USD is now below the 50 level. Major Support Levels – $85,000, followed by $84,500. Major Resistance Levels – $87,000 and $88,000.
The U.S. Federal Reserve has taken a notable step in reshaping how banks under its supervision can engage with crypto, reversing guidance introduced in 2023 that had sharply limited such activities. Related Reading: XRP Risks Double-Top Crash Toward $0.40, Peter Brandt Warns The decision reflects a broader reassessment inside the central bank about how regulation should adapt to financial innovation, especially as digital assets continue to intersect with traditional banking infrastructure. Under the earlier framework, uninsured state-chartered banks were required to follow the same constraints as federally insured institutions in order to remain under Federal Reserve supervision. That approach effectively barred some crypto banks from accessing core payment systems or Federal Reserve membership. BTC's price trends to the downside on the daily chart. Source: BTCUSD on Tradingview What the Policy Shift Changes for Banks The new guidance establishes a formal pathway for both insured and uninsured banks supervised by the Federal Reserve to pursue certain innovative activities, including those related to cryptocurrencies. Institutions will still be required to meet supervisory and risk-management standards, but they will no longer be automatically excluded based on their business models. For uninsured banks, the implications are significant. Access to Federal Reserve membership would allow direct settlement through central bank payment systems rather than reliance on intermediary banks. This idea could lower operational frictions for crypto custody, settlement, and related services, potentially expanding the role of banks in digital asset markets without changing existing safety and soundness expectations. Custodia Case Highlights Regulatory Tensions The policy reversal has renewed attention on Custodia Bank, a crypto-focused institution whose application for a Federal Reserve master account was denied in part due to the now-rescinded guidance. Custodia CEO Caitlin Long has argued that the 2023 policy effectively blocked lawful access to the Fed’s infrastructure and welcomed its withdrawal as a correction of past regulatory overreach. Not all policymakers agree. Federal Reserve Governor Michael Barr dissented from the decision, warning that loosening the framework could undermine a level competitive playing field and encourage regulatory arbitrage. Michael Barr’s position highlights the ongoing debate within regulatory circles over how to strike a balance between innovation and financial stability.r Broader Implications for Crypto Markets While the Fed’s move does not directly change how cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin or Ethereum trade, it may influence market structure over time. Easier access for banks could support deeper institutional participation, greater liquidity, and expanded custody and settlement options. Related Reading: Ethereum Risks Slide To $2,000 If December Closes Below This Level: Analyst For now, the shift signals a more flexible regulatory posture, one that acknowledges the rapid evolution of digital asset markets and the banks that seek to serve them. Cover image from ChatGPT, BTCUSD chart from Tradingview
The Bitcoin and Ethereum prices are down today as the crypto market remains in a phase of extreme fear. This latest crash came amid BlackRock’s move, which sparked fear of a sell-off from the world’s largest asset manager. The Bitcoin and Ethereum prices are down today following BlackRock’s transfer of 2,257 BTC and 74,973 ETH to Coinbase, indicating plans to offload these coins. Notably, the BTC and ETH ETFs recorded outflows on December 16, likely why the asset manager moved these coins to redeem shares for its IBIT and ETHA ETFs, which were sold that day. Bitcoin and Ethereum Prices Decline Amid BlackRock’s Transfer These Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs have continued to record mixed flows, which have partly contributed to declines in BTC and ETH prices. Notably, the Bitcoin price had surged to around $90,000 yesterday from an intraday low of around $87,000, before retracing below $87,000 about an hour later. This immediately sparked theories of manipulation, with some crypto pundits revealing that BlackRock wasn’t the only one selling. Related Reading: The Bearish Structure That Puts Bitcoin Price At $92,550, And Then $82,000 Crypto pundit Kruse claimed that Binance first bought nonstop for over 30 minutes to pump the price, then started dumping millions of BTC and ETH to liquidate longs. He noted that the Bitcoin price pumped about $3,300 in 30 minutes, with $106 million in shorts wiped out during that period. Following that, BTC printed another volatile hourly candle to the downside, which flushed out $52 million in longs. A similar price action had also played out for the Ethereum price. Kruse declared that this wasn’t random volatility but rather liquidity hunting. The pundit further warned that this is how leverage gets punished in crypto. He then reiterated that the volatile Bitcoin and Ethereum price actions weren’t random, indicating the market is being manipulated. Onchain Sleuth Tracer also accused Binance of being responsible for the Bitcoin and Ethereum price declines. He claimed that the crypto exchange pumped and dumped millions of BTC to liquidate traders, with $194 million in shorts and longs liquidated in one hour. BTC And ETH To Hit New All-Time Highs Next Year? Crypto asset manager Bitwise has predicted that the Bitcoin price will break the four-year cycle and set new all-time highs in 2026. The asset manager alluded to factors such as the Bitcoin halving and interest rate cycles as what will drive this rally for the flagship crypto. The firm also remarked that crypto booms and busts fueled by leverage are weaker than in past cycles. Related Reading: Ethereum 2-Year Trend Maps Out This Unique Crash Path To Bottom At $2,187 Bitwise also stated that institutions are likely to allocate more to Bitcoin ETFs, which is why they expect the Bitcoin price to reach new all-time highs next year. Furthermore, the firm noted that the pro-crypto regulatory shift will continue to allow companies to adopt crypto at a faster rate. The crypto asset manager also predicted that the Ethereum price could reach a new all-time high if the CLARITY Act passes. Featured image from iStock, chart from Tradingview.com
Bitcoin (BTC) has entered an extreme oversold phase, with momentum indicators dropping to levels that historically signal market exhaustion and a trend reversal. Researchers tracking macro conditions and long-term price behavior say that the current drawdown reflects a reset in positioning, not the end of the bull market. Based on past recovery patterns, the analyst believes that Bitcoin could soon forge a path toward a new all-time high. Bitcoin Enters Extreme Oversold Territory Thomas Lee, Co-founder and Chief Investment Officer (CIO) of Fundstrat Capital, has flagged Bitcoin’s latest market condition as a key technical development. He pointed to data from Bittel Julien, head of macro research at Global Macro Investor, which highlights how deeply oversold Bitcoin has become within the current cycle and the cryptocurrency’s potential to reach a new ATH. Related Reading: Why This Week Could Be Transformational For The XRP Price In his post on X, Lee publicly commended Julien’s analysis, emphasizing that historically extreme oversold conditions in BTC have often been followed by meaningful bounces. Julien, who also shared his report on X this Wednesday, explained that his analysis responds to frequent requests for updates on a long-running market model that tracks Bitcoin’s behavior following major momentum breakdowns. According to him, the model examines BTC’s average price path after the Relative Strength Index (RSI) falls below 30, a level widely considered to indicate extreme oversold conditions. The analyst stated that Bitcoin’s recent price action has closely followed technical historical patterns, provided the broader bull market structure remains intact. The accompanying chart compares current Bitcoin price behavior with the average historical trajectory observed after the last five instances in which the cryptocurrency entered oversold territory. The point at which RSI declines below 30 is marked as “time zero.” In previous cycles, this moment typically followed a period of stabilization and a strong upward recovery over the following weeks and months. Based on historical averages, Julien sees a potential path toward new all-time highs if Bitcoin continues to track past recovery patterns. While the market researcher cautions that the chart is not perfect, he argues that it remains a useful analytical framework, particularly if the four-year cycle thesis continues to play out. BTC Cycle Could Extend Into 2026 As 4-Year Pattern Breaks Julien’s analysis also suggests that the current Bitcoin cycle could extend well into 2026 and challenge the relevance of the traditional four-year cycle thesis. According to the market researcher, the BTC cycle has never been driven by halving events, contrary to what the broader crypto community believes. Instead, he stated that the cycle is fueled by public debt refinancing, which was delayed by a year after COVID. Related Reading: Private Investment Firm Shares Why XRP Is Their Leading Investment He highlighted that Bitcoin’s four-year cycle is now officially broken due to an increase in the weighted average maturity of the debt term structure. He also noted that liquidity conditions and ongoing interest expense monetization, which far exceed GDP growth, support a prolonged cycle. Furthermore, Julien emphasized that Bitcoin’s price bases usually take time to form and often include periods of volatility before a significant upward move occurs. The market researcher explained that his analysis was not a signal of an immediate market decline but rather a framework that assumes the bull market is still firmly in place. Featured image created with Dall.E, chart from Tradingview.com
According to statements reported by Russian news agencies, Anatoly Aksakov, Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Financial Markets, said cryptocurrencies “will never become money” in Russia and should be treated only as investment instruments. He said that where a payment is required, it must be made in Russian rubles. Related Reading: Ethereum Meets Wall Street: JPMorgan Rolls Out Tokenized Fund Ruble Remains Sole Payment Unit Based on reports, that stance matches existing law. A 2020 federal law on digital financial assets defines digital currency as something different from Russia’s monetary unit and bars its use as a means of payment inside the country. The law treats tokens and classic cryptocurrencies as property or investment items rather than legal tender. Russia Central Bank Concerns Over Stability Officials in Moscow have repeatedly echoed the central bank’s worry that allowing crypto for everyday payments could harm monetary control and financial stability. Regulators say the ruble’s role must be protected, and that volatility in assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum makes them unsuitable for regular transactions. Limited Windows For Crypto Use Reports have also noted that while crypto cannot be used to buy goods and services domestically, it can still exist in regulated pockets. Lawmakers and regulators are framing cryptocurrencies as tradable assets, not cash. Some narrow exceptions are being discussed for corporate or cross-border operations under strict rules, but those do not change the basic ban on domestic payments. What The Law Means For People And Business Practical effects are clear. Russian residents and businesses cannot accept digital coins in place of rubles for sales or services. At the same time, individuals can hold, trade, or invest in crypto under the framework that separates ownership from payment rights. The law also requires public officials to declare holdings in digital assets, linking transparency rules to the new regime. Related Reading: 5,606 Bitcoin: Lightning Network Sets Fresh Capacity Record A Narrowing Path Forward Based on reports from several outlets, the political message is firm: payments stay in rubles. Lawmakers are talking about refining rules for trading, custody and reporting, but they are not signalling a shift toward letting cryptocurrencies replace the ruble for daily use. That position keeps Russia on a different track from some countries that permit crypto payments or give coins legal tender status. Featured image from Unsplash, chart from TradingView
The idea that Bitcoin’s halving operates on a fixed four-year timetable has become one of the most oversimplified narratives in the crypto markets. While the halving still reduces new supply, its influence is no longer confined to predictable timelines or uniform outcomes. As BTC matures into a globally traded asset, the forces shaping its market behavior have expanded beyond the event. How The Cycle Narrative Became Oversimplified In an X post, an analyst known as Deg_ape revealed that the Bitcoin halving cycle was never a rigid four-year clock. BTC’s cycle has always been about phase transitions, shifting liquidity conditions, and market behavior, but never about buying every four years and selling four years later. This cycle actually maps macro bear phases that expand, contract, overlap, and stretch based on macro flows and positioning. Related Reading: Bitcoin Bullish Structure Weakens As Inter-Exchange Liquidity Touches Red Zone – Details The four-year cycle still exists, but it is not a linear process. Deg_ape explains that BTC halvings act as a structural anchor, not a price guarantee. This is why market tops usually arrive later than most expect and why bear markets last longer than people can tolerate. Trying to time the BTC market cycle without understanding that these phase dynamics can lead to expensive mistakes. Kyle Chassé has pointed out that Bitcoin dipped, and traders stopped watching the printer, which is a big mistake. This is the most dangerous divergence in the market as price is down, but liquidity is vertical. While traders were panicking and selling their slips, the US Treasury and the Fed quietly injected around $130 billion of fresh liquidity into the system. This shows that liquidity would lead the price, but it won’t do it instantly. There’s a big lag as liquidity will flood the market first, then the assets will reprice. However, a red candle on a green liquidity chart isn’t a crash, but a mispricing. While the printer is screaming up, the price chart is whispering down. Why Retail Holders Are Capitulating At A Historic Rate A crypto analyst known as OnChainCollege outlined that retail holders are under pressure. On-chain data shows the deepest 30-day balance decline among retail wallets since 2018, a level typically associated with periods of extreme fear and capitulation. While retail balances are falling sharply, larger holder cohorts are quietly absorbing the difference. Related Reading: Bitcoin Bullish Exhaustion? BTC Whales Close Long Positions After Extreme Upside Bets The market sentiment has split into two groups with polar-opposite perspectives from retail that are reacting to price action against larger holders that are responding to structure, liquidity, and long-term positioning. In the meantime, the OG whales have continued to distribute throughout this bull market, but Mega whales and institutional participants are stepping in as the marginal buyers. Featured image from Pixabay, chart from Tradingview.com
Bitcoin price attempted to start a fresh increase but failed at $90,000. BTC is now consolidating and might struggle to clear the $88,000 zone. Bitcoin started a fresh decline below the $87,000 zone. The price is trading below $87,500 and the 100 hourly Simple moving average. There was a break below a bullish trend line with support at $86,450 on the hourly chart of the BTC/USD pair (data feed from Kraken). The pair might continue to move up if it settles above the $87,500 zone. Bitcoin Price Consolidates Losses Bitcoin price attempted a fresh surge above $88,000 and $88,500. BTC tested the $90,000 resistance zone and reacted to the downside. There was a sharp decline below $88,000. There was a break below a bullish trend line with support at $86,450 on the hourly chart of the BTC/USD pair. The price even spiked below the $86,000 support. However, the bulls were active near the $85,250 zone. A low was formed at $85,282 and the price recently started an upside correction. There was a move above the 23.6% Fib retracement level of the downward move from the $90,318 swing high to the $85,282 low. The bears are active near $87,000. Bitcoin is now trading below $87,000 and the 100 hourly Simple moving average. If the bulls remain in action, the price could attempt more gains. Immediate resistance is near the $86,800 level. The first key resistance is near the $87,350 level. The next resistance could be $87,800 or the 50% Fib retracement level of the downward move from the $90,318 swing high to the $85,282 low. A close above the $87,800 resistance might send the price further higher. In the stated case, the price could rise and test the $88,000 resistance. Any more gains might send the price toward the $89,200 level. The next barrier for the bulls could be $90,000 and $90,500. Another Drop In BTC? If Bitcoin fails to rise above the $87,800 resistance zone, it could start another decline. Immediate support is near the $85,500 level. The first major support is near the $85,250 level. The next support is now near the $85,000 zone. Any more losses might send the price toward the $84,200 support in the near term. The main support sits at $83,500, below which BTC might accelerate lower in the near term. Technical indicators: Hourly MACD – The MACD is now losing pace in the bearish zone. Hourly RSI (Relative Strength Index) – The RSI for BTC/USD is now below the 50 level. Major Support Levels – $85,500, followed by $85,000. Major Resistance Levels – $87,800 and $88,000.
Bitcoin has entered a critical make-or-break phase as price clings to key weekly support while momentum continues to fade. Despite holding above a major confluence zone, repeated rejections overhead suggest buyers are losing control. With macro pressure building and liquidity levels still untested, the next move from here could define whether BTC stabilizes or slides into a deeper reset. Lower-Timeframe Rejection Keeps The Downtrend In Control Crypto analyst Michael Van De Poppe revealed in a recent post that Bitcoin has faced a clear rejection at a key resistance level. This failure signals that the short-term downtrend remains intact on lower timeframes, confirming that selling pressure currently outweighs buying momentum in the immediate term. Related Reading: Bitcoin Bullish Structure Weakens As Inter-Exchange Liquidity Touches Red Zone – Details To flip this short-term bias, Van de Poppe expects a clear breakout above the $88,000 level. A successful move above this mark would serve as a strong, unequivocal signal to the markets that the corrective phase is over and that upward momentum is likely to take hold from that point forward. If buyers fail to achieve this necessary breakout, it remains highly probable that the price will pursue liquidity targets below, specifically targeting a test at $83,000 for liquidity. Should that fail, a further descent to the $80,000 level will trigger stop-losses. Finally, Van De Poppe connected the technical outlook to the broader economic environment. Given the high volume of macroeconomic events scheduled to take place over the course of the week, such as FOMC, Poppe believes that the market could experience significant volatility and end up reaching one of the predicted downside liquidity tests. $93,000 Rejection Stalls Momentum, but Weekly Structure Still Intact According to a weekly chart update by Crypto Damus, Bitcoin recently faced a firm rejection at the $93,000 resistance level. Despite that setback, price action remains constructive for now, with BTC holding above the crucial $86,000 weekly support zone. This area is reinforced with the key 100-week moving average confluence, making it an important level to watch in the near term. Related Reading: Bitcoin Price Faces Potential 60% Decline As Expert Warns Of ‘Major Bull Trap’ That said, the broader structure still leaves room for deeper downside. Crypto Damus notes that a full retracement toward the rising wedge breakdown target cannot be ruled out, which aligns closely with the April low around the $78,000 region. A move into that zone would represent a more pronounced corrective phase within the larger cycle. Looking further ahead, a deeper bear-market-style retest may ultimately present a more attractive long-term opportunity. A revisit of the $70,000 level is highlighted as a potential high-conviction buying area, should the market extend its pullback. Featured image from Pixabay, chart from Tradingview.com