Bitcoin is trading around $91,000 after a minor dip earlier today, and uncertainty continues to dominate sentiment. The market sits at a crossroads: a small but vocal group of analysts argues that the recent correction served as a healthy reset before a continuation of the broader uptrend, while the majority of traders believe the first leg of a new bear market is already underway. With price action still showing hesitation, the debate grows louder by the day.

According to top analyst Darkfost, a critical threshold will help determine Bitcoin’s next major direction. He highlights the importance of the Realized Price of the youngest Long-Term Holder (LTH) band, which currently sits at $96,956. This metric marks the transition point between short-term and long-term holders and is viewed as a psychological and structural barrier for market stability.

Reclaiming this level would push these young LTHs back into a comfortable profit zone, reducing their incentive to sell and helping to restore confidence across the market. Until Bitcoin closes decisively above $97K, Darkfost warns that caution is warranted, as volatility remains high and the risk of further downside persists.

Why the $97K Threshold Matters for Bitcoin’s Next Major Move

Darkfost emphasizes that the $96,956–$97,000 zone plays a crucial role in shaping Bitcoin’s next phase. This level represents the Realized Price of the youngest Long-Term Holder band, meaning it reflects the average cost basis of investors who recently transitioned from short-term to long-term holding behavior. When Bitcoin trades below this threshold, these holders sit at an unrealized loss, increasing the likelihood of panic selling and adding pressure to the market.

Breaking above this zone would flip sentiment for this group almost immediately. Darkfost explains that reclaiming $97K would place these investors back into a comfortable profit position, restoring their confidence and expectations of potential gains. Once this psychological weight lifts, these holders typically choose to keep accumulating rather than selling, which naturally brings more stability to the market.

However, he cautions that Bitcoin’s failure to close above $97,000 keeps the risk tilted to the downside. As long as the price remains below this band, the market stays vulnerable, and volatility may continue.

Even if BTC successfully reclaims $97K, Darkfost reminds that this is only the first step. The market would still need stronger structural confirmation—such as reclaiming key moving averages and rebuilding demand—to validate a true bullish reversal that could eventually lead to a new all-time high.

BTC Weekly Structure Shows Early Signs of Stabilization

Bitcoin’s weekly chart reflects a market trying to stabilize after a sharp multi-week correction that dragged the price from above $115,000 down toward the mid-$80,000s. The latest weekly candle shows a firm rebound from the 100-week moving average (green line), now acting as dynamic support around the $84,000–$86,000 region. This level historically attracts long-term buyers, and the strong wick rejection confirms renewed demand.

BTC is currently trading near $91,300, sitting just below the 50-week moving average (blue line), which now acts as resistance. A clean reclaim of this moving average—currently positioned around $95K–$97K—would significantly improve the technical outlook and align with on-chain signals calling for a recovery. Until then, the trend remains neutral-to-bearish on higher timeframes.

Volume during the recent bounce stands out, showing one of the strongest buying reactions since early 2025. This suggests that long-term holders and institutional buyers may be stepping in as the price approaches key value zones.

However, Bitcoin is not out of danger. Failures to break above $97K would leave the structure vulnerable to another leg down, potentially retesting $86K or even deeper liquidity pockets around $80K.

Featured image from ChatGPT, chart from TradingView.com

Bitcoin has climbed back above $93,000 after enduring days of intense selling pressure, heightened volatility, and widespread market uncertainty. The recovery marks a significant shift in sentiment, but according to a new report from CryptoQuant, one signal stands out as the primary driver behind the rebound: institutional capital is quietly flowing back into the market.

The analysis highlights a key metric— the Coinbase Premium Index, long regarded as a reliable proxy for US institutional demand. Throughout November’s steep correction, the premium plunged deep into negative territory, revealing a stark imbalance: US spot buyers were far weaker than their offshore counterparts.

During this phase, as Bitcoin slid below $90,000, the sharp drop in the premium reflected clear risk-off positioning among US-regulated investors, many of whom stepped back or took profits amid rising macro uncertainty.

Now, with Bitcoin recovering key levels, the data shows early signs of renewed accumulation from US-based institutions. This subtle but meaningful shift suggests that the most conservative segment of the market—professional and regulated capital—may be positioning again after the correction. If this trend continues, the rebound above $93K could evolve into a much broader shift in market structure.

Institutional Catalysts Drive Bitcoin Coinbase Premium Higher

According to the CryptoQuant report, the narrative has shifted decisively. The Coinbase Premium Index has climbed back into positive territory, signaling renewed accumulation from US-based institutional and regulated investors. This shift coincides with a wave of major developments reshaping the global investment landscape.

Most notably, Charles Schwab, a $12 trillion asset manager, announced plans to offer Bitcoin and Ethereum trading in early 2026. This follows Vanguard’s market-moving reversal that opened access to spot crypto ETFs for more than 50 million conservative investors. These firms are not speculative players—they are the backbone of American retirement wealth.

At the same time, a powerful but less publicized catalyst is emerging overseas: Japan is moving toward formal approval of Bitcoin ETFs. Given the size of Japanese investment trusts, pension-linked products, and retail participation, early adoption could inject $3–10 billion of fresh demand. While no single region drives Bitcoin’s valuation alone, combined flows from the US, Europe, and Japan could easily deliver a mid-single-digit percentage uplift to BTC in the early phases of this expansion.

The broader takeaway is unmistakable: Bitcoin is transitioning from a niche risk asset into a globally standardized investment product. The return of a positive Coinbase Premium may be the market’s earliest confirmation that institutions—especially the most conservative ones—are positioning ahead of 2026.

Weekly Structure Shows Early Signs of Recovery

Bitcoin’s weekly chart shows a decisive rebound, with price pushing back above $93,000 after weeks of aggressive selling pressure. The recent wick down toward the green 100-week moving average (100W MA) marked a key moment: buyers stepped in precisely at long-term dynamic support, preventing a deeper breakdown toward the $80,000–$82,000 region.

This reaction confirms that long-term holders and institutional buyers are protecting this level, aligning with the recent return of positive signals from the Coinbase Premium Index.

Despite the rebound, the chart still shows Bitcoin facing overhead resistance. The 50-week MA sits just above the price, creating a supply zone between $97,000 and $102,000. This has historically acted as a trend-determining range; reclaiming it would shift momentum decisively back to the bulls. Until then, the market remains in a mid-cycle consolidation.

Volume behavior also supports the recovery narrative. The huge sell-volume spikes seen in November marked capitulation-like behavior, which often precedes trend reversals. The recent green weekly candle forming on rising buy volume suggests that demand is returning, aligning with improving liquidity conditions on major US and global exchanges.

Featured image from ChatGPT, chart from TradingView.com

A new CryptoQuant report from XWIN Research Japan reveals that the sharp +6% Bitcoin rally on December 2–3, 2025 was triggered by a seismic shift in traditional finance: Vanguard’s unexpected policy reversal.

The $11 trillion asset manager—long known for its conservative stance—opened its platform to spot ETFs for BTC, ETH, XRP, and SOL, instantly giving more than 50 million investors access to crypto products. The move marks one of the most significant steps toward mainstream adoption in the industry’s history.

The catalyst behind this reversal was the appointment of Salim Ramji, Vanguard’s new CEO and a former BlackRock executive who played a key role in launching the IBIT ETF. His leadership signaled a dramatic change in direction, and the market responded immediately.

Once US markets opened, Bitcoin surged 6% in a single move, while IBIT surpassed $1 billion in trading volume within the first 30 minutes. Massive inflows from retail and retirement accounts followed, with Bloomberg’s Eric Balchunas noting that “a large wave of Vanguard clients may have moved all at once.”

Institutional Demand Builds as Bitcoin Coinbase Premium Recovers

XWIN Research Japan notes that, despite the recent surge, the Coinbase Premium Index remains in negative territory, showing that US prices still sit slightly below global averages. Even so, the report highlights a clear improvement in US spot buying pressure, signaling that demand is slowly returning.

If the premium rises back to zero or positive territory, the market may begin to price in what XWIN calls the “next wave” — a phase that could propel Bitcoin toward the $100K range as institutional flows strengthen.

This shift is happening just as Vanguard makes its historic entrance into the crypto market. XWIN emphasizes that this is not a short-term catalyst. Vanguard manages $11 trillion, and even a tiny allocation — just 0.5% of assets flowing into crypto ETFs — would represent $55 billion in new capital. That figure alone exceeds the entire first-year inflow from the 2024 spot Bitcoin ETF cycle.

With the “final giant” of traditional finance now participating, the long-term structure of Bitcoin demand is changing. Vanguard’s move signals the beginning of a genuine institutional adoption phase, where inflows can scale far beyond anything seen in previous cycles, potentially redefining Bitcoin’s upper price boundaries.

Price Rebounds From Weekly Support but Faces Major Resistance

Bitcoin’s weekly chart shows a strong rebound from the $84,000–$86,000 support zone, an area that aligns closely with the 100-week SMA. This level acted as a critical pivot during previous corrections, and once again buyers stepped in aggressively, forming a clear bullish reaction. The long lower wick from last week’s candle confirms strong demand, with BTC now trading back above $93,000.

However, despite the rebound, the broader structure remains cautious. Bitcoin still trades below the 50-week SMA, which has begun to flatten near the $102,000–$103,000 region. This moving average now acts as a major resistance level and the next key test for bulls. A weekly close above it would mark a meaningful shift in momentum and signal that BTC may be ready to resume its broader uptrend.

If BTC continues to hold above the 100-week SMA and pushes toward the 50-week SMA, the market could enter a consolidation phase that sets the stage for a stronger upside move. Failure to reclaim $102K, however, risks renewed selling pressure and a potential retest of the $86K region.

Featured image from ChatGPT, chart from TradingView.com

Bitcoin has reclaimed the $93,000 level after a sharp market-wide rebound, marking a notable shift in sentiment following weeks of bearish pressure and relentless selloffs. Analysts who previously warned of deeper downside are now turning cautiously bullish as fresh data begins to point toward a structural improvement in market conditions.

One of the clearest signals comes from a new report by Arab Chain on CryptoQuant, which shows that the Coinbase Premium Index has flipped back into positive territory at +0.03. This shift is significant: after a full month of U.S.-led selling in November, a positive premium often reflects renewed demand from US institutions, funds, and large traders, who primarily use Coinbase as their gateway for liquidity.

At the same time, Binance-based metrics—particularly spot volumes and perpetual futures activity—show that global liquidity is beginning to respond to the improving US bid. Historically, when Coinbase Premium rises alone, rallies tend to fade quickly. But when Binance liquidity strengthens in tandem, the market usually enters a consolidation phase that can set the stage for a sustained upward move.

Bitcoin Market Convergence Strengthens

Arab Chain notes that the price gap between Binance and Coinbase has narrowed significantly in recent days, a key sign that capital flows across major exchanges are beginning to rebalance. Throughout November, persistent selling from US investors created a disconnect between the two platforms, with Coinbase often pricing lower than Binance.

The recent convergence suggests that both markets are now receiving similar levels of demand, reducing fragmentation and improving overall market stability.

At the same time, Binance liquidity has begun to strengthen, with spot and perpetual markets showing a gradual rise in buying activity. This uptick supports the idea that Bitcoin may be forming a new price base following the sharp correction that pushed the asset into the low $80K range just days ago. Strengthening liquidity on Binance is particularly important because it reflects global participation—not just US-based flows.

The combination of a positive Coinbase Premium and recovering Binance liquidity creates a more constructive market environment. If these conditions persist—premium staying above zero and buy-side volumes increasing—the market could transition into the early stages of a new upward trend.

However, Arab Chain warns that if the premium turns negative again, traders should expect renewed volatility and short-term selling pressure to return.

BTC Reclaims $93K But Must Overcome Key Resistance Levels

Bitcoin’s 3-day chart shows a notable improvement after reclaiming the $93,000 level, but the broader structure remains in recovery mode rather than full reversal. The bounce from the $82,000–$85,000 demand zone marked a clear reaction from buyers, creating strong lower wicks that signal aggressive dip absorption. However, BTC now faces a critical test as it approaches the cluster of moving averages that served as breakdown points during November’s correction.

Price currently sits just below the 50 SMA, which is trending downward and acting as immediate resistance near $95,000–$97,000. The 100 SMA, positioned around the $103,000 region, represents the next major barrier. A decisive break above this zone would signal a potential shift in mid-term momentum. Meanwhile, the 200 SMA at $88,500 now acts as reclaimed support, and Bitcoin holding above it is an early sign of stabilization.

Volume during the rebound shows healthier buying activity compared to late-November declines, but it remains moderate—suggesting cautious participation rather than full conviction. For BTC to regain trend strength, it must print a strong close above the 50 SMA and attempt to retest the 100 SMA.

Failure to break above $95K–$97K could invite another pullback toward $88K, making this resistance cluster a crucial pivot for Bitcoin’s next major move.

Featured image from ChatGPT, chart from TradingView.com

Bitcoin has fallen back below the $90,000 level after another wave of selling pressure and leveraged long liquidations, signaling that the market remains firmly on the defensive. Each attempt to stabilize has failed, with sellers quickly overwhelming buyers and forcing price into lower ranges. Fear and uncertainty continue to dominate sentiment, and traders increasingly prepare for the possibility of a deeper continuation of the downtrend as volatility accelerates.

Amid this weakness, a new signal has started to attract the attention of analysts. According to Maartunn, one of the market’s most respected on-chain researchers, old coins are waking up again. Dormant Bitcoin—specifically coins held for 3 to 5 years—has begun to move on-chain in noticeable spikes. Historically, this type of activity often reflects structural shifts in holder behavior, appearing during periods of stress, capitulation, or preparation for major market pivots.

While the direction of these moves is not always immediately clear, rising activity among long-dormant coins adds another layer of complexity to an already fragile market. As Bitcoin continues to struggle below $90K, the behavior of these older coins could help determine whether the current decline deepens—or sets the stage for a larger transition ahead.

Old Coins Start Moving as Macro Fear Collides With Policy Shifts

Maartunn highlights a notable rise in activity from 3–5 year-old Bitcoin, a cohort that typically remains dormant unless underlying conditions begin to shift. The Spent Output Age Bands show a sharp increase, jumping from 2,030 BTC earlier today to 3,475 BTC now. These spikes rarely happen randomly. Maartunn believes that “something’s stirring beneath the surface,” suggesting that long-term holders may be reacting to mounting market stress—or positioning ahead of a potential macro inflection.

This awakening of older coins comes at a moment filled with conflicting signals. Fear around Tether’s reserves has resurfaced, sparking concerns over liquidity stability across exchanges. At the same time, renewed headlines about a supposed China Bitcoin ban have circulated again, despite offering no new policy information. These narratives have added yet another layer of anxiety to an already fragile market.

Yet the macro backdrop also contains reasons for cautious optimism. The Federal Reserve is expected to bring its quantitative tightening (QT) program to an end, and markets are increasingly pricing in a potential interest rate cut this December. Such shifts historically improve liquidity conditions and support risk assets.

As long-term coins begin to move and macro forces pull in opposite directions, Bitcoin enters a complex environment—one that could precede either deeper volatility or the early stages of a larger transition.

Bitcoin Struggles to Recover as Daily Trend Remains Firmly Bearish

Bitcoin’s 1-day chart continues to reveal a market trapped in a strong downtrend, with price failing to reclaim the key moving averages that define higher-timeframe momentum. After breaking down from the $115,000 region, BTC plunged directly through the 50 SMA, 100 SMA, and 200 SMA, creating a steep momentum shift that sellers still control.

The current price action around $86,000–$88,000 shows hesitation and a lack of follow-through from bulls, even after several attempts to rebound.

The 50 and 100 SMAs both slope sharply downward, confirming a bearish trend structure. Meanwhile, the 200 SMA has flattened and now sits far above price, highlighting just how aggressive and extended the selloff has been. BTC continues to print lower highs and lower lows, a clear signal that the market has not yet found a stable bottom.

Volume spikes on major red candles suggest a mix of forced liquidations and panic-driven exits, while green candles remain smaller and less convincing. The lack of strong buy volume shows that investors remain cautious despite the magnitude of the correction.

If Bitcoin fails to break back above $92,000–$95,000, the market risks another leg lower. The next major supports sit between $80,000 and $78,000, levels that align with previous consolidation zones. For now, the bears still control the daily trend.

Featured image from ChatGPT, chart from TradingView.com

Bitcoin is entering a decisive moment as selling pressure intensifies and uncertainty continues to grip the market. Bulls are struggling to reclaim higher levels, and each failed rebound reinforces the prevailing downtrend. With momentum weakening across spot and derivatives markets, investors are increasingly questioning whether BTC can stabilize before more serious structural damage occurs.

According to a report by Darkfost, the situation is especially difficult for short-term participants. With a realized price of $113,692, the BTC 1–3 month cohort is now experiencing the largest percentage loss of this entire cycle.

This analysis focuses exclusively on the spot market, isolating a group of investors known for more speculative behavior and faster reaction times. Because these holders typically enter during strong momentum phases, their capitulation or continued holding often signals pivotal shifts in market structure.

The deep losses within this cohort reveal how aggressively the market has reversed and underscore the mounting pressure on shorter-term players. As Bitcoin approaches critical support levels, the behavior of these investors may determine whether the current correction stabilizes — or accelerates into a broader downturn.

Short-Term Holder Capitulation Often Signals Bottom Formation

Darkfost highlights that the 1–3 month Bitcoin holder cohort has now spent nearly two weeks sitting on average unrealized losses between 20% and 25%. Historically, this type of drawdown among short-term participants has tended to occur near cyclical bottom formation.

These traders typically react quickly to volatility, and when their losses reach this depth, they are pushed into a critical decision point: sell and exit the market, or hold and endure further downside.

Throughout this cycle, similar phases of elevated losses have preceded major inflection points. Once a large portion of these speculative holders capitulates — a process that appears to have been unfolding in recent weeks — selling pressure usually begins to exhaust. This shift often creates an environment where accumulation becomes far more attractive for patient investors who track sentiment and realized-price dynamics.

However, Darkfost emphasizes that this pattern only holds if the long-term bullish trend remains intact. Structural on-chain indicators, broader demand trends, and long-horizon holder behavior continue to support the idea that Bitcoin’s macro trend has not been invalidated.

While volatility may persist in the short term, the alignment of capitulation signals with a still-intact long-term structure suggests that current levels could become an opportunity for strategic accumulation.

Bitcoin Tests Weekly Level as Market Searches for Higher-Timeframe Support

Bitcoin’s weekly chart shows the most significant corrective phase since the early stages of the cycle, with price falling sharply from the $120,000 region and now attempting to stabilize around the 100 SMA near $84,000–$85,000. This moving average has historically acted as a major structural support during bull markets, and BTC’s current interaction with it marks a critical juncture for the broader trend.

The breakdown below the 50 SMA was a clear sign of weakening momentum, signaling that sellers have gained control of the higher-timeframe structure. However, the wick formed beneath the 100 SMA suggests that buyers are beginning to step in, attempting to defend this crucial zone. The reaction so far is constructive but not yet decisive — BTC needs a stronger weekly close above $90,000 to confirm stability.

Volume has increased during the decline, indicating forced selling and capitulation rather than organic trend reversal. Historically, pullbacks into the 100 SMA often precede medium-term bottoms within a long-term bullish market, but continuation depends on whether BTC can avoid a sustained weekly close below this level.

Featured image from ChatGPT, chart from TradingView.com

Bitcoin is fighting to reclaim the $90,000 level after a sharp drop earlier today, adding fuel to growing fears of a deeper downtrend. Market sentiment has weakened noticeably, with selling pressure intensifying across spot and derivatives markets.

Traders remain cautious as liquidity thins and volatility increases, creating an environment where even minor inflows can trigger outsized price reactions. The recent rejection below $90K highlights the fragility of the current structure and raises questions about whether Bitcoin is entering a more prolonged corrective phase.

However, beneath the surface, on-chain data reveals a striking counter-signal. According to On-Chain Mind, Bitcoin is currently printing the largest hidden-buying spike of the entire cycle. Order flow analysis tracks the relationship between actual buy/sell pressure and the corresponding price movement. When the two do not align, hidden divergences emerge: positive divergences indicate aggressive buying despite muted price action, while negative ones reflect stealth selling.

The size of this hidden-buying spike suggests a major imbalance in favor of buyers—an early sign that large players may be quietly accumulating while the broader market focuses on the decline. Whether this hidden demand can offset the prevailing sell pressure will determine Bitcoin’s next decisive move.

Hidden Buying Supports Reversal Narrative Despite Macro Fear

According to On-Chain Mind, the persistent hidden-buying spike remains one of the strongest signals favoring a future upside reversal. Even after Bitcoin’s most recent drop, the imbalance between real buying pressure and price action suggests that large players are still absorbing supply.

While this type of signal does not guarantee an immediate rebound—and may take several weeks to fully materialize—it indicates that buyers have not exhausted their resources. Historically, such divergences appear near cyclical inflection points, when sentiment is weakest, but accumulation quietly strengthens beneath the surface.

This constructive signal emerges at a time when fear in the market is amplified by external narratives. Renewed headlines about a China Bitcoin ban, despite being recycled and lacking substantive policy updates, have resurfaced across social media, contributing to confusion and short-term panic. Similarly, fresh waves of Tether FUD—focused on reserve transparency and regulatory scrutiny—have pressured liquidity conditions and fueled risk-off behavior.

Together, these storylines have exaggerated bearish sentiment, overshadowing the more nuanced on-chain developments. While retail reacts to alarming headlines, order flow data suggests that sophisticated investors are taking the opposite stance. If hidden accumulation continues, this correction may ultimately resolve with a stronger recovery than current sentiment implies.

Related Reading: Bitcoin STH Loss Transfers Fall 80% From Peak – What Comes Next?

Bitcoin Attempts to Stabilize After Sharp Breakdown, but Trend Remains Fragile

Bitcoin’s 1-day chart reflects a market still under heavy corrective pressure following the steep decline from the $110,000 region. The breakdown sliced through the 50 SMA and 100 SMA with little resistance, signaling a decisive shift in momentum. Price is now hovering below both moving averages, which have begun to curl downward—an early sign that the medium-term trend has weakened. The 200 SMA around the $109,000 zone sits far above the current price, underscoring how aggressive the correction has been.

After reaching a local low near $83,000, BTC has attempted to rebound, but the reaction remains modest. The latest bounce failed to reclaim $90,000 convincingly, forming a lower high that aligns with bearish continuation.

Volume spikes during sell-offs reinforce the dominance of sellers, while buying activity remains comparatively muted. Until BTC can flip the 50 and 100 SMAs back into support—now clustered around $101,000–$108,000—bulls will struggle to regain control.

The chart also shows increasing distance between price and the 200 SMA, a condition that often precedes temporary relief rallies. However, unless Bitcoin closes back above the $95,000–$98,000 region, downside risks persist. For now, BTC is attempting to stabilize, but the broader trend continues to favor caution.

Featured image from ChatGPT, chart from TradingView.com

Bitcoin has fallen below the $90,000 level, intensifying speculation that the market may be entering the early stages of a broader bearish cycle. The drop comes as on-chain and derivatives data reveal a notable shift in investor behavior, especially among large holders.

According to a recent CryptoQuant report by Darkfost, whales have become significantly more active on Binance, driving a marked increase in BTC inflows to the exchange. This rise in transfers exceeding 100 BTC suggests that the market’s largest players have begun adjusting their positioning, often a sign of evolving risk attitudes and strategic repositioning.

Meanwhile, Bitcoin has been in a corrective phase for nearly two months, consolidating after its prior rally. This pause has been accompanied by a sharp contraction in Open Interest, which has fallen from $47.5 billion to roughly $29 billion today.

The decline reflects substantial disengagement from speculative positions, whether triggered by cautious profit-taking or by liquidations cascading through the derivatives market.

Whale Defense Intensifies as Retail Investors Remain Passive

Darkfost highlights that the rise in whale inflows—measured using a 90-day average—offers a deeper understanding of the current market mood. This metric shows that major holders are prioritizing protection in an increasingly uncertain environment.

Since Bitcoin’s last all-time high, the average whale inflow to Binance has effectively doubled, now approaching 4,000 BTC. Such an increase is rarely insignificant; it typically reflects hedging, de-risking, or preparing liquidity for active repositioning.

In contrast, inflows from retail investors have remained relatively stable and far less volatile. Their exchange activity has not experienced the same directional surge, suggesting that smaller market participants have not meaningfully adjusted their exposure. This divergence creates a striking behavioral split between investor classes.

While whales shift into a defensive posture—moving coins, reassessing exposure, and potentially preparing for further downside—retail participants appear more passive. This may indicate slower reaction times to macro and on-chain signals or simply lower capital at risk.

Historically, such patterns emerge during transitional phases in the market, when sophisticated holders take early precautionary measures before broader sentiment shifts. The growing contrast reinforces the idea that Bitcoin is navigating a phase where caution dominates among its biggest players.

Bitcoin Tests 200 SMA as Market Searches for Direction

Bitcoin’s 3-day chart shows a decisive shift in momentum, with price breaking below the 50 SMA and 100 SMA after weeks of persistent selling pressure. The failure to hold the $90,000 level pushed BTC into its sharpest correction since mid-2024, and the structure now reflects a market struggling to stabilize. The current candle cluster is forming directly on top of the 200 SMA, a historically significant long-term support zone that often separates cyclical uptrends from deeper bearish phases.

The reaction so far has been mixed. BTC briefly dipped below the 200 SMA before recovering back above it, signaling that buyers are attempting to defend the trend boundary. However, the bounce lacks conviction, and volume remains elevated on down candles—an indication that sellers are still aggressive. As long as BTC trades below the 50 and 100 SMAs, the market structure remains vulnerable.

The downtrend also shows a clear sequence of lower highs and lower lows, confirming that momentum favors continuation unless $92,000–$95,000 is reclaimed. Losing the 200 SMA on a closing basis would open the door to deeper retracements toward $78,000 and $72,000, where prior consolidation zones sit.

Featured image from ChatGPT, chart from TradingView.com

Bitcoin has rallied more than 12% since last week’s sharp drop to the $80,000 low, offering the market a brief moment of relief after an intense period of capitulation. Despite this rebound, fear and uncertainty continue to dominate sentiment, especially following what analysts describe as the largest short-term holder capitulation in Bitcoin’s history.

This wave of realized losses—fast, aggressive, and record-breaking—has left many investors questioning whether the recent recovery is sustainable or simply a temporary bounce in a broader downtrend.

According to new data from Glassnode, the path ahead remains challenging. Analysts explain that Bitcoin must break above the major supply clusters created by top buyers earlier in the cycle if it is to regain meaningful upward momentum.

These clusters represent areas where a large number of investors previously bought at higher prices and may now look to exit at breakeven, increasing the likelihood of heavy sell-side pressure as BTC climbs.

Bitcoin Faces Critical Supply Barriers

Glassnode reports that Bitcoin is now approaching two major supply clusters that will play a decisive role in determining whether the recent rebound can evolve into a sustained recovery. The first cluster sits between $93,000 and $96,000, while the second—much larger and more structurally important—spans $100,000 to $108,000.

These zones were formed by heavy buying activity earlier in the cycle and represent areas where many investors are currently underwater or sitting near breakeven.

Because of this, Glassnode notes that these ranges typically act as strong resistance, as recent buyers who endured the latest drawdown may choose to sell once the price returns to their entry levels. This dynamic can create temporary supply walls, slowing down momentum even in moments of aggressive recovery.

Bitcoin’s ability to break through these clusters will determine whether it can re-establish a path toward a new all-time high or remain trapped under heavy distribution pressure. The market is now entering a critical phase, with traders closely watching how BTC behaves as it approaches these levels. A clean breakout would signal renewed confidence, while rejection could signal that the broader corrective structure is not yet over.

Testing Support After a Sharp Multi-Week Selloff

Bitcoin’s weekly chart shows a market attempting to stabilize after one of the most aggressive drawdowns of the cycle. BTC has rebounded to the $91,500 area following a deep wick to the $80K region last week, signaling that buyers are finally stepping in at key support. This rebound coincides with a strong weekly candle showing a long lower shadow, a classic sign of demand absorption during heavy selloffs.

However, despite this bounce, the broader structure remains fragile. The price is trading below the 50-week moving average, a level that previously acted as reliable support throughout the bull phase. Losing this dynamic support earlier in the month was a significant technical break, and BTC is now attempting to reclaim it from below—typically a challenging move that often acts as resistance.

The 100-week moving average around the mid-$80K region has proven critical, halting the decline and serving as the primary area where buyers defended the trend. As long as BTC holds above this zone, the broader market avoids confirming a deeper macro reversal.

Volume remains elevated, reflecting capitulation-level activity, and the market is now in a decisive phase. A sustained close above $92K–$94K would strengthen recovery prospects, while rejection would risk another retest of the $80K support.

Featured image from ChatGPT, chart from TradingView.com