Bitcoin has held steady after December’s volatility, entering 2026 trading around $89,700. Although momentum remains subdued, buyers continue to defend the $88,000-$88,500 zone. The technical structure points to compression rather than weakness, with rising lows, stabilizing indicators, and cautious sentiment shaping the outlook.
Whether Bitcoin breaks above $90,500 or revisits lower support will determine the direction of its next big move.
Why Bitcoin (BTC/USD) continues to defy expectations
Recent price trends indicate a clear impasse. December’s volatility may have grabbed the headlines, but Bitcoin has since settled into a tighter range, forming higher lows while struggling to regain the high-$90,000s.
#bitcoin 2026 begins at a crossroads.#BTC It remains close to $89.7,000 as buyers defend the support at $88,000, volatility reduces, and RSI stabilizes. Above $90.5,000, the next leg may be unlocked or the move may be delayed.
pic.twitter.com/i4JltTfeYW
— Arslan Ali (@forex_arslan) January 3, 2026
At least based on current market data, this price move reflects strength rather than weakness. Profit-taking has cooled after a tumultuous December, but long-term holders appear more comfortable maintaining their exposure than rushing to exit.
Candlestick behavior supports this interpretation. The small size of the candle body and short wick suggest that neither buyers nor sellers are actively pushing for it. There is no clear sign of bearish follow-through or panic-driven selling, reinforcing the view that the market is pausing rather than collapsing.
Bitcoin (BTC/USD) Technical Analysis: What is the endgame?
On the 2-hour chart, Bitcoin price predictions remain bullish after breaking out of a symmetrical triangle pattern defined by a low near $93,500 and an ascending base between $85,800 and $87,000. This pattern typically indicates compression and is often preceded by increased volatility rather than a sustained decline.
So what do the current technical settings tell us? The constructive takeaway is that the key indicators continue to trend in a supportive manner.
- Bitcoin is still making new lows in line with the uptrend line drawn since mid-December, reinforcing latent demand.
- The 50-day and 100-day EMAs have flattened and are centered in the $88,500 to $89,000 range, creating a short-term support cushion.
- The RSI has stabilized in the low to mid 60s, indicating improving momentum without entering overheating territory.
- There are no bearish divergences or negative EMA crossovers, and downside risks are contained for now.
Market data makes things even better
Looking beyond the charts, broader market indicators power technical settings. The market capitalization of cryptocurrencies has rebounded towards $3 trillion, with 24-hour trading volume reaching nearly $116 billion. This combination shows active participation without the excesses typically seen near the top of the market.
Sentiment indicators will also continue to be measured. The Fear and Greed Index remains cautious, reflecting lingering uncertainty rather than speculative exhilaration, an environment that often leaves upside potential if prices break through key technical levels.
What to expect from Bitcoin in the coming weeks
From a 2-hour chart perspective, a confirmed close above the $90,500-$90,900 zone would likely open the door for a rally to $93,500, which could extend to the $96,000-97,000 region if momentum gains. On the other hand, if the price cannot sustain above $80,000, the structure will weaken and the $85,800 support level will come back into focus.
At this stage, the price movement looks more like a preparation than an exhaustion. As long as Bitcoin remains in the high $80,000s, the underlying bias remains constructive. A decisive breakout can quickly shift sentiment and could be the beginning of the market’s next move forward as the broader cryptocurrency cycle moves into a new phase.
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This article Bitcoin Price Prediction: $89,700 stalemate signals breakout or reset in 2026 was first published on Cryptonews.
