The 1-hour chart reveals bitcoin (BTC) recently rebounded after touching a low of $95,758. It is now trading within a narrow range of $97,000 to $97,500. Current chart patterns show indecision, and tapering volume during this consolidation phase indicates traders are awaiting a breakout. A move above $97,500, confirmed by strong volume, could signal bullish momentum, while failure to sustain $96,500 may trigger a downside.
Key technical indicators support this mixed outlook. The relative strength index (RSI) reads neutral at 67, aligning with the neutral signals from the Stochastic oscillator, commodity channel index (CCI), and awesome oscillator. Momentum at -1,188 and the moving average convergence divergence (MACD) at 5,018 suggest bearish undertones in the short term.
On the same token, the 4-hour chart, bitcoin has been forming higher highs and lows, signaling an uptrend. However, the slowing momentum near $98,745, coupled with declining trading volumes, indicates exhaustion. The mid-term chart suggests a potential breakout from tight price action.
Critical levels to watch include support at $95,000 to $95,500 and resistance at $98,745. A breakout above $98,745 could signal continuation toward $100,000, while a breach below $95,000 may test lower levels around $93,000. Moving averages such as the exponential moving average (EMA-20) and simple moving average (SMA-20) indicate bullish trends, reinforcing the potential for upward movement.
The daily chart outlines a strong uptrend since bitcoin hit $66,798 in early November, reaching a lifetime high of $99,800 before facing resistance near the psychological $100,000 mark. Smaller candlestick bodies on this chart around the $97,000 to $98,000 zone reveal hesitation among market participants.
Major support is located at $95,000, while a decisive breakout above $99,800 could propel prices to $102,000 or higher. Conversely, a daily close below $95,000 may invalidate the bullish pattern. Volume spikes during the rally suggest strong buying interest is still evident, but declining activity indicates a need for renewed momentum.
The moving averages (MAs) remain a cornerstone of bitcoin’s technical profile, consistently pointing to bullish sentiment. The EMA (10) at $95,543 and SMA (10) at $96,260 support short-term buying, while the EMA (100) at $75,158 and SMA (100) at $70,255 highlight strength in the broader trend. Notably, all monitored exponential and simple moving averages, ranging from 10 to 200 periods, suggest bullish conditions.
Bull Verdict:
Bitcoin’s technical setup leans bullish as it consolidates near critical resistance levels, supported by upward momentum on the 4-hour and daily charts. Moving averages across all timeframes underscore strong buying conditions, suggesting a breakout above $99,800 could push prices toward $102,000 or higher. Traders should monitor volume spikes to confirm a renewed rally.
Bear Verdict:
Despite the broader uptrend, bitcoin shows signs of exhaustion with declining momentum and volume across multiple timeframes. Bearish signals from the momentum and MACD, coupled with key support at $95,000 under threat, indicate a potential pullback toward $93,000 or lower if bulls fail to regain control.
