"Bitcoin continues to trade sideways, hovering around $90,000 this week, as traders digest the Federal Reserve’s cautious December rate cut and its implications for risk assets."
Fed building, rate cut infographic
"The Fed delivered a widely expected 25-basis-point rate cut, but signaled a likely pause in January. Their outlook for 2026 remains conservative, with just a single quarter-point cut projected — the same as September’s forecast. This tempered expectations for more aggressive rate cuts and added short-term pressure on risk assets, including Bitcoin."
BTC price chart showing $92,600 high and $89,260 low
"Bitcoin started the week strong, briefly touching above $92,600, but softened midweek to close at $92,015 following the FOMC announcement. Prices slid to a low of $89,260 before rebounding above $92,500."
Map highlighting Russia-Ukraine conflict
"Geopolitical tensions continue to weigh on market sentiment. The ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and stalled peace talks are keeping risk appetite low, further contributing to Bitcoin’s consolidation."
Graph showing ETF inflows and Strategy Inc. BTC purchase
"On the institutional front, there are signs of mild improvement. US-listed spot Bitcoin ETFs saw inflows of $237 million this week, after a small outflow last week. Meanwhile, Strategy Inc. purchased 10,624 BTC for nearly $963 million, raising its total holdings to 660,624 BTC, worth over $49 billion."
On-chain data charts from CryptoQuant
"On-chain metrics indicate easing selling pressure. Exchange deposits from large players have dropped from 47% in mid-November to 21% this week, and the average deposit has fallen from 1.1 BTC to 0.7 BTC. Analysts suggest that sustained low selling pressure could push Bitcoin back toward $99,000."
BTC chart with cost-basis levels and mini-cycle chart]
"Copper Research notes that Bitcoin now trades near its $84,000 cost basis. Historical patterns since the launch of spot ETFs suggest BTC could rally to $138,000–$148,000 over the next 180 days, following repeatable cost-basis return cycles."
BTC November and December historical performance
"After a disappointing 17% drop in November, December could bring a seasonal boost. Historically, Bitcoin posts an average return of 4.5% in December, and Q4 has been its strongest quarter, averaging 77% gains. Traders will be watching closely for a potential Santa rally."
Weekly and daily BTC charts with EMA and Fibonacci levels]
"Technically, BTC is finding support near the 100-week EMA at $85,809 and could rally toward the 50-week EMA at $99,182 if bullish momentum sustains. The RSI on the weekly chart points upward at 40, signaling fading bearish pressure. On the daily chart, a rebound from $90,000 suggests buyers are stepping in, but resistance remains at the $94,253 Fibonacci level."
"A breakout above the descending trendline and $94,253 could open the path to the $100,000 psychological level. Conversely, if selling resumes, the first key support is at $85,569."
