Bitcoin has commenced the final week of the year with a hesitant start, highlighting a lack of urgency among investors to capitalize on the downturn. There is significant division among analysts regarding Bitcoin’s immediate price trajectory. While some foresee a substantial rally in anticipation of President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration in January, others predict heightened volatility. Notably, BitMEX co-founder Arthur Hayes offers a contrasting viewpoint, suggesting a significant market slump could occur around the inauguration date.
In the midst of short-term market apprehensions, MicroStrategy has persisted with its Bitcoin acquisitions, marking its eighth consecutive week of purchases. The firm acquired 2,138 Bitcoin between December 23 and December 29, at an average price of approximately $97,837.
The cryptocurrency market’s performance in January historically presents mixed results, with only a 3.35% average uptick, as per CoinGlass data. However, a noteworthy trend over the last five years indicates Bitcoin has only concluded January in negative territory once, in 2022, when it fell by 16.68%.
Critical support levels for Bitcoin are pivotal, with the $90,000 to $85,000 range needing reinforcement for altcoins to recuperate and draw new buyers.
In traditional markets, the S&P 500 Index rose above its 20-day exponential moving average on December 24 but failed to sustain the uplift. The index retraced below both the 20-day and 50-day moving averages by December 30, potentially completing a bearish head-and-shoulders pattern if support at 5,853 breaches.
The US Dollar Index grapples with stiff resistance around 108. A rise above 108.55 could propel the index to 111, while declining below the 20-day EMA may signal profit-taking by bulls, threatening a fall to 105.
For altcoins, Ether is consolidating within a broad range, finding resistance at the 20-day EMA. XRP rests at a crucial support line of its symmetrical triangle pattern. BNB trades tightly between its 20-day EMA and overhead resistance, with a breach of $722 potentially triggering a sharp upward movement. Solana, exhibiting downward momentum, faces resistance at its 20-day EMA.
Dogecoin supports itself above $0.30 but struggles against the 20-day EMA. Cardano remains under pressure beneath its head-and-shoulders neckline, with support anticipated in the $0.80 to $0.70 zone. Meanwhile, Avalanche’s recent pullback suggests a short-term top, with further declines possible if it sustains below $33.50.
These analyses underscore the mixed sentiments and cautious approaching strategies prevalent as the year concludes, with both traditional and cryptocurrency markets exhibiting critical movement and resistance patterns poised for potential shifts in the coming days.
