Bitcoin bulls are maintaining their pressure and are poised to test the stiff overhead resistance near the $100,000 mark in the near term. The recent recovery has been solid, yet a relief rally observed on January 2 was met with profit-taking by investors in the United States spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Data from market analytics providers show ETFs experienced outflows amounting to $242.3 million in that period. Despite the hesitancy to break above $100,000, Bitcoin’s long-term trajectory remains intact in the eyes of analysts. A notable research note from Steno Research projects that 2025 could emerge as the strongest year ever for cryptocurrency markets, with Bitcoin potentially surpassing $150,000 and Ether crossing $8,000. In parallel, market data dashboards have continued to emphasize the importance of watching key price zones that could influence the next leg of the rally or a renewed pullback.
Even amid occasional dips, a segment of the analyst community views price weakness as a potential entry point. Bravo Research, in its latest Macro Report published around the turn of the year, suggested that Bitcoin could “catch down to stocks’ weakness” if risk appetite declines. However, the same report highlighted that a dip toward $80,000 could represent a favorable buying opportunity for traders seeking the next move higher. The combination of institutional activity, macro-motivated risk sentiment, and technical setups provides a framework for considering whether Bitcoin can break above the critical resistance at $100,000 and extend gains across the broader crypto market. In this analysis, we examine Bitcoin through the lens of current chart patterns, key support and resistance levels, and the implications for the rest of the market, particularly whether a breakout above $100,000 could lift altcoins to new highs.
Bitcoin price analysis
Bitcoin has staged a recovery that brought the price back toward the major moving averages, signaling that the bulls have not relinquished control of the market and are defending the important $90,000 support level with notable authority. The price action around this zone has become a focal point for traders who are watching whether the uptrend can resume or whether a consolidation phase will take hold.
The daily chart perspective for BTC/USDT shows two moving averages that have flattened, a development often associated with a period of range-bound trading or a temporary pause in the trend. The relative strength index (RSI) sits just above the midpoint, which suggests a balanced near-term sentiment with a tilt toward consolidation rather than an immediate acceleration or reversal. In practical terms, this combination implies that the BTC/USDT pair could fluctuate between the psychological benchmark of $100,000 and the critical support near $90,000 for a period of time as market participants decide the next directional cue.
From a price-pattern standpoint, the key scenario remains anchored in a potential breakout above $100,000. Should buyers gain traction and push the price beyond this level, the next major objective appears to be the all-time high near $108,353, which would mark a new milestone for the benchmark cryptocurrency and could catalyze broader participation across major altcoins. Conversely, a decisive break and close below the $90,000 support could open the path for a deeper correction, potentially targeting a more solid support zone around $85,000. The interplay between these levels will likely shape the sentiment and position sizing for traders in the near term.
In the context of risk management and portfolio construction, market participants are paying attention to on-chain activity, exchange flow data, and macro indicators that could influence the probability of a breakout or a retracement. The macro environment, including stock market correlations and liquidity conditions, continues to be a factor in Bitcoin’s daily price dynamics. Traders who operate on a longer horizon may interpret a sustained hold above $90,000 as a sign of resilience, while shorter-term traders will focus on volume spiking as confirmation of a breakout or a breakdown.
The implications for the broader market if Bitcoin can clear $100,000 are significant. A successful breakout would likely increase risk-taking activity within the sector and could help lift leading altcoins, which often follow Bitcoin’s lead during bullish cycles. On the other hand, a retest and stabilization below the $90,000 level could rekindle concerns about a broader risk-off environment or a delayed return to all-time highs, potentially prompting a more cautious stance among investors.
In sum, Bitcoin’s price analysis centers on the critical levels around $100,000 and $90,000. The direction of the next move will be dictated by buying strength at or above $100,000 and by the capacity of bulls to defend the $90,000 support in the face of selling pressure. Market participants should monitor the confluence of moving averages, RSI momentum, and on-chain flow to gauge the probability of a sustained breakout or a renewed consolidation within the established range.
Ether price analysis
Ether is forming a bullish ascending triangle pattern that would complete on a close above $3,555. The daily ETH/USDT chart shows a relatively flat 20-day exponential moving average (EMA) near $3,478, while the RSI sits near the midpoint. This combination does not clearly tilt the balance in favor of bulls or bears in the immediate term, suggesting a period of indecision and potential range-bound action.
If the price closes above the $3,555 level, the Ethereum pair could jump toward the pattern target near $3,894, reflecting the typical price objective associated with ascending triangle breakouts. This scenario would align with a broader risk-on environment and could attract fresh buying interest across DeFi and smart contract ecosystems, reinforcing the narrative of Ethereum’s role as a fundamental platform within the crypto space.
The bullish setup for Ether would be negated if the price turns down and breaks below the uptrend line that forms the lower boundary of the triangle. A breakdown could pull the price down toward the $3,100 level, with the potential to slip further to $3,000 if selling accelerates. In such a scenario, buyers would be expected to defend the $3,000 level with vigor to prevent a deeper downturn and to maintain the credibility of the current consolidation pattern.
In terms of strategy, traders watching Ether should emphasize the price reaction to a breakout above $3,555 and the integrity of the uptrend line on any pullbacks. A successful breakout would not only benefit Ether but could also serve as a barometer for the broader Layer 1 ecosystem and the demand for ETH-native applications. Conversely, a failure to clear the $3,555 threshold and a break below the uptrend line could indicate a return to range-bound activity, prompting a reassessment of risk and exposure in ETH-denominated positions.
Overall, Ether’s near-term outlook remains contingent on the crucial level at $3,555 and the interaction with the uptrend line. A breakthrough above the resistance would open the door to a higher trajectory toward $3,894, while a break below the supported trend line would raise the risk of a more pronounced pullback toward the $3,000s, potentially testing the $3,000 floor defended by bulls in a broad market downturn.
XRP price analysis
XRP has bounced off the support line of a symmetrical triangle pattern on December 31 and advanced to challenge the resistance line on January 3. The daily chart for XRP/USDT shows the price confronting the upper boundary of the triangle near the resistance line, a setup that commonly precedes a decisive move as market participants resolve the pattern.
Sellers are anticipated to defend the resistance line with vigor, given the pattern’s inherent tendency to compress price action as it approaches the apex. If the price turns down and breaks below the 20-day EMA at roughly $2.24, the XRP/USDT pair could remain confined within the triangle for a longer period, delaying any breakout and prolonging consolidation.
On the other hand, a break and close above the triangle would signal that the uncertainty has resolved in favor of the bulls, potentially triggering a substantial upward move. Such a breakout would heighten the probability of a rally toward the overhead resistance at $2.91, representing a meaningful upside from current levels and signaling renewed buying interest among traders who anticipate XRP’s participation in the next leg of the market cycle.
In practice, market participants should watch for confirmation signals around the triangle’s upper boundary and the 20-day EMA. A sustained move above the resistance line with robust volume would be a bullish signal, while a failure to clear resistance could lead to additional hesitation and a continued consolidation pattern.
BNB price analysis
BNB’s price is currently squeezed between the 20-day EMA near $698 and the overhead resistance at $722. This tightening range is characteristic of a period of low volatility that often precedes a breakout, though the direction remains uncertain in the near term.
A breakout above $722 would be interpreted as bullish, signaling that buyers have gained the upper hand and opened the path for a rally to $760, followed by a potential advance to $794 if momentum sustains. In contrast, a drop below the 20-day EMA could suggest that bears are reasserting control. If the price breaks lower, bears could push the pair toward the 50-day simple moving average around $679, and further toward a critical support zone near $635.
The near-term traders should be attentive to how the price behaves when approaching these significant levels. A move above $722 with conviction could trigger renewed interest from momentum buyers and short-term traders seeking to catch a continuation of the current uptrend. Conversely, a break below the 20-day EMA would require a careful risk management approach, as it could herald a deeper correction and a potential change in the market structure for BNB.
Solana price analysis
Solana has surged above the 20-day EMA of $201 on January 2, suggesting that selling pressure is diminishing and a potential bullish phase could be unfolding. The immediate target for the SOL/USDT pair appears to be the 50-day simple moving average at $219, which may present a notable challenge.
If buyers can overcome resistance at the 50-day SMA, the next objective could be a rally toward $234, where additional selling pressure is likely to emerge. The zone between the 20-day EMA and the uptrend line is expected to serve as a robust support region on pullbacks, providing a potential fallback area for bulls to defend during a retest of higher levels.
Sellers, however, will be back in the driver’s seat if they manage to push prices below the uptrend line. In such a scenario, the risk of a deeper correction increases, and the price could break down toward the lower support levels around $32, followed by a possible move to the $30.50 level. Conversely, a sustained rally above the 50-day SMA would improve the odds of a continued recovery, with a gradual ascent toward the next resistance level and a potential extension of the bullish impulse.
The trajectory for Solana, like other assets, will depend on how the market interprets the strength of demand for high-throughput blockchain use cases and the broader appetite for risk. A decisive close above key moving averages would be a positive signal for bulls and could invite more participation from traders seeking exposure to layer-1 ecosystems with strong development activity.
Dogecoin price analysis
Dogecoin has seen a consolidation phase between $0.30 and $0.35 resolve into an upside breakout on January 3, signaling renewed bullish interest among traders. The DOGE/USDT daily chart shows that both moving averages are flattening, aligning with a near-term range-bound scenario that could transition into a new leg higher if momentum builds.
If buyers push the price above the 50-day SMA at roughly $0.38, the pair could extend to $0.42, but traders should anticipate that sellers will mount a strong defense around that level. If price action reverses from $0.42, the next target could lie around the 20-day EMA near $0.34, setting up a possible pullback to test the lower boundary of the current range or the next major support zone.
For bears to gain the upper hand, a break below the $0.30 support would be required, potentially opening a path toward the 61.8% Fibonacci retracement level around $0.27. Such a move would represent a deeper correction and could alter the immediate short-term outlook for DOGE.
The market narrative around Dogecoin remains closely tied to broad risk sentiment, social media activity, and liquidity conditions affecting meme-based assets. Traders should maintain awareness of any changes in demand dynamics that could influence DOGE’s ability to push beyond resistance levels or test the lower support thresholds.
Cardano price analysis
Cardano has shown a sharp upward move starting on January 1, with bulls pushing the price above the neckline of the head-and-shoulders pattern on January 3. This move could have trapped aggressive bears, who rushed to close their short positions, potentially triggering a short squeeze that propelled ADA/USDT toward $1.20. The immediate resistance and support dynamics are shaped by the macro pattern and the zone of price concentration around the neckline and the target area.
Sellers are expected to defend the $1.20 to $1.33 region, which could act as a broader resistance zone and a price consolidation area. The moving averages are likely to act as a strong support during pullbacks, providing stability for the bulls as they defend the pattern’s key levels. For bears to gain any meaningful traction, they would need to push the price below the moving averages, eroding the near-term uptrend and opening the door to additional declines.
The Cardano setup underscores the risk-reward balance around pattern-based plays. A successful defense of the $1.20–$1.33 zone would preserve the bullish narrative and could invite further upside potential, while a decisive break below moving averages could signal a shift toward a more neutral or bearish posture in the near term. Traders will want to monitor price reactions around major moving averages and the pattern’s neckline as confirmation signals.
Avalanche price analysis
Avalanche began a recovery from the $35 support on January 1, indicating that bulls are attempting to reassert control after a period of selling pressure. The relief rally faces a notable test at the 50-day SMA near $42.67, which is a critical resistance in the near term.
If the price turns down sharply from the 50-day SMA, the bears will likely target the $35 to $33.50 support zone again. A continuation of the downside could push the pair toward $32 and eventually down to $30.50, representing a meaningful correction in the context of recent moves. In contrast, a successful push above the 50-day SMA would suggest that the correction could be ending, paving the way for a gradual ascent toward the next resistance horizon around $48.
The Avalanche trading setup, therefore, hinges on the ability to clear the 50-day moving average resistance. A break above that level could bring renewed confidence to bulls and may set off a chain reaction of buying across the ecosystem, including DeFi protocols and NFT activity on the Avalanche network. Conversely, failure to sustain above the 50-day SMA could reinforce a risk-off stance and accelerate the retest of lower support levels.
Chainlink price analysis
Chainlink has bounced off the neckline of a head-and-shoulders (H&S) pattern, which is a development that indicates bulls are defending a critical level with conviction. The price action around LINK/USDT shows an upward move that may face resistance at the 20-day EMA near $22.64, a level that could challenge the bulls’ momentum.
If the bulls prevail at the 20-day EMA, the price could rise toward $26, signaling a shift in near-term momentum away from the bears. Such a move would imply that bears are losing their grip and that buyers are regaining control of the trend, potentially opening doors for further gains.
On the downside, if the price reverses sharply from the 20-day EMA, the $20 level would become vulnerable to a breakdown. A breakdown could complete the bearish pattern and lead to a fall to $16, representing a substantial retracement and a potential shift in market sentiment toward risk-off conditions for Chainlink. The price action at these levels will likely influence traders’ decisions regarding risk management, position sizing, and hedging strategies across related assets.
Toncoin price analysis
Toncoin bulls are attempting to initiate a recovery, but the path forward faces resistance around key moving averages. If the price fails to sustain above the moving averages and breaks below the critical support near $5.40, it would indicate that the bears still hold the upper hand. In that scenario, a deeper correction toward the $4.72 to $4.44 support zone becomes more likely, signaling renewed selling pressure and potential trend reversal.
Alternatively, if buyers manage to push the price above the moving averages, it would signal buying interest at lower levels and open the door for a test of higher targets. A bullish run could see the TON/USDT pair rising toward $6.50, followed by a potential move to $7, where the bears are expected to mount a strong defense. The outcome will depend on liquidity conditions, macro risk appetite, and Toncoin’s ability to attract demand through its network upgrades and ecosystem growth.
Macro context and cross-asset implications
The broader market narrative includes key points from the Bitcoin ETF activity, investor sentiment, and macro forecast notes that frame how the top cryptocurrencies might move in the coming weeks. The outflows from spot Bitcoin ETFs, totaling around $242.3 million in the recent period, highlight ongoing reassessment by institutional players and the balance between risk management and potential upside. While ETF flows can influence near-term price dynamics, they should be considered in conjunction with on-chain activity, spot market liquidity, and macroeconomic developments that shape risk appetite across asset classes.
Steno Research’s bullish projection for 2025 adds an aspirational backdrop to the price action narrative, suggesting a very strong year for the crypto markets with potential upside beyond existing targets. The forecast of Bitcoin surpassing $150,000 and Ether exceeding $8,000 reflects a confidence in continued adoption, layer-1 network expansion, and the robustness of the crypto infrastructure to attract capital. Bravo Research’s perspective frames a more cautious risk-aware stance, noting that Bitcoin could align with stock weakness and that dips toward $80,000 may present strategic buying opportunities for the next leg higher. This constellation of views emphasizes that investors should be prepared for a spectrum of outcomes and employ disciplined risk management, clear entry points, and well-defined exit plans.
The question many traders are asking is whether Bitcoin’s ability to breach the $100,000 barrier could serve as a catalyst for broader altcoin strength. If Bitcoin maintains momentum beyond the all-important threshold, it could lift sentiment across major altcoins that often track Bitcoin’s trend moves. Conversely, if Bitcoin stalls or consolidates within a tight range around $90,000 to $100,000, altcoins could remain range-bound as well, awaiting a decisive Bitcoin-driven trigger.
Conclusion
The current market setup presents a landscape where Bitcoin’s attempt to break above $100,000 remains a critical juncture with significant implications for the entire crypto space. The ETF outflows add a layer of nuance, underscoring the ongoing interplay between institutional positioning and price action. Market forecasters are divided between an optimistic trajectory, with targets like $150,000 for Bitcoin and $8,000 for Ether in the longer horizon, and a more cautious view that emphasizes caution, potential dips, and selective buying opportunities around key levels such as $80,000 for BTC and corresponding targets for other assets.
Across the top ten cryptocurrencies, the technical picture is characterized by a tapestry of patterns, moving-average crossroads, and short- to medium-term rally or correction scenarios. Bitcoin’s test of $100,000, Ether’s pattern-driven breakout potential, XRP’s triangle dynamics, BNB’s tight range with breakout risk, Solana’s 50-day SMA test, Dogecoin’s range-bound consolidation with upside potential, Cardano’s neckline breakout and resistance zone, Avalanche’s 50-day SMA test, Chainlink’s H&S-based defense, and Toncoin’s moving-average interaction collectively frame a market primed for volatility and opportunity.
As investors navigate these signals, the emphasis remains on disciplined risk management, robust position sizing, and a clear view of the preferred timeframes. The possibility of Bitcoin surpassing the $100,000 threshold remains a watershed event that could reframe market expectations and attract renewed attention from traders and institutions alike. In this environment, traders should stay attuned to shifts in momentum around key resistance and support levels, watch for confirmatory breakouts, and be prepared for rapid re-pricing as new information and liquidity conditions emerge. The coming weeks are likely to provide crucial clarity on whether the major cryptocurrencies can sustain upside momentum, lift altcoins to new highs, and set the stage for a more expansive rally into the middle of the year.
