Bitcoin remains locked in a tight range, leaving traders uncertain about its next major move. With strong resistance overhead and key support still holding below, the market is approaching a decisive moment. Whether BTC breaks out into a new rally or slips into another leg down will largely depend on how it reacts around these critical levels.

A Slips Below Key Zone: Downside Pressure Builds

According to Kamile Uray, Bitcoin is currently trading below the key blue box zone, suggesting that downside pressure may persist in the near term. Despite this, the 4-hour chart is beginning to show early signs of a potential recovery structure, with a small inverse head and shoulders (TOBO) forming. If this pattern activates, it could open the door for a move toward the $75,000 level.

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Beyond that, there is also the possibility of a larger cup and handle formation developing. A successful push toward $75,000 would help shape this structure, but confirmation would only come with a strong close above that level. If achieved, it could signal continuation to the upside, especially if Bitcoin breaks above the $79,354 level, marking the first higher high on the 4-hour timeframe.

On the downside, several key support levels, such as $65,666, $62,433, and $60,000, will be closely monitored, as holding above these levels could provide a base for another upward move. However, a daily close below the $62,433–$60,000 range would increase bearish pressure, exposing deeper support levels around $55,230 and $47,256.

Looking at the bigger picture, a move toward $98,200 followed by a daily close above it would confirm a higher high on the daily chart, strengthening the case for a continued uptrend. Caution is advised, however, if the price approaches the $107,000–$109,000 zone, where a potential bearish pattern could emerge. Failure to break above the previous high in that region may trigger another downward phase.

Bitcoin Stuck In Range As Momentum Stalls

Bitcoin is currently trading around $70,413, remaining stuck within the same tight range that has held price action in place for weeks. CyrilXBT pointed out that the $72,000–$76,000 zone continues to act as a strong ceiling, with every rally into that area being met by consistent selling pressure. 

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On the downside, the macro trendline near $64,000 has held on two separate occasions, providing the only meaningful support structure preventing a broader bearish shift. Still, confidence in a bullish continuation remains limited until Bitcoin can secure a convincing close above $75,000. With the EMA 200 at around $86,380, still far from being relevant at this stage, the market remains in a wait-and-see phase, with traders watching for a decisive move out of the range.

Featured image from Getty Images, chart from Tradingview.com

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Bitcoin is currently trending above key technical levels, signaling stability. After closing at $107,493 BTC remains above both the 25-period and 50-period SMAs, suggesting bulls are still in control, for now. However, without a noticeable spike in volume to fuel momentum, this calm may prove temporary.

Bitcoin Moonwalks Past Key SMAs – Can Bulls Keep The Dance Going?

Shaco AI’s analysis on X revealed that Bitcoin has shown impressive strength over the last four hours, with the price closing at $107,493.07. This move placed BTC above the 25-period Simple Moving Average (SMA) of $106,954.17 and comfortably above the 50-period SMA at $104,913.16. According to Shaco AI, this price action suggests that Bitcoin might be preparing to establish a base above these moving averages, indicating short-term bullish intent.

The Relative Strength Index (RSI) currently stands at 59.91, a level Shaco AI considers balanced, neither signaling overbought nor oversold conditions. This neutral zone implies that BTC still has room to climb without facing immediate pressure from overheated momentum.

Further strengthening the case for bullish momentum, Shaco AI pointed out that the MACD is showing a positive value of +618.43. This reading supports the idea of sustained upward movement, hinting that market participants remain inclined toward buying rather than selling at this stage.

Despite the optimistic signs, Shaco AI also noted the ADX value at 18.32, suggesting that the trend strength remains relatively weak for now. While the current setup leans bullish, the low ADX reading serves as a reminder that momentum could shift quickly, and traders should monitor for any changes in trend strength.

Volume Woes: A Party Missing Its Guests 

Shaco AI, in the same analysis, flagged a concern around trading activity and volume. According to the analyst, Bitcoin’s current volume sits at just 497.62, a sharp drop compared to its average of 2,038.98. In Shaco AI’s words, “it’s like hosting a party but forgetting to send out half the invites,” highlighting the lack of strong participation behind the recent price action.

Turning to key technical zones, Shaco AI identified $108,272.45 as the immediate resistance to watch. A break above this level could open the door for more upside, but if momentum fades, the analyst cautioned that support around $98,200 may come into play.

As for the near-term strategy, Shaco AI advises traders to monitor for breakouts — but with caution. The combination of low volume and only mild trend strength could make price action more unpredictable, increasing the likelihood of fakeouts or sudden reversals.

Featured image from Pixabay, chart from Tradingview.com

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Ethereum continues to make waves in the broader cryptocurrency sector, even with its price falling below the $2,700 level once again as Thursday drew to a close. In recent weeks, ETH has shown notable bullish action, and several crypto analysts are highlighting its potential for a huge upward move toward higher levels in the short term.

Crucial Zone To Lead Ethereum To A New Peak

Given the current market weakness, Ethereum has lost some of its upward momentum after facing resistance at $2,800. Despite this brief pullback, ETH’s recent trend is pointing to a major rally, indicating an extension of the ongoing uptrend.

A seasoned crypto expert on the X platform, Trader Tardigrade, examining the price action, has forecasted a surge to a new all-time high. According to the technical analyst, Ethereum is currently navigating a critical technical zone that may serve as the impetus for one of its biggest rallies ever.

Examining the chart, this crucial zone is referred to as the Impulsive Waves zone. The expert is confident that ETH may be gearing up for a powerful surge to a new peak, as this zone has historically preceded massive upward breakout moves. 

Following a robust recovery in the last cycle, defined by a huge drop and a swift rebound, the expert claims that ETH is now entering the impulsive waves zone. Since the impulsive waves zone is known for its notable bullish influence on price, its recent emergence implies that ETH’s next major move might already be in motion.

With momentum building and Ethereum challenging key resistance levels, Trader Tardigrade foresees a substantial upward move to the $18,000 milestone, representing a nearly 700% rally from current price levels. The chart shows that the altcoin is likely to reach this untouched level by the second half of next year.

Is ETH Taking Over The Crypto Market?

Trader Tardigrade’s forecast could be backed by the fact that the market is slowly shifting towards an Ethereum season. A look at the ETH/BTC chart reveals that Ethereum is gaining bullish momentum as the pair rebounds from its monthly support level of 0.018.

Additionally, ETH’s price is forming a Bull Flag formation on the daily chart. A bull flag formation is a technical pattern that typically precedes a continued upward trend, suggesting that the altcoin’s bullish run is not yet over. When ETH breaks out from the bull flag pattern, the expert hints at a huge spike in price to the $4,000 mark. 

Crypto analysts like Javon Marks have predicted a sustained uptrend after hitting this key level last seen in December last year. As indicators align toward a rally, Javon Marks believes the next target for the altcoin is $4,811. The expert anticipates another +78% upside from this zone, pushing ETH to $8,500 and beyond.

Featured image from Getty Images, chart from Tradingview.com

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Ethereum (ETH) is currently at a crossroads that could define its trajectory in the coming weeks. Renowned crypto analyst Michaël van de Poppe has shared a notably bullish perspective, highlighting Ethereum’s approach to its 2022 low as a potential springboard for a breakout.

In his analysis, Van de Poppe underscores the importance of Ethereum’s current positioning, suggesting that its proximity to last year’s low could be a catalyst for absorbing liquidity and igniting a bullish trend.

Analyst’ Ethereum Bullish Projection Amid Market Movements

Van de Poppe’s forecast hinges on the broader market context, particularly the potential approval of a spot Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF) in the US. Should this approval materialize, he anticipates a significant impact on the ETH/BTC trading pair, potentially leading to a liquidation candle – a sharp price movement.

Subsequently, Van de Poppe predicts a substantial shift in market dynamics with funds rotating into Ethereum. This move, he believes, will be accompanied by a “bullish weekly divergence,” setting Ethereum on an upward trajectory.

#Ethereum approaches the low of 2022 and is likely going to take the liquidity there.

If an ETF approval for #Bitcoin happens, I think we’ll have a liquidation candle on ETH/BTC and after that a rotation into Ethereum, combined with a bullish weekly divergence. pic.twitter.com/kGq91S7kq9

— Michaël van de Poppe (@CryptoMichNL) January 9, 2024

Meanwhile, Ethereum appears to be struggling to catch up with Bitcoin’s price performance. It recently surpassed the $2,300 mark, echoing Bitcoin’s surge above $47,000 – its highest since April 2022.

However, Ethereum has seen a slight retracement and is currently trading around $2,249. This slight dip comes amid a week when the asset experienced a 5.8% decline, contrasting with its significant trading volume surge from $13 billion last Tuesday to over $23 billion today.

Upward Swing With Potential Spot Bitcoin ETF Approval

The critical factor in Van de Poppe’s analysis is the potential approval of a spot Bitcoin ETF in the US. The market is on edge, with major players like BlackRock leading the spot ETF race alongside others like Grayscale Investments, Valkyrie, and ARK 21Shares.

These firms have recently submitted updated 19b-4 filings for their proposed Bitcoin ETFs, with the market sentiment heavily leaning towards a positive outcome.

BlackRock just re-filed their S-1 based on last min comments given yesterday. Hard to tell what has changed at first glance, but imp thing is that the unheard of 24hr turnaround time bt filing, comments and re-filing tells us all parties aiming to get this show on road pronto. pic.twitter.com/61cPtGJ4Oy

— Eric Balchunas (@EricBalchunas) January 9, 2024

BlackRock, in particular, has stirred significant optimism in this spot Bitcoin ETF race. With an approval decision expected by January 10, tomorrow, such a development could bolster Bitcoin and catalyze a fund rotation into Ethereum.

Van de Poppe isn’t alone in his bullish stance on Ethereum. Crypto Tony, another prominent crypto analyst, shares a similar outlook. Tony posits that Ethereum’s path to a bullish phase could commence if it maintains above the key level of $2,130.

Currently trading above this crucial point, Ethereum’s stability at or above this level is considered a sign of market strength, potentially paving the way for future gains. Furthermore, a push towards and above the $2,500 mark could significantly bolster Ethereum’s bullish momentum, as highlighted by Crypto Tony.

$ETH / $USD – Update

The ETH range is simple. Remain above $2,130 and we are bullish .. Reclaim the range high at $2,500 and we are really bullish pic.twitter.com/YKOph2YbRY

— Crypto Tony (@CryptoTony__) January 8, 2024

Featured image from Unsplash, Chart from TradingView

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