Bitcoin continues to grapple with the psychological $100,000 milestone, failing to break above this critical resistance after a retrace from all-time highs. This prolonged stagnation has sparked discussions about a potential correction or deeper retrace as the market awaits confirmation of Bitcoin’s next major move. Both analysts and investors are closely monitoring the situation, eager to discern whether the cryptocurrency will rally to new heights or succumb to selling pressure.
Adding fuel to these concerns, renowned analyst Maartunn recently highlighted alarming on-chain activity. Over 8,000 BTC, aged between five and seven years, have moved on-chain, raising questions about long-term holders’ intentions. Historically, such movements have often preceded market shifts, with increased selling pressure signaling potential weakness.
The activity from these seasoned wallets could reflect fading confidence or profit-taking, keeping Bitcoin subdued under the $100K threshold. While bulls and bears remain locked in a battle for dominance, this significant metric underscores the growing uncertainty. As Bitcoin’s trajectory hangs in the balance, market participants brace for clarity on whether this pivotal level will eventually transform into solid support—or mark the start of a downward correction.
Smart Money Moving Bitcoin
Since early December, Bitcoin has entered a prolonged consolidation phase, struggling to establish clear momentum in either direction. Recent on-chain data suggests that whale activity is playing a pivotal role in keeping the price suppressed. According to top analyst Maartunn, a familiar entity—an old Bitcoin whale—has resurfaced, making significant moves that could influence the market’s trajectory.
Maartunn emphasizes that the movement of more than 8,000 BTC echoes a pattern seen just 10 days ago. At that time, the same whale reportedly shifted more than 72,000 BTC in total since the consolidation phase began. This whale, often referred to as “smart money,” has been active like never before, signaling strategic positioning rather than impulsive selling.
The implications of this activity are profound. As long as this whale continues to offload BTC, the selling pressure could hold Bitcoin below key psychological levels, extending the current consolidation period for a few more weeks. However, this accumulation and redistribution phase could set the stage for a massive rally once the activity subsides.
Analysts interpret this as a period of preparation by seasoned market participants, suggesting that when the dust settles, Bitcoin might experience a powerful upward breakout.
BTC Above Key Demand Level
Bitcoin is currently trading at $95,000 after managing to hold above the critical $92,000 support level. Despite bears maintaining control over the market in recent weeks, they have been unable to break through the key demand zones at $92,000 and $90,000. These levels have acted as a strong base, preventing further downside and signaling resilience among buyers.
If Bitcoin continues to defend these crucial levels, it could pave the way for a swift challenge to its all-time high (ATH). Holding above $92,000 would reinforce bullish sentiment and attract renewed interest from traders and institutional investors eyeing the psychological $100,000 milestone.
However, the path ahead is far from guaranteed. A failed attempt to reclaim $100,000 could signal exhaustion among buyers, potentially triggering a deeper correction. Such a scenario might see Bitcoin revisiting lower support zones as market participants reassess their strategies.
The coming weeks will be critical for Bitcoin’s trajectory. Whether it rallies to new heights or faces a significant retrace will depend on its ability to hold key levels and overcome the psychological barriers that have kept it below $100K. Investors are watching closely, anticipating Bitcoin’s next decisive move.
Featured image from Dall-E, chart from TradingView
