Bitcoin Price Remains Range-Bound as Consolidation Holds at $87,000
Bitcoin’s price failed to break out on Christmas Eve, instead continuing to trade sideways and consolidate around the $87,000 region. Despite multiple attempts to regain higher levels, the cryptocurrency has been unable to reclaim the critical resistance zone of $90,000 on a closing basis. This ongoing rejection has reinforced a broader high-time-frame range, keeping Bitcoin locked in rotational behavior rather than directional movement.
A key factor contributing to this range-bound behavior is the major resistance near $90,000, which remains unbroken and is reinforced by multiple technical confluences. Bitcoin trades within a high-time-frame range between $97,500 and $80,500, with the loss of $85,500 support potentially opening up downside risk toward the $80,500 range low. The current consolidation phase is primarily defined by a well-established resistance zone near the Point of Control (POC), which aligns closely with high-time-frame resistance around $90,000 and the 0.618 Fibonacci retracement from the recent corrective leg.
Technical Analysis and Key Points
From a technical perspective, the cluster of technical confluence near $90,000 has repeatedly rejected price, preventing any sustained upside continuation. Each rejection from this region has resulted in price rotating lower, reinforcing the notion that sellers remain active and buyers lack the conviction needed to reclaim control. The $85,500 level now serves as a key inflection point, with a decisive loss of this support potentially shifting the short-term bias to the downside and opening up the probability of a deeper corrective move toward the $80,500 range low.
BTCUSDT (4H) Chart, Source: TradingView
A bullish resolution would require Bitcoin to reclaim the $90,000 resistance zone, establish acceptance above the Point of Control, and hold that region on a closing basis. Without these signals, upside moves risk being rejected as part of ongoing consolidation, a scenario consistent with expectations that Bitcoin may trade sideways into 2026 as ETF inflows normalize. Conversely, a bearish resolution would involve a clean break below $85,500, followed by acceptance at lower prices, potentially accelerating toward the lower boundary of the range as liquidity is taken out below interim supports.
What to Expect from Bitcoin Price Action
Bitcoin is likely to remain range-bound between $97,500 and $80,500 as long as resistance near $90,000 caps price and $85,500 holds as support. A decisive break above or below this range will determine the next major directional move. As the cryptocurrency market continues to evolve, it’s essential to stay informed about the latest developments and trends. For more information and analysis, visit Crypto News and stay up-to-date on the latest Bitcoin price movements and market insights.
