|

Bitcoin price analysis: Why BTC/USD needs to consolidate the gains?

  • Bitcoin remains relatively bullish amid the calls for consolidation.
  • The immediate upside is hampered by the 50 SMA and the resistance at $9,500.

Bitcoin price was extremely volatile towards the end of last week. While the volatility led to a resurface above $10,500 on some cryptocurrency exchanges, it also caused a breakdown back to $9,000. Besides, the recovery attempt to break past $10,000 resistance failed on Monday.

The price action is relatively bullish on Tuesday as Bitcoin opened the trading session at $9,221 and touched a high of $9,317. Although the crypto also corrected lower to $9,210 (intraday low), it has adjusted to the last price of $9,283.

Bitcoin price is entering an important phase of consolidation between $9,000 and $9,500. This is essential in order to establish key support areas and gather strength to assault higher resistance zones. The immediate upside is capped by the 50 Simple Moving average on the one-hour chart while the 100 SMA is in line to provide support at $9,000.

The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) has settled into a horizontal movement around the mean line (0.00). This shows the tendency of the price to trend sideways. Besides, the Relative Strength Index (RSI) is ranging at 44. Both of these indicators put a lot of emphasis on a possible long-lasting sideways trading trend.

BTC/USD one-hour chart

Author

John Isige

John Isige

FXStreet

John Isige is a seasoned cryptocurrency journalist and markets analyst committed to delivering high-quality, actionable insights tailored to traders, investors, and crypto enthusiasts. He enjoys deep dives into emerging Web3 tren

More from John Isige
Share:

Markets move fast. We move first.

Orange Juice Newsletter brings you expert driven insights - not headlines. Every day on your inbox.

By subscribing you agree to our Terms and conditions.

Editor's Picks

Crypto market outlook for 2026

Year 2025 was volatile, as crypto often is.  Among positive catalysts were favourable regulatory changes in the U.S., rise of Digital Asset Treasuries (DAT), adoption of AI and tokenization of Real-World-Assets (RWA).

Sberbank issues Russia's first corporate loan backed by Bitcoin

Russia's largest bank Sberbank launched the country's first Bitcoin-backed corporate loan to miner Intelion Data. The pilot deal uses cryptocurrency as collateral through Sberbank's proprietary Rutoken custody solution.

Bitcoin recovers to $87,000 as retail optimism offsets steady ETF outflows

Bitcoin (BTC) trades above $88,000 at press time on Tuesday, following a rejection at $90,000 the previous day. Institutional support remains mixed amid steady outflow from US spot BTC Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) and Strategy Inc.’s acquisition of 1,229 BTC last week.

Traders split over whether lighter’s LIT clears $3 billion FDV after launch

Lighter’s LIT token has not yet begun open trading, but the market has already drawn a sharp line around its valuation after Tuesday's airdrop.

Orange Juice Newsletter – Smart insights by real people. Every day.

A free newsletter highlighting key market trends to help traders stay a step ahead. Daily insights on the most relevant trading topics, compiled by our experts in an easy-to-read format so you never miss an important move.

Bitcoin: Fed delivers, yet fails to impress BTC traders

Bitcoin (BTC) continues de trade within the recent consolidation phase, hovering around $92,000 at the time of writing on Friday, as investors digest the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) cautious December rate cut and its implications for risk assets.