BTC Rally Stalls for Now

Bitcoin prices remain softer this week with the futures market down from the fresh record highs printed last week. BTC surged to highs of just above the $100k mark before selling kicked in to take price down to current levels around mid 96s.  With many linking the current decline to profit taking automated selling as BTC tests $100k for the first time, the outlook remains bullish for now and price continues to hold just below the level.

Near-Term Risks

The near-term risk is that failure at the $100k mark forms a double top formation, suggesting room for a correction lower. Indeed, recent price action can also be viewed as a sloping head and shoulders pattern, another bearish technical pattern. As such, while price remains below $100k, risks of a correction lower are growing. This view is further endorsed by strong bearish divergence in momentum studies readings.

Institutional Demand

Bitcoin institutional demand has calmed for now. Following a record $3.2 billion in crypto ETF inflows over the prior week, last week saw just $.4 billion, with price action so far this week suggesting that figure will be weaker still, potentially even turning to net outflows this week.

Bullish Medium-Term View

Still, while there is room for consolidation and correction near-term, the broader outlook remains bullish for BTC. Traders ware widely expectant of a fresh run higher early next year as Trump takes office and easier conditions for the crypto sector start to take shape.

Technical Views

BTC

The failure at $100k is an important technical signal here with the potential for both a double top and head and sloping head and shoulders pattern suggesting bearish risks. In terms of support level to watch, 93,580 and 91,025 are the key areas to monitor with 86,645 the deeper level to note if we start to really unwind. Topside, bulls need a break above current higher to revive momentum.