Bitcoin's resilience at key support levels is sparking renewed optimism among traders, as the cryptocurrency continues to demonstrate strength in a potentially transformative market phase. According to Michaël van de Poppe, a prominent crypto analyst, Bitcoin has successfully held above the crucial support at $86,500, allowing it to grind upwards steadily. This development comes at a time when the US markets are yet to open, suggesting that the real momentum could build once traditional trading hours commence. For traders eyeing Bitcoin price movements, this hold above $86.5K is significant, as it prevents a deeper correction and sets the stage for challenging higher resistance levels. Breaking through these barriers could stack the arguments in favor of a run towards $100,000, a psychological milestone that has long been anticipated in the crypto community. Whether this surge materializes this month or the next, the analyst assumes a test of this level is imminent within the coming weeks, providing ample trading opportunities for those positioned in BTC/USD pairs or futures contracts.

Altcoins' Role in the Emerging Bull Market

As Bitcoin builds momentum, the spotlight shifts to altcoins and their potential to outperform the market leader. The key question for traders is how altcoins will perform during this period—will they surpass Bitcoin's gains or lag behind? According to the analysis, rather than viewing recent rallies as mere bear market rebounds, there's a strong case that the cryptocurrency industry is at the dawn of a genuine bull market following nearly four years of bearish conditions. This perspective is crucial for portfolio diversification strategies, where altcoins like ETH, SOL, or emerging tokens could see amplified volatility and upside potential. Traders should monitor trading volumes across major pairs such as ETH/BTC or altcoin/USDT, as increased on-chain activity and adoption metrics could signal outperformance. For instance, if altcoins begin to decouple positively from Bitcoin, it might indicate broader market participation, driving institutional flows into decentralized finance (DeFi) and non-fungible token (NFT) sectors. This bull market thesis is bolstered by the industry's progress in adoption over the past few years, positioning it for a significant run that could redefine trading landscapes.

Trading Strategies Amid Bitcoin's Push to $100K

From a trading-focused viewpoint, the current setup offers concrete opportunities to capitalize on Bitcoin's trajectory. With support firmly established at $86.5K as of December 22, 2025, traders can look for entry points on dips towards this level, using it as a bounce zone for long positions. Resistance levels to watch include immediate hurdles around $90,000 to $95,000, where profit-taking might occur, but a decisive break could accelerate the move to $100K. Incorporating market indicators like the Relative Strength Index (RSI) and Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD), which have shown bullish crossovers in recent sessions, can help validate entries. On-chain metrics, such as rising transaction volumes and active addresses, further support this upward grind, suggesting sustained buying pressure. For altcoins, pairing them with Bitcoin dominance charts is essential; a declining BTC dominance could herald an altseason, where tokens outperform by 2x or more. Risk management remains paramount—set stop-losses below $86.5K to mitigate downside, and consider leveraged trades on platforms with high liquidity to maximize gains during volatility spikes.

The broader implications of this potential bull market extend to cross-market correlations, particularly with stock markets. As US markets open, any positive sentiment from equities could spill over into crypto, enhancing Bitcoin's upward momentum. Institutional investors, drawn by recent adoption trends, are likely to fuel this rally, with inflows into Bitcoin ETFs and altcoin funds potentially reaching new highs. Traders should also eye macroeconomic factors, such as interest rate decisions, which could influence risk appetite. In summary, this phase represents a pivotal moment for the crypto industry, transitioning from bearish stagnation to bullish expansion. By focusing on these price levels, support zones, and altcoin dynamics, traders can navigate the market with informed strategies, positioning themselves for substantial returns as Bitcoin tests $100K and beyond.

Overall, the narrative underscores a shift towards optimism, with Bitcoin's hold at $86.5K serving as a foundation for growth. Altcoins' performance will be a litmus test for the bull market's strength, potentially leading to diversified trading portfolios. As the industry leverages years of adoption efforts, the stage is set for a big run, making now an opportune time for strategic positioning in cryptocurrency markets.