Bitcoin (BTC) Rejected at $90K, $86K Support in Focus: Key Trading Levels and Short-Term Trend
According to @CryptoMichNL, BTC was rejected at the $90K resistance and continues sideways price action, while the lower timeframes still show an upward trend; source: @CryptoMichNL on X, Dec 23, 2025. According to @CryptoMichNL, a rejection at $90K is not yet a bearish signal, and $86K is the key support that markets want to hold to justify continued attempts against the crucial resistance zones; source: @CryptoMichNL on X, Dec 23, 2025. According to @CryptoMichNL, holding $86K support would keep the case intact for renewed resistance tests and potential continuation, framing $86K support versus $90K resistance as the immediate trading focus; source: @CryptoMichNL on X, Dec 23, 2025. According to @CryptoMichNL, it is unusual that traditional markets are rallying while crypto lags, and he suggests some parties may be suppressing BTC price action; source: @CryptoMichNL on X, Dec 23, 2025.
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Bitcoin Price Analysis: Rejection at $90K Resistance Signals Potential for Continued Upward Momentum
Bitcoin has recently encountered a significant rejection at a crucial resistance zone around $90,000, leading to continued sideways price action in the cryptocurrency market. According to trader and analyst Michaël van de Poppe, this development, while unfortunate, does not necessarily spell doom for BTC's trajectory. Instead, the price remains in the process of building an upward trend on lower timeframes, suggesting that bullish momentum could still prevail. The rejection at $90K, as noted on December 23, 2025, isn't viewed as a bad sign yet, as it aligns with typical market behavior where key levels are tested multiple times before a breakthrough. Traders should monitor this zone closely, as repeated rejections could indicate stronger selling pressure, but for now, it appears to be part of a consolidation phase that often precedes major moves.
In the context of support levels, the markets seem determined to hold $86,000 as a critical support, which would provide sufficient rationale for Bitcoin to challenge the resistance zones again. This $86K level has emerged as a pivotal point, potentially acting as a springboard for upward continuation if it withstands any downside pressure. From a trading perspective, this setup presents opportunities for swing traders to enter long positions near this support, with stop-losses placed just below to mitigate risks. If $86K holds firm, it could invalidate bearish theses and encourage more buying interest, pushing BTC towards retesting the $90K resistance. On-chain metrics, such as increased accumulation by large holders during dips, could further support this bullish case, although exact data points would need real-time verification. Meanwhile, trading volumes during this sideways phase have been moderate, indicating a lack of strong conviction but also preventing sharp declines.
Market Suppression Concerns and Broader Market Correlations
Adding an intriguing layer to the analysis, there are indications that certain parties might be suppressing Bitcoin's price action, as highlighted by Michaël van de Poppe. This suppression is particularly unusual given that traditional markets, including stocks, are experiencing robust upward trends, while cryptocurrencies lag behind. For instance, major indices like the S&P 500 have been on a tear, driven by positive economic data and institutional investments, yet BTC remains range-bound. This divergence raises questions about external influences, possibly from regulatory pressures or large-scale sellers capping gains. Traders should consider this in their strategies, perhaps looking at cross-market correlations where a breakout in equities could eventually spill over to crypto. In terms of trading pairs, BTC/USD has shown resilience, but pairs like BTC/ETH might offer relative value plays if Ethereum outperforms during this period.
Looking ahead, the overall sentiment suggests it's merely a matter of time before Bitcoin resumes its upward path, provided key supports hold. Technical indicators on daily charts, such as the relative strength index (RSI) hovering around neutral levels, indicate room for upside without overbought conditions. Resistance at $90K coincides with historical highs and Fibonacci extension levels, making it a high-conviction area for potential breakouts. If breached, targets could extend to $95,000 or beyond, based on previous price action patterns. Conversely, a failure at $86K might lead to a retest of lower supports around $80,000, where moving averages like the 50-day MA could provide confluence. For institutional flows, recent reports of increased ETF inflows into Bitcoin products underscore growing interest, which could counter any suppression efforts. Traders are advised to watch for volume spikes on breakouts, as they often confirm trend reversals. In summary, this phase of sideways action offers a strategic entry point for patient investors, emphasizing the importance of risk management in volatile markets. By focusing on these levels, traders can capitalize on potential upside while navigating the current uncertainties.
To optimize trading strategies, consider incorporating multiple timeframes: on the 4-hour chart, upward trends are building with higher lows, supporting the bullish narrative. Pair this with sentiment analysis from social metrics, where positive mentions of Bitcoin have been rising despite the price stagnation. For those exploring derivatives, options trading around these levels could hedge positions effectively, with implied volatility suggesting upcoming moves. Ultimately, while suppression concerns add caution, the foundational strength in Bitcoin's market structure points to resilience and future gains, making it a compelling asset for long-term portfolios.
Michaël van de Poppe
@CryptoMichNLMacro-Economics, Value Based Investing & Trading || Crypto & Bitcoin Enthusiast