This week began again with Bitcoin consolidating below the psychologically important $90,000 level. There’s still a chance for a rally, but volume will need to increase for that to happen.
It is no coincidence that the Relative Strength Index (RSI) is at 46, reflecting indecision rather than enthusiasm, while the Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) level at -1561 deviates more from the neutral values of the other oscillators.
The 10-period exponential moving average (EMA) and simple moving average (SMA) are supporting the current price, but the 20-, 30-, 50-, 100- and 200-day moving averages are above current levels, forming a phalanx of resistance.
BTC/USD Daily Chart from Bitstamp as of December 21, 2025
A closer look at the 4-hour chart reveals Bitcoin’s short-term history resembles a recovery with some losses being pared back. Following the sharp price drop on December 18 from $90,317 to $84,398 Bitcoin is slowly recovering, reaching ever greater highs and lows.
This structured rebound, now testing the supply zone between $88,500 and $90,000, is not accompanied by strong trading volume, indicating a lack of confidence among traders.
The Stochastic Oscillator at 39 and the Commodity Channel Index (CCI) at -47 give traders more room for interpretation.
4-hour chart of BTC/USD from Bitstamp as of December 21, 2025
At the hourly level Bitcoin is in a consolidation pattern, trading in a tight range between $88,000 and $89,000. A wonderful oscillator at -1590 and a momentum indicator at -3804 add some gloom to the picture, hinting at a lack of momentum.
Low trading volume makes a breakout above $89,500 unlikely. Without market activity, price action in the micro-range will continue.
BTC/USD Hourly Chart from Bitstamp as of December 21, 2025
Structurally, Bitcoin has the foundation for a bullish trend, but it lacks the momentum to demonstrate it. The high lows are encouraging, and support at $86,000 acts as a solid barrier. This situation favors patient strategies over impulsive moves.
Bitcoin Price Change Over 24 Hours. Data from CoinGecko