Bitcoin at $85K is ‘Focal Point’ for Traders As Markets Eyes Breakout

Moses Kimathi
By Moses Kimathi 5 Min Read
Bitcoin price prediction analysis

Bitcoin (BTC) is stuck between $82,000 and $84,000, with liquidity piling above $85,000. Analysts suggest a breakout is nearing.

Bitcoin holds a tight range, but pressure builds

BTC remains locked in a consolidation phase, with market sentiment oscillating between caution and anticipation. The cryptocurrency has struggled to break free from its current range between $82,000 and $84,000, with liquidity clustering above $85,000.

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Bitcoin price
Source: Ali Martinez/X

According to analyst Ali Martinez, BTC continues to trade within a triangle pattern, showing no decisive break of support or resistance. This lack of momentum has kept traders on edge, especially as historical patterns suggest a major move could be approaching.

“Don’t get caught in the volatility!” Ali warned in a post on X, reinforcing the uncertainty surrounding BTC’s next move.

Liquidity buildup hints at a decisive move

Market liquidity is stacking up above $85,000, raising speculation that Bitcoin could be gearing up for a breakout. Data from Ufo Calls suggests that this level has become a focal point for traders.

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BTC liquidation heatmap reveals key resistance zones. Source: Ufo
BTC liquidation heatmap reveals key resistance zones. Source: Ufo/X

“All the liquidity of $BTC is stacking up above $85K. Time to grab that,” Ufo Calls posted, indicating that traders may be positioning for a potential surge.

Historical trends support this possibility. Bitcoin has repeatedly consolidated in tight ranges before breaking out in major moves, as seen in past cycles. Analyst Rekt Capital pointed out similarities between BTC’s current price action and its June 2021 movement, which led to an all-time high in November of that year.

Bitcoin retests key support near $84K level. Source: Rekt Capital/X
Bitcoin retests key support near $84K level. Source: Rekt Capital/X

Bitcoin could soon see a substantial upside push if the pattern repeats, particularly if resistance levels give way.

Bitcoin Long-term holders strengthen their grip

Despite the short-term uncertainty, long-term holders continue to accumulate BTC. Data from Ali indicates that HODLers added 179,000 BTC in the past month, reinforcing confidence in the asset’s long-term trajectory.

Bitcoin long-term holders reach new all-time high. Source: Ali Martinez/X
Bitcoin long-term holders reach new all-time high. Source: Ali Martinez/X

“Long-term holders are stacking up!” Ali noted, emphasizing the ongoing accumulation trend.

This holding behavior aligns with past cycles, where steady accumulation often preceded major rallies. CryptoQuant’s analysis also shows that the 3-6 month UTXO age band is rising, a sign that investors are holding onto their coins rather than selling.

Technical setup points to $130K target

Bitcoin’s price structure has drawn attention to a cup-and-handle pattern historically associated with bullish breakouts. A recent TradingView analysis suggests that BTC could be on the verge of a major move, with price projections pointing above $130,000.

BTC forms cup and handle, eyes $130K target. Source: TradingView
BTC forms cup and handle, eyes $130K target. Source: TradingView

The pattern, which has been forming since 2021, saw Bitcoin complete its handle phase and rally to an all-time high of $108,786 in Jan. 2025. A correction followed, bringing BTC back to its neckline resistance, which now acts as support.

According to Elliott Wave analysis, Bitcoin is in the final stages of a fifth impulse wave. If the pattern holds, BTC could surge past $130,000 in the coming months. However, the market still lacks the momentum needed to reclaim $90,000, the first hurdle in confirming a breakout.

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ETF outflows remain a counterforce, as U.S.-based Bitcoin ETFs have seen continued withdrawals for five consecutive weeks. This selling pressure has contributed to BTC’s recent stagnation, limiting its ability to gain upward traction.

Fear index reflects mixed sentiment

The Bitcoin Fear and Greed Index currently stands at 32, indicating fear in the market. Crypto Cobra Official highlighted this data, signaling that traders remain cautious despite bullish technical indicators.

btc Fear & Greed Index drops to 32. Source: Crypto cobra official
Bitcoin Fear & Greed Index drops to 32. Source: Crypto cobra official

With liquidity building and historical patterns pointing toward a potential breakout, Bitcoin traders now face a critical juncture. The next move could be explosive if BTC can push past resistance and sustain momentum. However, continued ETF outflows and market hesitancy remain key factors to watch.

Moses Kimathi

Moses is an experienced freelance writer and analyst with a keen interest in how technology is disrupting the financial sector. He has written extensively on the subject of cryptocurrencies from an investment perspective, as well as from a technical standpoint. He has also been involved in trading cryptocurrencies for over two years.