Bitcoin Price Holds Near $90,000: New Year BTC USD Rally Fades Below Key Resistance
After a brief New Year rally, Bitcoin struggled to build on its early momentum. Prices climbed early in the week but stalled below $94,800 on Monday before drifting lower, as per a report. At the time of writing, Bitcoin is trading around 90,453.21, still unable to reclaim the $95,000 level that has acted as firm resistance since the sharp sell-off in October, as per a Bitcoin Sistemi report.
Why Bitcoin Is Struggling to Break the $95,000 Resistance
Investor sentiment has remained restrained as several uncertainties continue to weigh on the market. Tariffs remain on the political agenda in Washington, questions linger around the future of the Federal Reserve chairmanship, and developments in cryptocurrency regulation are being closely watched.
Adding to the uncertainty, the US Supreme Court did not issue its anticipated ruling on Friday regarding the legality of tariffs imposed by US president Donald Trump. Combined with ETF flow dynamics and ongoing geopolitical concerns, these factors have left Bitcoin stuck in what many describe as a “wait mode,” as per the Bitcoin Sistemi report.
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Jake Ostrovskis, head of over-the-counter trading at Wintermute, said that, “Following a strong start to 2026, we’re seeing a classic post-rally consolidation,” as quoted by Bitcoin Sistemi.
At the same time, stronger-than-expected economic data has cooled expectations for further interest rate cuts, which has limited Bitcoin’s ability to push higher. The shift in macro sentiment has kept the price well below its October peak of more than $126,000. CoinShares head of research James Butterfill said that, “Macro data is generally stronger than expected. This is somewhat reducing the likelihood of a rate cut in March, putting downward pressure on prices in the short term,” as quoted by Bitcoin Sistemi.
Analysts View Bitcoin’s Sideways Move as Healthy Consolidation
Still, some analysts see the current slowdown as a healthy development. Brian Vieten, senior research analyst in digital assets and blockchain at Siebert Financial, said that, “Bitcoin is consolidating around $90,000 after a prolonged sell-off driven by concerns about realizing tax losses and the possibility of MSCI delisting digital asset treasury companies. That risk has now dissipated, and the selling pressure has largely subsided,” as quoted by Bitcoin Sistemi.
MSCI Decision Eases Selling Pressure on Bitcoin
MSCI confirmed this week that it would not proceed with removing digital asset treasury companies, explaining that they function more like mutual funds.
Bitcoin Outlook 2026: Can BTC Reclaim Six-Figure Prices
Looking beyond the near term, longer-term optimism remains intact. Butterfill said Bitcoin could reach $200,000 by the end of the year. Ostrovskis added that a decisive move above $95,000 could reignite buying activity, noting that a sustained breakout above that level could push Bitcoin back into six-figure territory, as per the Bitcoin Sistemi report.
FAQs
How much is Bitcoin down so far in 2026?
Bitcoin is down about 2% since the start of the year.
What price level is acting as strong resistance?
The $95,000 level has been a key resistance since October.