Bitcoin is now facing a crucial test as macroeconomic uncertainty continues to drive the entire market down. Investors remain cautious, with fears of further downside as economic instability weighs on risk assets. Bitcoin is currently testing the last line of defense bulls have to try to spark a recovery rally. This level could determine whether BTC can regain momentum or if further losses are on the horizon.
Since its all-time high back in January, Bitcoin has dropped 25%, highlighting the growing weakness in price action and the mounting pressure on bullish momentum. Sentiment has shifted, and bulls have struggled to hold support amid growing concerns over interest rates, inflation, and market-wide volatility.
Top analyst Axel Adler shared insights on X, revealing key observations about the Bitcoin futures market. According to Adler, after reaching an all-time high, bears traditionally become more active by opening short positions. In the current bullish cycle, the most intense pressure was observed immediately after the new ATH was set. However, that pressure is now showing signs of weakening.
Adler also notes that there has been a qualitative shift in the nature of trading. Bitcoin’s futures market behavior is evolving, marking a new phase in this cycle.
Bitcoin Holds $81K Support As Bulls Struggle to Reclaim Momentum
Bitcoin bulls are under pressure as they struggle to reclaim the $85,000 level, a key resistance zone that must be broken to spark a meaningful recovery. For now, BTC is holding above the $81,000 support level, but price action remains fragile. The next few days will be critical, as bulls must defend this support to avoid a breakdown. A failure to hold $81K could trigger a sharp drop below the $80K mark and accelerate downside momentum.
The broader financial environment continues to lean bearish, with growing macroeconomic instability weighing heavily on markets. Ongoing trade war tensions, fueled by U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent tariff announcements, have created a tense global backdrop. Risk appetite is fading, and Bitcoin, like other high-volatility assets, is caught in the crossfire.
Adler’s insights note that while sell pressure is showing signs of weakening, there has been a qualitative shift in how Bitcoin trades. With Wall Street now gaining easier access to BTC through ETFs, the cryptocurrency has become more influenced by macroeconomic factors than ever before.
Bitcoin is now deeply integrated into the traditional financial system and reacts more directly to the same variables that drive classical financial markets — including Fed interest rate decisions, inflation data, and global geopolitical developments. As this dependency increases, Bitcoin’s price is becoming more sensitive to external economic shifts, limiting the independence it once had as a non-correlated asset.
As the market awaits direction, all eyes remain on the $81K support and $85K resistance levels. Whether bulls can reclaim momentum or bears take full control will shape Bitcoin’s next major move in this increasingly macro-driven environment.
Price Action: Bulls Defend Critical Support
Bitcoin is trading at $82,000 after several days of intense selling pressure that have pushed the market to a fragile point. This level now stands as a critical line of defense for bulls, who must hold it to prevent a deeper breakdown. Price action remains weak, and momentum has clearly shifted in favor of the bears.
To shift the trend, bulls need to reclaim the $86,500 mark — a key zone aligned with both the 200-day moving average (MA) and the 200-day exponential moving average (EMA). These indicators have historically acted as strong resistance and support during major market phases. A breakout above this area would signal renewed strength and could trigger a strong push toward higher levels.
However, if Bitcoin fails to hold current demand around $82K, the risk of further downside grows significantly. Losing this support would likely confirm a continuation of the broader downtrend that began in January, putting lower demand zones back in play.
With market sentiment leaning bearish and volatility rising, BTC’s ability to hold or break this level will define its short-term direction. The next few sessions are crucial for bulls to step in and regain control.
Featured image from Dall-E, chart from TradingView
