As the new year kicks off, Bitcoin enthusiasts and traders alike are eagerly watching the charts, with Bitcoin bulls setting their sights on the coveted $100,000 mark. The first full trading week of 2025 is already proving to be a rollercoaster, with BTC/USD teasing near all-time highs and the market buzzing with anticipation.

1. Bitcoin Bulls Eye $100K

The $100,000 milestone is more than just a psychological barrier—it's a significant liquidity zone that has traders on the edge of their seats. Bitcoin's recent strong weekly close has reignited hopes of hitting this six-figure target, drawing in liquidity and setting the stage for potential short squeezes. Market sentiment is mixed, with some traders seeing this as a natural progression in Bitcoin's bull run, while others remain cautious, wary of the volatility that often accompanies such pivotal price points.

The allure of $100K is not just technical; it's symbolic. Crossing into six-figure territory would mark a new chapter in Bitcoin's journey, solidifying its status as a mainstream asset. The liquidity at this level is ripe for the taking, and traders are gearing up for what could be a defining moment in Bitcoin's history.

2. Deeper Correction Fears Linger

Despite the optimism, caution is in the air. Some analysts warn of a potential "deeper correction," with the 21-Day Moving Average (SMA) acting as a critical support level. A dip below this threshold could trigger a cascade of sell-offs, potentially pushing Bitcoin back to the $76K range. The specter of a "Death Cross" on the daily chart—a technical pattern where a short-term moving average crosses below a long-term one—adds to the jitters, suggesting possible downside risk.

btc-usd-chart
BTC/USD 1-hour chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingView

However, not everyone is convinced of a bearish turn. Some traders argue that even if a correction occurs, it could be a healthy retracement, allowing the market to consolidate before the next leg up. The key, they say, is whether Bitcoin can maintain support above the 50-Day Moving Average, which could signal resilience and pave the way for a rebound.

BTC/USD 1-month chart. Source: Aksel Kibar/X
BTC/USD 1-month chart. Source: Aksel Kibar/X

3. $100K: The New Frontier

For Bitcoin traders, $100,000 is the ultimate battleground. It's a level loaded with psychological and technical significance, serving as a magnet for both bulls and bears. The liquidity at this boundary is substantial, making it a prime target for market movers looking to capitalize on volatility.

BTC/USDT liquidation heatmap for Binance. Source: CoinGlass/X
BTC/USDT liquidation heatmap for Binance. Source: CoinGlass/X

The journey to $100K is not just about price; it's about market dynamics. With liquidation levels clustering around this mark, the potential for a short squeeze or liquidity-hunting event is high. Traders are closely monitoring order books and trading volumes, looking for signs of a breakout or a breakdown.

BTC/USDT order book liquidity data for Binance. Source: Keith Alan/X
BTC/USDT order book liquidity data for Binance. Source: Keith Alan/X

4. Fed Minutes and Macroeconomic Jitters

As the macroeconomic calendar heats up, Bitcoin and other risk assets are bracing for potential turbulence. The release of the Federal Reserve's minutes and upcoming jobs report are key events that could sway market sentiment. Inflation concerns, coupled with rising unemployment, are fueling fears of "stagflation"—a scenario where economic growth stalls while inflation remains high.

Fed target rate probabilities. Source: CME Group
Fed target rate probabilities. Source: CME Group

The Federal Reserve's stance on interest rates is under the microscope. After a hawkish December meeting, expectations for rate cuts are dwindling, adding a layer of uncertainty to the market. Traders are keenly watching for any hints of policy shifts that could impact Bitcoin's trajectory.

5. Retail Investors Take a Breather

Retail investors, who played a crucial role in Bitcoin's previous rallies, appear to be taking a step back. Despite Bitcoin's price recovery, retail participation is waning, with transaction volumes associated with smaller investors declining. This retreat could be a double-edged sword—on one hand, it may signal caution, but on the other, it presents an opportunity for savvy traders to accumulate before the next surge.

Bitcoin retail investor volume 30-day change (screenshot). Source: CryptoQuant
Bitcoin retail investor volume 30-day change (screenshot). Source: CryptoQuant

Historically, a dip in retail interest often precedes a local bottom, providing a prime buying opportunity. As retail investors regroup, the market could be setting the stage for a renewed push higher, driven by institutional players and long-term holders.

STH profits hang in the balance as Bitcoin hovers near the $100,000 level

Short-term holders (STHs), defined as those holding Bitcoin for 155 days or less, find themselves at a critical juncture. Profitability for this group is hovering around breakeven, with the recent price action testing their resolve. The trip to $108,000 offered STHs significant returns, but the subsequent pullback has tempered expectations.

Bitcoin STH profitability (screenshot). Source: CryptoQuant
Bitcoin STH profitability (screenshot). Source: CryptoQuant

STH profits hang in the balance as Bitcoin hovers near the $100,000 level. A drop in profitability often signals weakening demand and bearish sentiment, but the current conditions suggest a complex interplay of factors. Reduced demand could lead to price corrections, but the broader market dynamics remain fluid.

Bitcoin investor profitability data. Source: CryptoQuant
Bitcoin investor profitability data. Source: CryptoQuant

In conclusion, Bitcoin's journey through 2025 is shaping to be exciting. With $100,000 in the spotlight, traders navigate a landscape of opportunities and challenges. Whether the bulls will triumph or the bears will seize control remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—the world of Bitcoin is never dull.

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