Bitcoin (BTC) is trading steadily above the $91,000 level as markets enter December—a month that has historically delivered some of Bitcoin’s strongest returns.
As of press time, BTC trades near $91,379, according to Brave New Coin data, with traders monitoring whether seasonal trends and improving equity sentiment can support a stronger recovery.
Bitcoin Holds Firm Above $91K Amid Weekend Volatility
Bitcoin’s resilience above $91K comes during a period of typically thin weekend liquidity. Historically, weekend trading often magnifies volatility due to lower participation from institutional desks.
Bitcoin pushes into major resistance as the familiar Sunday pump pattern kicks in once again. Source: @TedPillows via X
Market analyst Ted (@TedPillows) noted a familiar setup: “$BTC is moving into a major resistance zone again… It seems like the Sunday pump has started.”
Based on recent order-book behavior observed on Binance, BTC’s weekend moves have shown rapid liquidity vacuum spikes that often reverse when broader markets reopen. A 2019 USENIX study analyzing 400+ coordinated pump events also found that sudden weekend surges tend to fade as trading volumes normalize on Mondays.
This pattern has resurfaced several times in 2024–2025, fueling debate among traders about whether the current rise reflects healthy accumulation or another short-lived liquidity sweep.
Market sentiment remains fragile. The Fear & Greed Index sits at 28, highlighting sustained caution following a 30% correction earlier this quarter. However, analysts from Glassnode note that no “cycle-top signals”—such as extreme funding, overheated leverage, or parabolic spot premiums—have appeared, suggesting the market still has room to recover if volume strengthens.
Historical December Rallies Return to the Spotlight
Seasonality has become a key theme heading into December. Ted added that “$BTC usually pumps after Thanksgiving,” supported by holiday-driven liquidity inflows, tax positioning, and year-end portfolio adjustments.
Bitcoin often rallies after Thanksgiving, with December historically delivering a 10%–20% surge when stock markets strengthen. Source: @TedPillows via X
Long-term data from TradingView and Glassnode support this view. Between 2010 and 2024, Bitcoin posted average December gains of roughly 20%–22%, with several standout years:
2014: +18%
2015: +21%
2016: +83%
2017: +51%
That said, the trend is not guaranteed: 2018 delivered a –37% decline amid tightening macro liquidity and risk aversion.
This year’s macro backdrop is mixed. The S&P 500 closed November up roughly 2%–3%, according to Bloomberg data. Historically, stronger equity performance correlates with increased risk appetite across digital assets, potentially helping BTC and major spot Bitcoin ETFs attract inflows.
ETF flow data from Farside Investors shows modest but steady inflows into leading spot Bitcoin products from BlackRock and Fidelity throughout November.
Technical Structure Shows Strength, but Major Barriers Remain
Recent BTC price action points to controlled accumulation, with the price holding a tight range between $90,278 and $91,510. This stability, supported by steady market cap levels near $1.82 trillion, suggests that buyers are gradually regaining confidence after weeks of elevated volatility.
Bitcoin holds steady above $91K with strong accumulation and rising momentum but still must break the $92K–$93.5K resistance to confirm a true trend reversal. Source: dgfacpe on TradingView
TradingView analyst dgfacpe noted that recent intraday volume profiles reflect consistent bids in lower ranges, helping BTC maintain this consolidation phase.
However, several major resistance levels remain firmly in place. The zone between $93,000 and $93,800 continues to cap upside attempts, evidenced by a sharp rejection at $93,091 earlier in the week. To transition from recovery to a confirmed reversal, Bitcoin must reclaim the $92,000–$93,500 breakdown area from early November. Until that happens, the structure remains constructive but cautious, leaving the market vulnerable to renewed pullbacks.
Looking Ahead: Cautious Optimism as December Begins
Bitcoin enters December with a cautiously optimistic tone, supported by resilient demand in the $90,000 zone and a series of higher lows that signal a strengthening trend structure. ETF inflows and broader improvements in equity markets also support the possibility that BTC could replicate some of its historical December strength. The market appears to be stabilizing, though traders remain sensitive to macroeconomic shifts.
Bitcoin was trading at around 91,379, up 0.73% in the last 24 hours at press time. Source: Bitcoin price via Brave New Coin
Still, Bitcoin must overcome several key technical and psychological levels before a new rally can begin. A breakout above $93,500 remains the most important confirmation signal for short-term bullish continuation. Without this breakout, BTC is likely to remain range-bound or risk slipping back toward support at $88,000. For now, disciplined accumulation and improving sentiment support a slow grind higher, but volatility could reappear as year-end flows intensify.