This week started again with the consolidation of bitcoin below the psychologically important level of $90,000. There are chances to climb, but for this the volume must grow.
It is no coincidence that the relative strength index (RSI) is at 46, reflecting indecision rather than enthusiasm, while the moving average convergence/divergence level (MACD) at -1561 deviates more from the neutral values of other oscillators.
The 10-period exponential moving average (EMA) and Simple moving Average (SMA) support the current price, but 20-, 30-, 50-, 100- and the 200-day moving averages have settled above current levels, forming a phalanx of resistance.
Daily BTC/USD chart from Bitstamp on December 21, 2025
If you look at the 4-hour chart, the short-term history of bitcoin resembles a recovery with partial losses. After the sharp drop in price on December 18 from $90,317 to $84,398, bitcoin is slowly recovering, reaching higher and higher highs and lows.
This structured rebound, currently testing the supply zone from $88,500 to $90,000, is not accompanied by strong trading volume, which indicates a lack of confidence among traders.
The stochastic oscillator at 39 and the Commodity Channel Index (CCI) at -47 provide traders with more room for interpretation.
Bitstamp's 4-hour BTC/USD chart for December 21, 2025
At the hourly level, bitcoin is in a consolidation pattern, trading in a narrow range between $88,000 and $89,000. The wonderful oscillator at -1590 and the momentum indicator at -3804 add some gloom to the picture, hinting at the lack of momentum.
The low trading volume makes a break above $89,500 unlikely. Without market activity, movement in the micro-range will continue.
BTC/USD hourly chart from Bitstamp for December 21, 2025
Structurally, bitcoin has a basis for a bullish trend, but it lacks the power to demonstrate it. The upper lows are encouraging, and the support at $86,000 acts as a solid barrier. This situation favors patient strategies rather than impulsive actions.