Bitcoin’s Next Big Move: Savvy Traders Decode Volatility Signals for 2026

Bitcoin's price action is giving seasoned traders whiplash—and they're loving every minute of it. While retail investors panic-sell at every dip, the pros are mapping out the next major trajectory. Forget the noise; this is about reading the tape.

Reading Between the Candlesticks

Market structure tells the real story. Sharp corrections aren't crashes; they're liquidity events that flush out weak hands and set the stage for the next leg up. The smart money isn't watching the price—it's watching the order flow, funding rates, and derivatives data that retail largely ignores. It's a chess game, not a slot machine.

The Volatility Playbook

High volatility isn't a bug; it's a feature. For those with the stomach and the strategy, these swings create asymmetric opportunities that steady markets never could. It separates the tourists from the residents. After all, if you can't handle a 20% drawdown, you don't deserve the 200% rally—a classic Wall Street sentiment that somehow feels more honest here.

So, while mainstream finance tut-tuts about the 'risky' crypto markets, the real players are quietly building positions. The herd focuses on the 'what' of price moves. The savvy focus on the 'why' and the 'when.' Just remember, in a market this efficient at separating capital from the unprepared, the only free lunch is the one you bring yourself.

Bitcoin is striving to reclaim the $88,000 mark while an anticipated national address by Trump could impact market sentiments. Concurrently, Trump’s discussions with Waller regarding the Federal Reserve Chair position are underway, with an official decision likely within weeks. Meanwhile, a prominent cryptocurrency forecaster remains steadfast in bearish predictions, signaling potential turmoil in altcoins if proven accurate.

How Low Will Bitcoin Go?

High-stakes decisions, such as the Supreme Court ruling and MSCI’s reclassification of cryptocurrency holding companies as funds, along with a potential interest rate hike in Japan, are forecasted as major negative events for the cryptocurrency market in the upcoming month. Japan’s fiscal decision is expected on Friday, coinciding with this week’s U.S. inflation report release.

These factors, among others, have dampened risk appetite within the cryptocurrency sphere this week, resulting in bitcoin losing support at $88,000 as anticipated. Roman Trading predicted a minor rebound from the bottom yesterday, which proved correct, while the crypto forecaster reiterated a target of $76,000 today.

“Bull waves formed + low volume during the decline. I perfectly predicted this bounce point. However, I do not believe this will lead to anything serious. In the NEAR future, Bitcoin (BTC) will reach $76,000.”

Bitcoin (BTC) Projections

Mark Cullen posits that short liquidity centered around $95,000 will soon be cleared, forecasting an increase of about $8,000 from this region. However, before that occurs, there might be a minor clearing at $83,000. If Cullen’s scenario unfolds, the substantial short liquidity could propel the spot price above $98,000.

Cullen’s technical analysis predictions align with his broader market views. Recent sales saw BTC hitting the Fib golden zone of the upward movement. Cullen hopes for a rebound and a higher low from this point. Yet ongoing market challenges suggest that the low levels from late November might be revisited.

“With yesterday’s sales, BTC reached the Fib golden zone of the upward movement. I WOULD like to see a rebound and a higher low from here, but as pain continues, the lows at the end of November will likely be seen again.”

The upcoming U.S. inflation data on Thursday and Japan’s interest rate decision on Friday pose significant pressure points for cryptocurrencies. These developments support Mark’s short-term dip expectations within the market.