Welcome to the US Crypto News Morning Briefing, your go-to source for today’s most significant cryptocurrency updates.
Pour yourself a cup of coffee because after a period of sideways movement, Bitcoin has surged back past the $90,000 threshold. A combination of technical breakouts, upcoming options expirations, and ETF-related activity is setting up what could be an exciting and bullish finish to the year for Bitcoin.
Today’s Crypto Highlights: Bitcoin Surpasses $90K Amid Technical Strength and Year-End Market Forces
Bitcoin has reclaimed levels above $90,000, sparking renewed optimism throughout the crypto sector as technical signals align with derivatives positioning and ETF flows during typically low liquidity at year-end.
This price action places Bitcoin at a pivotal juncture. Experts remain split between anticipating short-term fluctuations or expecting momentum to push prices toward six figures in the near future.
From a charting standpoint, momentum indicators are turning strongly positive. On daily charts, Bitcoin is breaking out from what was previously a descending triangle pattern evolving into a descending wedge—both considered bullish formations—as it holds above $90K.
In technical analysis terms, an upward breakout from such patterns often signals continuation rallies suggesting that Bitcoin may be embarking on sustained gains.
On-chain data also supports potential upside; notably, Bitcoin’s realized price—which measures the average cost basis of coins last moved—is significantly below current market prices indicating room for growth.
The realized price reflects where BTC was last transacted.
Current stats:
• BTC spot: $88K
• Realized Price: $56K
• 2× Realized (mid band): $112K
• 4× Realized (upper band): $225KHistorically resistance occurs near mid bands while cycle tops approach upper bands… pic.twitter.com/EimbsGkj8k
This historical context suggests that although BTC trades above its fair value estimate now, it remains distant from previous cycle highs typically found near upper valuation bands.
Nevertheless, short-term volatility risks loom large due to an impending major derivatives event. On Friday alone nearly half of Deribit’s open interest—roughly $24 billion worth in options contracts—is set to expire.
Huge BTC option expiry this Friday.
$24B expiring with calls outnumbering puts by 2.6x.
Watch “Max Pain” level around $96k — dealers might try pinning spot here causing losses for buyers.
Volatility expected especially during thin Christmas trading hours.pic.twitter.com/t1ZCEfGcGK
The CEO and co-founder of Coin Bureau Nic Pucrin warns that traders may attempt to anchor prices close to this max pain point ($96k), potentially triggering sharp swings amid low liquidity holiday sessions.
The influence of institutional investors through spot-based ETFs further shapes market sentiment. Glassnode reports strong inflows into these ETFs with average purchase prices hovering around $83K—adding fuel for year-end buying pressure.
Spot Bitcoin ETF Flows – Source: Glassnode
Citing these trends analyst Ran Neuner forecasts that bitcoin could end this year very close—or even surpass—the psychologically important milestone of $100k.
I’m still expecting a pump before year-end!
ETF buyers averaged ~$83k so many have incentives driving performance!
I anticipate closing very close or even above $100k soon enough!