Bitcoin Bounce Fails to Shake Bearish Outlook

Bitcoin’s rebound early this week failed to convince traders that the bearish phase is over. While prices gapped higher on improved US–China sentiment, key indicators such as volume delta and momentum remain weak. With prices still capped below 120k, the broader bias stays tilted toward a corrective rally rather than a renewed uptrend.

View related analysis:

Bitcoin Bears Remain in Control Despite Short-Term Rebound

Last Thursday I warned of the potential for a short-covering bounce for bitcoin futures, given the notably bearish volume despite the lack of a bearish breakout. I argued the longer this persisted, the greater the odds of a bounce.

Well, the said bounce occurred following a bout of risk-on sentiment stemming from positive US–China trade deal headlines over the weekend. Yet despite the rise in prices, the 1-month cumulative volume delta (CVD) shows that offers (sell orders) continue to far outweigh bids (buy orders) for Bitcoin. Combined with bearish clues on higher timeframes, I suspect Bitcoin’s bounce is corrective — and that fresh lows could await.

Bitcoin (BTC/USD) Technical Analysis: Bitcoin vs US Dollar

The daily chart shows a gap higher from the 200-day EMA, driven by positive US–China headlines. However, the one-day rally stalled around the 50-day EMA on Monday, forming a small-range session followed by a spinning-top doji — signalling a lack of bullish follow-through from Bitcoin bulls.

The one-month cumulative volume delta (CVD) has turned marginally higher from very low levels, but overall Bitcoin bears appear unfazed by the minor rally. The daily RSI (14) remains below 50 and no bullish divergence has formed. Ultimately, I suspect upside potential could be limited, and bears may look to fade into any short-term rallies while prices remain below the 120k handle.

Note that the October VPOC currently sits around 111,700 near gap support, which may tempt bulls in the near term for another leg higher.

Chart analysis by Matt Simpson - data source: TradingView Bitcoin CME Futures (BTC1!)

Bitcoin’s Long-Term Charts Point to Fading Bull Momentum Below 120k

Price action on the higher timeframes suggests all is not well for Bitcoin bulls. While they clearly enjoyed a solid uptrend from the 2022 low to the 2025 high, the monthly chart shows increasingly choppy price action around the highs. In fact, we’re yet to see a monthly close above 120k, and Bitcoin futures are now on track to form a volatile spinning-top doji. To me, this favours bears looking to fade into false rallies within the upper wicks of the monthly chart.

The weekly chart shows that trading volumes have been trending lower as the bullish trend matured — another sign of bulls losing momentum. However, volumes spiked during the sell-off three weeks ago, suggesting bears are beginning to regain control.

The small inside week last week, combined with the fragile bullish bounce so far this week, also suggests bears may be waiting to fade into higher prices below 120k.

For comparison, a 32% decline from the record high would be in line with the prior two corrections, which implies a potential downside target near the March VPOC at 89,160. The 100k and 90k handles make logical interim targets for bearish traders.

Chart analysis by Matt Simpson - data source: TradingView Bitcoin CME Futures (BTC1!)

Crypto Correlations and Bearish Reversal Signals Across Major Altcoins

Looking at related crypto spot markets also points towards a lack of bullish appetite among traders.

Ethereum (ETH) has formed a 3-day bearish reversal (dark cloud cover) pattern around 4,200.
XRP remains in a tight consolidation range, with two inverted hammer candles rejecting the September low as resistance.
Solana (SOL) has also produced a dark cloud cover pattern near 200, forming a lower high beneath 210.
Dogecoin (DOGE) shows an evening star formation on the daily chart, suggesting a potential bearish continuation.
Litecoin (LTC) posted a bearish outside day and shooting star candle on Tuesday, closing back below 100.

Source: LSEG.

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-- Written by Matt Simpson

Follow Matt on Twitter @cLeverEdge

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