Key Insights
- According to analysts, Bitcoin now needs a late rally to avoid a red yearly close.
- Analysts say that selling pressure has dropped since November, and Bitcoin is doing well.
- The cryptocurrency’s price action remains stuck in a narrow December range.
Related: Bitcoin Price Analysis 2026
Year-End Outlook
This Bitcoin year-end price outlook analysis examines whether BTC can rally 6.24% to close above its $93,374 yearly open with only days remaining, as analyst Nic Puckrin warns a red close would mark the first post-halving year to end lower. After dropping nearly 30% from October’s $125,000 high to a November low near $80,000, Bitcoin trades below its 365-day moving average while mixed signals show selling pressure easing but fresh demand remaining thin, creating uncertainty about whether 2026 brings recovery or extended weakness.
Bitcoin is now entering the final days of the year under pressure. The price currently trades below its yearly open, but a late rally could still change the story.
Analysts are now debating whether the market can recover or if weakness extends into 2026.
Recent data show mixed signals, and some indicators point to stress relief, while others warn that fresh demand is still thin.
Bitcoin Nears Year-End With Little Room to Recover
Bitcoin opened the year near $93,374. However, the price now sits well below that level.
To finish the year in positive territory, Bitcoin needs a gain of about 6.24% over the next few days.
Analyst Nic Puckrin pointed out the importance of this level. A green yearly close would keep a long trend intact, while a red close would mark the first post-halving year to end lower.
Bitcoin reached a new high above $125,000 in October. However, that peak did not last as prices fell across the board. Bitcoin itself dropped nearly 30% from its high, and a local low formed near $80,000 in November.
This decline has now raised a hard question. Has the bull phase ended, or is this a pause before recovery?
Bitcoin Trades Below a Long-Term Support Level
Technical signals are also throwing mixed signals. In the charts, Bitcoin fell below its 365-day moving average in November. Notably, this level had supported the uptrend since 2023.
Since that break, Bitcoin has struggled to reclaim the level, and many traders are eyeing this average as a line between strength and weakness. This being said, Bitcoin needs to break above.
While this weakness has persisted, the price has notably not fallen further. Instead, Bitcoin has traded sideways through most of December, which indicates balance rather than panic.
Thin Liquidity Shapes December Price Action
Bitcoin briefly climbed above $90,000 late in December. And while the move surprised some traders, it did not last long.
Analysts said technical factors were responsible for the bounce, where the $90,000 area had acted as resistance. Once the price crossed it, short sellers covered their positions and that buying pushed the price higher for a short time.
Holiday conditions also played a role as many traders stepped away from markets, and lower activity made prices more sensitive to small flows.
Despite the bounce, Bitcoin remained range-bound, and prices mostly stayed between $86,500 and $90,000.
What Could Shape Bitcoin in Early 2026
Looking ahead, several factors could influence Bitcoin in the coming months. ETF flows may reverse after year-end selling fades. Regulatory progress in regions like Europe could lift confidence and monetary policy decisions will remain central.
Still, there are a few risks that remain. External shocks could disrupt calm conditions and a lack of fresh demand could also extend consolidation. Analysts say tat that renewed panic seems unlikely, but most of the fuel for the bears seems to have been spent.
Bitcoin now stands at a crossroads and a late rally could salvage the year and make it a bullish one.
Disclaimer: BFM Times acts as a source of information for knowledge purposes and does not claim to be a financial advisor. Kindly consult your financial advisor before investing.
