Bitcoin Stumbles Below $88K as Trendline Resistance Holds

Bitcoin (BTC $87,244.29) encountered resistance Monday in its late-year push to regain strength, failing to sustain levels above $88,000.

The key hurdle comes from a descending trendline extending from October’s record high above $126,000, connecting the peaks of subsequent, shallower recoveries, including the $116,400 high. Monday’s attempt to break above $90,000 was repelled by this trendline, reinforcing the “staircase-down” pattern that has characterized BTC throughout the fourth quarter. By failing to clear this resistance, Bitcoin printed another “lower high,” signaling renewed selling pressure and stalling momentum toward the six-figure threshold.

As long as BTC remains below this trendline, the near-term outlook remains bearish. Support now focuses on the $84,000–$84,500 zone, followed by the November low near $80,000.

A sustained breakout above the descending trendline is needed to restore bullish momentum. Should that occur, especially with a weakening dollar index, Bitcoin could accelerate toward the $100,000 mark.