Bitcoin Enters a 'Sideways Trend'. What About Other Cryptocurrencies
Bitcoin (BTC) has been trading sideways within the $80,000–$100,000 range for three weeks, currently trading around $91,500. The overall crypto market cap rose 1.9% to $3.11 trillion, with Ethereum (ETH) up 3% to approximately $3,130. Most top-10 cryptocurrencies saw gains of up to 3%, while Hyperliquid (HYPE) fell 2%. ZCash (ZEC) led the top-100 with a 9% surge, whereas Monero (XMR) dropped 2.8%.
Analysts describe the market "disappointment phase" and expect Bitcoin's sideways movement to continue. Exchanges liquidated $451 million in leveraged trades from 130,000 traders. The Crypto Fear & Greed Index fell to 20, indicating "extreme fear" and potential selling pressure.
U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs saw a net outflow of $87.7 million in early December, while Ethereum ETFs lost $65.6 million. Traders on Deribit are betting on Bitcoin staying in its current range, with high open interest in short-term options suggesting profit-taking and low volatility expectations. For the first time in over a decade, the S&P 500 has outperformed Bitcoin annually, as traders prepare for a "crypto winter" amid unmet policy expectations.
RBK-crypto12/08 08:52