BTC nears $90,000 amid bullish trend breakout; precious metals notch new highs
Bitcoin extended its upward momentum during the Asian session, briefly approaching the key $90,000 level as bullish sentiment strengthened across global markets. The rally came alongside fresh record highs in traditional safe-haven metals, creating a supportive backdrop for risk assets. This positive correlation added confidence to traders who have been watching Bitcoin’s steady grind higher throughout December.
Despite the move, BTC continues to trade within its familiar $85,000–$90,000 consolidation range, a zone that has defined the month’s price action. However, momentum is now building near the upper boundary, suggesting that buyers may be preparing for a potential breakout. Market participants are closely monitoring whether increasing demand and improving technical indicators can finally push Bitcoin beyond resistance and confirm a sustained bullish trend.
Markets at a glance
BTC traded around the high-$88Ks to low-$89Ks in thin, holiday-affected conditions, with traders watching whether spot can decisively clear $90,000 after multiple failed attempts this month. Gold and silver, meanwhile, pressed higher: silver set an all-time high near $75/oz and gold printed fresh records this week amid rate-cut bets and haven flows.
Options expiry may unlock direction
A record options expiry estimated around $23–24 billion notional lands today, concentrating gamma and “max pain” dynamics that can pin price until contracts roll off. Once hedges unwind, spot often reflects truer positioning, potentially clarifying direction into the year-end. The Economic Times+1
Precious metals extend historic run
Silver briefly topped $75/oz for the first time on record during Asian trade, while gold refreshed highs this week amid a weaker dollar and rate-cut expectations. The concurrent strength in scarce assets has underscored cross-market risk hedging even as equities pause into the holidays.
What would confirm the bitcoin bullish trend breakout
Technicians are watching for a daily close above $90,000 and follow-through that invalidates the descending trend in place since October. Sustained acceptance above range highs would set up a run at prior resistance levels, while failure could keep BTC rangebound until post-expiry flows resolve.
Context & Analysis
December’s tight BTC range contrasts with dramatic moves in metals, where silver and gold have surged to records. A catalyst-heavy window (record options expiry; year-end allocations) increases the odds of a range break. If the dollar softens alongside easing expectations, risk-sensitive crypto could benefit, though thin liquidity raises whipsaw risk.
Conclusion
With precious metals hitting all-time highs and a record-sized crypto options expiry approaching, Bitcoin’s next major move will depend on whether buyers can finally gain firm acceptance above the $90,000 mark. Market momentum is building, but a confirmed push through this level remains the key trigger for a broader shift in sentiment.
A decisive breakout would strengthen the growing narrative of a bullish trend extension and open the door for higher targets. However, if BTC once again fails to clear resistance, the long-standing consolidation range is likely to persist, potentially carrying the sideways structure into the early weeks of the new year.
FAQs
Q : Is Bitcoin breaking out now?
A : BTC is testing the upper edge of its $85K–$90K range. A strong daily close above $90K would signal a clearer breakout.
Q : What is driving today’s move?
A : Positioning ahead of a record options expiry and thin holiday liquidity are the main catalysts behind the current push.
Q : How do gold and silver impact crypto sentiment?
A : Fresh highs in metals strengthen demand for scarce, hedge-style assets, often boosting broader crypto sentiment.
Q : What’s the near-term risk?
A : Low-liquidity holiday conditions can cause sharp pullbacks or failed breakouts if buyers don’t follow through.
Q : When could momentum improve?
A : Analysts expect cleaner market structure and renewed momentum after year-end portfolio rotations in January.
Q : Does the phrase “bitcoin bullish trend breakout” have a specific meaning?
A : Yes this usually refers to BTC closing above a key resistance or range and confirming upside with follow-through buying.
Facts
Event
Bitcoin nears $90K as options expiry approaches; gold and silver at recordsDate/Time
2025-12-26T12:00:00+05:00Entities
Bitcoin (BTC); Deribit; CoinGlass; Reuters (gold/silver reporting)Figures
BTC range ~$85K–$90K (Dec.); options expiry ~$23–24B notional; silver ATH ~ $75.14/oz; gold record ~$4,530/oz (spot peak this week). Reuters+4CoinDesk+4The Economic Times+4Quotes
“January is a period where asset managers are reallocating their assets.” — Michaël van de Poppe (X). X (formerly Twitter)Sources
Reuters (silver/gold) see links below; CoinDesk (BTC range/options); CoinGlass (options OI)