Bitcoin (BTC) has been underperforming compared to traditional assets like gold and the S&P 500 since November 2025, but market intelligence firm Santiment suggests there is "an opportunity for crypto to play catch-up." BTC is currently consolidating within a tight range between $86,400 and $90,600, indicating a balance between supply and demand.
Several analysts are predicting a significant rally for Bitcoin in 2026. BitMEX co-founder Arthur Hayes points to increasing global dollar liquidity as a potential catalyst for a crypto pump. More specifically, analyst The ₿itcoin Therapist expects BTC to reach a new all-time high as early as the first quarter of 2026. Citigroup analysts have issued a base case price target of $143,000 and a bull case target of $189,000 for BTC in 2026.
The technical analysis for Bitcoin suggests a critical juncture. A break above the 50-day Simple Moving Average (SMA) at $89,880 could propel BTC toward $94,589, with a successful breach signaling the end of the corrective phase and a potential rally to $100,000 and $107,500. Conversely, a sharp rejection from the moving averages could lead to a drop toward $80,600 and $74,508.
Major altcoins are also showing signs of potential short-term recoveries:
Ether (ETH) bulls are attempting to push the price above the 50-day SMA ($3,019), with a close above clearing a path toward the $4,000 resistance level.
BNB (BNB) is seeing buying attempts above its 50-day SMA ($876), with a key resistance level at $928. A break above could target $1,066.
XRP (XRP) is attempting to recover above its 20-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA) at $1.91, with a potential target of $2.70 if it can break above a key downtrend line.
Solana (SOL) is clinging to its 20-day EMA ($126), with a potential move toward overhead resistance at $147.
Dogecoin (DOGE) is struggling to reclaim the $0.13 breakdown level, with a risk of falling to $0.10 if it loses the $0.12 support.
Cardano (ADA) faces resistance at its 20-day EMA ($0.37), with a break above needed to target the 50-day SMA ($0.41).
Bitcoin Cash (BCH) is holding support at its 20-day EMA ($587), with a potential rally to $720 if it breaks above $631.
Chainlink (LINK) shows a positive divergence on the RSI, suggesting reduced selling pressure and a potential move toward $15.01.
Hyperliquid (HYPE) is seeing buyers defend the $22.19 level, with a potential recovery target at its 50-day SMA ($30.74).
