Bitcoin Price Flirts with $85,500 Resistance – Will Bulls Trigger the Next Surge?

Explore key movements in cryptocurrencies, market reactions, and policy shifts under Donald Trump
Bitcoin Price Flirts with $85,500 Resistance – Will Bulls Trigger the Next Surge?
Written By:
Pardeep Sharma
Published on

Bitcoin continues to hold a dominant position in the global cryptocurrency market. As of April 2, 2025, Bitcoin trades at approximately $84,173, reflecting a modest gain of 0.91% over the previous session. During the day, Bitcoin price recorded a high of $85,526 and a low of $82,635, showcasing a tight but active trading range. The asset maintains strong liquidity and commands the highest market capitalization among all cryptocurrencies.

Current Market Conditions

Bitcoin trades within a consolidation phase after a sharp rally that pushed prices above $80,000 in early 2025. The market remains cautious ahead of key geopolitical and economic developments. Despite the sideways movement in recent sessions, overall investor interest in Bitcoin continues to increase.

Volatility levels have decreased slightly, indicating a potential breakout. Traders are monitoring whether Bitcoin will test resistance near the $88,000 level or drop toward critical support near $73,000.

Technical Indicators Show Mixed Signals

Technical analysts track moving averages to gauge momentum shifts. The 50-day moving average now stands close to the 200-day moving average, forming conditions for a potential death cross. This pattern often signals bearish momentum, especially in traditional markets. The gap between the two averages has narrowed to about $2,000, indicating a crossover could occur within days.

However, not all death crosses trigger sharp declines. In Bitcoin’s history, this formation occasionally preceded strong rallies. For example, a death cross appeared before the 2020 bull run but failed to cause lasting damage. Many traders now look at volume, support zones, and macroeconomic cues before making significant decisions.

The Relative Strength Index (RSI) currently sits near the neutral 50-mark, signaling indecision. The lack of directional strength could lead to increased volatility in upcoming sessions.

Macroeconomic Factors Shape Price Action

The broader macroeconomic landscape heavily influences Bitcoin price. Traders await a major announcement from President Donald Trump related to international tariffs, scheduled for April 3 and April 4—labeled "Liberation Day" by U.S. officials. These announcements could create sharp movements in risk assets, including Bitcoin.

Tariff hikes often push investors toward inflation-resistant assets. If global markets respond negatively to the tariff changes, Bitcoin may attract capital as a hedge. On the flip side, if markets view the policy favorably, Bitcoin could face short-term selling pressure as investors reallocate funds toward traditional equities.

Meanwhile, persistent inflation in major economies continues to erode trust in fiat currencies. Bitcoin’s capped supply of 21 million coins and decentralized nature give it an edge as a long-term store of value.

Regulatory Developments Add Momentum

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) under the Trump administration has adopted a more favorable stance toward digital assets. Paul Atkins, nominated to lead the SEC, advocates for clear and supportive regulation around cryptocurrency markets.

Recent policy shifts include discussions on reduced restrictions for spot Bitcoin ETFs, enhanced digital asset custody frameworks, and reduced reporting burdens for crypto-native firms. These moves aim to attract institutional investors while safeguarding retail participants.

The U.S. Treasury Department has also accelerated efforts to monitor blockchain transactions more transparently without stifling innovation. Several blockchain analytics companies now work directly with government agencies to improve data security while preserving privacy.

These regulatory changes improve sentiment around Bitcoin and contribute to its growing institutional adoption.

Institutional Demand Remains Strong

Institutional interest continues to build, with asset managers, pension funds, and sovereign wealth funds increasing exposure to Bitcoin. The launch of spot Bitcoin ETFs in early 2025 opened doors to massive inflows from traditional finance players. These funds now manage billions in Bitcoin, offering an easy access point for conservative investors.

BlackRock, Fidelity, and Vanguard have expanded their digital asset divisions and built custodial infrastructure for large clients. These firms also lobby for favorable regulation, helping integrate Bitcoin into broader investment strategies.

Market analysts expect this institutional demand to drive Bitcoin beyond the $100,000 mark in the coming quarters. Some forecasts even suggest a long-term target above $200,000, assuming continued macroeconomic support and strong ETF inflows.

Strategic Accumulation and Nation-State Interest

The U.S. government took a significant step in March 2025 by establishing a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. The reserve draws from confiscated digital assets and signals a strategic bet on Bitcoin’s long-term relevance. This move mirrors historical precedents where governments stockpiled gold to back currency systems or hedge against global volatility.

Other countries, including El Salvador and several Gulf nations, continue to increase Bitcoin holdings. Their central banks now recognize the role of digital assets in diversifying reserves and boosting financial sovereignty.

These developments increase demand pressure while reducing available circulating supply, supporting higher price levels.

Mining Metrics and Network Strength

Bitcoin’s network health continues to improve. Hashrate has reached new all-time highs, surpassing 600 EH/s, driven by upgraded mining infrastructure and rising energy efficiency. Higher hashrates signal stronger network security and increased miner confidence in the long-term value of Bitcoin.

Mining difficulty adjusted upward in the last cycle, reflecting increased competition among miners. Publicly listed mining companies such as Marathon Digital and Riot Platforms continue to expand operations globally, particularly in the U.S. and Central Asia.

Transaction fees remain manageable, thanks to second-layer scaling solutions like the Lightning Network. Adoption of these technologies ensures faster, cheaper Bitcoin transactions while preserving decentralization.

Market Sentiment and Price Forecasts

Bitcoin sentiment remains cautiously bullish. Most market participants believe current levels offer strong accumulation zones. Long-term holders continue to increase positions, as evidenced by declining exchange balances.

Major on-chain indicators, including the Realized Cap and MVRV ratio, suggest Bitcoin trades at fair value relative to historical norms. Whales and high-net-worth investors show renewed buying interest after the recent pullback from $90,000.

Price forecasts for 2025 vary, but consensus among major firms points to a year-end target between $110,000 and $125,000, assuming macroeconomic conditions remain stable and regulatory support increases further.

Bitcoin enters April 2025 with strong fundamentals, resilient market structure, and growing institutional backing. Traders monitor technical patterns, such as the potential death cross, while evaluating macroeconomic risks tied to U.S. policy decisions. Meanwhile, regulatory clarity, government-level adoption, and ETF inflows continue to support bullish momentum.

Short-term volatility may persist, especially around political events and global economic shifts. However, Bitcoin’s long-term trajectory looks increasingly solid as it integrates deeper into the traditional financial system. Price movement now depends on whether bulls can push through the $88,000 resistance or bears regain control near the $80,000 support zone.

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