#HasTheMarketBottomed?

Based on current crypto market conditions on December 18, 2025, the broader market remains in a corrective and consolidation phase rather than showing signs of a confirmed macro bottom. Both Bitcoin and Ethereum are trading within clearly defined technical ranges, reflecting market indecision instead of directional conviction. While recent pullbacks have reduced short-term momentum, major support zones remain intact. At this stage, the market appears to be in a base-building phase rather than a panic-driven sell-off.

In my view, the market has not yet established a definitive bottom, but current price zones are beginning to offer selective dip-accumulation opportunities for disciplined participants who apply strict risk management.

📉 Bitcoin (BTC) Technical Overview:

Bitcoin is currently trading around the $86,000–$87,000 range after failing to sustain levels above $90,000. Despite the pullback, downside pressure remains controlled. The $85,000–$86,000 zone continues to act as a strong demand area, with buyers actively absorbing sell-side liquidity. This behavior suggests healthy accumulation rather than panic selling.

On the upside, the $90,000–$92,000 region remains a major resistance zone. A confirmed breakout above this level, supported by strong volume expansion, would be required to signal renewed bullish momentum.

RSI Analysis:
The daily RSI remains in neutral territory, hovering in the mid-40s to low-50s range. This indicates neither oversold nor overbought conditions and reinforces the current consolidation narrative.

MACD Analysis:
The MACD histogram remains near flat, with signal lines closely aligned. This reflects weakened momentum and a lack of trend confirmation. A clear bullish crossover accompanied by volume could act as an early signal for the next directional move.

Low-volume consolidation phases often precede high-volatility expansions, with direction determined by the eventual breakout.

📊 Ethereum (ETH) Relative Strength Perspective

Ethereum continues to demonstrate relative strength compared to Bitcoin. ETH is holding firmly above the $2,900 level, while the $2,900–$2,800 range shows clear accumulation behavior. This zone is forming a solid technical base.

If buying pressure increases, Ethereum could attempt a move toward the $3,150–$3,250 resistance band. Historically, ETH outperforming BTC during consolidation phases is considered a constructive technical signal, often attracting capital rotation.

ETH RSI:
RSI remains in a neutral-to-slightly bullish range, supporting the narrative of controlled pullbacks and sustained demand.

ETH MACD:
MACD structure on ETH appears more stable than BTC, reinforcing Ethereum’s relative strength during this market phase.

Strategy Outlook:
• Range traders may continue operating between defined support and resistance zones with tight risk controls
• Breakout traders should remain patient and wait for volume-confirmed breakouts
• Long-term investors may consider gradual scaling during pullbacks, prioritizing capital preservation while positioning for future upside

Key Levels to Monitor:
🔹 BTC: Support ≈ $85,000 | Resistance ≈ $90,000–$92,000
🔹 ETH: Support ≈ $2,800–$2,900 | Resistance ≈ $3,150–$3,250

My Thoughts:
The crypto market has not yet delivered a clear bottom signal, but both Bitcoin and Ethereum are forming structured bases that could support the next major move. During this consolidation phase, discipline and patience remain the most valuable edges.

Sideways price action is likely to persist until a strong catalyst or volume expansion defines direction. Traders should closely monitor volume behavior, RSI and MACD shifts, market sentiment, and institutional flows, as these elements are likely to dictate the next trend.

The market may not have bottomed yet
but strategic positioning is built during phases like this.