Bitcoin stuck between key moving averages as sellers hold narrow edge

Bitcoin buyers stepped in early during Monday’s North American trading session and drove the price upward. The rally lifted the cryptocurrency above both its 100-hour and 200-hour moving averages, reaching its highest point since September 23.

The upward move failed to maintain its pace. The price quickly dropped back below both averages, ending the rally.

Buyers had their opportunity. They did not capitalise.

Moving averages shape the short-term trend

The two hourly moving averages remain critical indicators for both bulls and bears:

• 100-hour moving average: $83,721

• 200-hour moving average: $84,013

Bitcoin currently trades just under both levels, giving sellers a slight edge in the near term. Staying beneath those thresholds keeps the bias pointing lower.

On the other hand, a climb above both moving averages—and sustained trading above them—would tilt the bias back toward buyers. Trading within the range between the two marks a more neutral zone. Bitcoin has been moving in that area during today’s session as bulls and whales determine the next direction.

For now, sellers hold the advantage against the moving averages. Yet more work remains below.

Support keeps buyers in the fight

Since breaking through the $81,517–$82,833 swing zone on September 21, Bitcoin has mostly stayed above the upper boundary at $82,833.

There have been moves below that level on September 28, but subsequent lows have remained above it. That continued defence keeps buyers in contention despite Monday’s unsuccessful rally.

The difference matters: trading below the moving averages gives sellers a short-term advantage, but staying above the swing zone limits how far they can push the price down.

What would strengthen sellers’ control?

The first move would be to push below $82,833 and remain under it. That would place the price back inside the swing zone and expose its lower boundary at $81,517.

A sustained drop below $81,517 would hand sellers firmer control and open the path toward the next downside target zone at $79,500–$80,200.

Until those support levels break, sellers have the edge, but buyers still have a floor to rely on.

What would strengthen buyers’ control?

Buyers need to take back the 100-hour moving average at $83,721, then the 200-hour moving average at $84,013.

Getting above both is the first requirement. Holding above them is what would give the breakout greater credibility—something Monday’s rally did not achieve.

If buyers can establish support above the 200-hour moving average, the next upside targets would be:

• $85,578: Monday’s swing high.

• $87,374: The high zone from September 21 and September 23.

Lesson for new traders: the breakout must hold

Monday’s price action shows that moving past a technical level does not guarantee a lasting breakout. Buyers broke through both moving averages, but the quick reversal demonstrated they could not keep control.

Technical levels help traders define both a directional bias and a place to measure risk. Above both moving averages, buyers have a stronger case. Below both, sellers have the upper hand. Between them, the outlook is more neutral.

For Bitcoin, the next sustained move away from these levels should help settle the struggle. Sellers need to break support. Buyers need to regain and hold above the moving averages.