Bitcoin has pushed above the $97,000 level for the first time since early November, reviving optimism across the market after weeks of uncertainty. The move comes after a prolonged consolidation phase, during which bearish narratives gained traction, and several analysts openly discussed the possibility of a broader trend reversal.
The recent breakout has challenged those views, at least in the short term, and reopened the debate around whether Bitcoin is attempting to reestablish bullish momentum or simply staging a temporary recovery.
According to analyst Darkfost, the current advance still shows characteristics of a technical rebound rather than a fully confirmed trend shift. Short-term holders (STHs), in particular, remain highly reactive to price movements and market volatility.
After enduring the recent correction, many of these participants appear focused on capital preservation rather than conviction-based positioning. As prices recover toward key levels, some STHs are already using the rebound as an opportunity to lock in profits.
This behavior suggests that confidence among shorter-horizon investors has not yet been fully restored. While the move above $97,000 improves market structure and sentiment, it also introduces nearby supply as profit-taking intensifies.
Short-Term Holders Prioritize Capital Preservation Near Key Levels
The analysis adds that as Bitcoin continues to advance, short-term holders are increasingly shifting their focus toward capital preservation. With the realized price for this cohort currently sitting near $102,000, the recent rebound places the price closer to their average cost basis, a zone that historically encourages defensive behavior rather than aggressive accumulation. Instead of positioning for extended upside, many short-term participants appear inclined to reduce exposure as risk becomes more balanced.
This dynamic was clearly visible on January 6, when Bitcoin revisited the $94,000 level for the first time since mid-November. As the price reached that threshold, short-term holders sent more than 30,000 BTC in realized profit to exchanges, signaling a willingness to exit positions during the rebound.
The pattern intensified further during the latest push higher. As Bitcoin broke above $97,000, on-chain data shows that over 40,000 BTC in profits were transferred to exchanges in a single day.
Such behavior highlights the lingering impact of the recent correction on short-term sentiment. Many STHs remain cautious and appear reluctant to hold through uncertainty after previously experiencing drawdowns.
For confidence to rebuild, Bitcoin likely needs additional upside and sustained price acceptance above key levels. Without a meaningful expansion in unrealized profits, short-term holders may continue to sell into strength, limiting momentum until stronger confirmation reshapes their risk appetite.
Bitcoin Rebounds Toward Key Resistance
Bitcoin’s price action on the 3-day chart shows a constructive rebound, but the broader structure remains mixed. After finding a local bottom in December near the mid-$80,000s, BTC has carved out a series of higher lows, signaling short-term recovery momentum. The recent push toward the $96,000–$97,000 area marks a meaningful advance, placing the price back above the short-term moving average and near a key former support-turned-resistance zone.
However, the larger trend still reflects consolidation rather than a confirmed trend reversal. Price remains below the declining medium-term moving average, which has acted as dynamic resistance since the breakdown in November. This suggests that, while buyers have regained some control, sellers continue to defend higher levels aggressively.
The long-term moving average is still rising and well below the current price, indicating that the broader macro trend has not fully deteriorated.
Volume dynamics also support a cautious interpretation. The rebound has not been accompanied by sustained expansion in volume, implying that conviction remains limited and that the move may still be corrective in nature. From a structural perspective, BTC is attempting to rebuild acceptance above the $92,000–$94,000 range, which previously acted as a key distribution zone.
In the near term, holding above this reclaimed area would strengthen the bullish case and open the door for a retest of the $100,000 region. Failure to consolidate, however, could expose the market to renewed downside pressure toward the lower consolidation range.
Featured image from ChatGPT, chart from TradingView.comÂ
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