It looks like the Bitcoin price will end the year in the red, after one of the worst fourth-quarter performances in recent years. However, it seems that the new year 2026 could bring the relief that the majority of the market expects. According to a recent assessment, Bitcoin’s price structure suggests that a deeper correction appears to be on the horizon for the market leader.
BTC price will reach $73,000 again in the first quarter of 2026?
In a December 20 post on the X platform, quantitative trader CryptoOnchain said shared new insights into the current Bitcoin price layout. According to the market analyst, BTC’s price outlook is tipping towards a bearish scenario, especially as selling pressure remains clearly visible on the chart.
CryptoOnchain said Bitcoin’s price is hovering around the key Point of Control (POC) level. For context, the point of control (POC) refers to the price level with the highest volume of trading activity within a given period, thus serving as a key support or resistance zone.
According to the crypto expert, Bitcoin price’s inability to quickly recover its previous highs indicates that it is more likely to break below its POC and towards the $70,000 – $73,000 range. CryptoOnchain identified this region, which was the peak of the last cycle, as a critical ‘support flip’, where buyers could intervene aggressively.
Furthermore, CryptoOnchain noted that the divergent Relative Strength Index (RSI) adds credibility to Bitcoin price falling towards the support cushion around $70,000 – $73,000. “Traders should watch for reversal triggers around the $72,000 level,” the analyst added.
However, the market expert warned that holding the $70,000 – $73,000 zone could be crucial to avoid an even deeper correction and a longer bear market for the Bitcoin price. Essentially, this “support flip” is crucial for BTC to resume its long-term bullish structure and maintain the macro trend.
The price of BTC reached the sub-$75,000 region in the first quarter of the year, as global financial markets reeled from what initially erupted as a trade war. Therefore, a return to this price level may look a bit familiar to investors, even though it would also mean a drop of almost 20% from the current price level.
Bitcoin price at a glance
At the time of writing, Bitcoin is valued at around $88,330, reflecting no significant price change over the past 24 hours.