Weekly Trading Analysis: A Detailed Breakdown of Market MomentumBTC 15th December – 21st December 2025

Following on from last week’s consolidation, Bitcoin continued to trade within a relatively compressed range as market participation thinned out heading into the holiday period. With no major high-impact macro catalysts on the calendar, price action was largely driven by technical levels, liquidity behaviour, and short-term positioning rather than fundamental shocks. This type of environment often leads to slower, more deliberate moves as traders reduce exposure and wait for fresh catalysts into the new year.

Hourly Analysis

On the hourly timeframe, BTC spent the majority of the week ranging sideways after last week’s sell-off, finding temporary stability around the mid- to high-$89k region. Early in the week, price attempted to reclaim the 50 EMA but repeatedly failed to hold above it, indicating a lack of sustained bullish momentum.

Midweek price action showed several sharp wicks on both sides of the range, a classic sign of liquidity being swept in thin conditions rather than genuine trend continuation. Each push higher was met with selling pressure near prior intraday highs, while dips below support were quickly bought back up, keeping price locked in consolidation.

Towards the end of the week, BTC managed a modest push higher, briefly reclaiming short-term structure, though volume remained relatively muted. This suggests positioning rather than conviction, with traders likely unwilling to commit aggressively ahead of Christmas and year-end closures.

Daily Analysis

From a daily perspective, Bitcoin remains firmly below both the 50 and 200 EMA, reinforcing that the broader structure is still bearish despite recent attempts to stabilise. The sell-off earlier in December continues to define market structure, with price now forming a potential base rather than a confirmed reversal.

Daily candles this week show smaller bodies and reduced volatility, highlighting indecision and equilibrium between buyers and sellers. While downside momentum has clearly slowed, there is currently no strong bullish signal suggesting an imminent trend shift. For BTC to regain bullish structure, a clean reclaim of the daily 50 EMA followed by higher lows would be required.

Until that occurs, rallies should be treated with caution, as they remain vulnerable to rejection at key moving averages and prior supply zones.

Summary

With no red, high-impact macro events scheduled this week, Bitcoin traded in a subdued environment typical of the pre-Christmas period. Reduced liquidity, lower volume, and limited participation have led to choppy but controlled price action rather than impulsive moves.

As we move deeper into the holiday season, traders should expect continued range-bound behaviour and occasional liquidity-driven spikes, particularly during low-volume sessions. Larger directional moves are more likely once normal market participation resumes in the new year and fresh macro catalysts return to the calendar.

For now, patience and risk management remain key. Avoid over-leveraging in thin conditions, and allow the market to show its hand before committing to higher time-frame positions.

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a safe, profitable end to the year. 🎄