Bitcoin Rally Loses Momentum – What Traders Should Expect Next

Key Takeaways:

• Bitcoin stalled at $92K resistance.
• Volatility and ETF flows remain weak.
• Market expected to stay in the $70K–$100K range.

The level has once again proven to be a ceiling for bullish momentum, forcing the market into a pause rather than a breakout.

Fresh data from 10x Research shows price action rolling over at the upper boundary of the recent trading range, reinforcing the idea that the crypto market is lacking conviction despite a short-term bounce.

Market Loses Steam as Key Drivers Go Quiet

ETF inflows remain far below mid-year peaks, volatility has collapsed to cycle lows, and seasonal optimism appears out of sync with hard data. Although December is widely perceived as a bullish month for crypto, 10x Research notes that historical returns are much more mixed than commonly believed.

Under the surface, positioning tells a different story: traders appear to be preparing for a contained market rather than an explosive trend.

A chart included in the report shows a tightening volatility band forming around price, while the recent move toward $92,000 was met with immediate selling pressure.

Short-Straddle Strategy Delivers — But Much Lower Yield for New Entries

The firm’s previously highlighted Bitcoin short-straddle trade — selling the $70,000 put and $100,000 call for December 2025 expiry — has already seen its value decline sharply from $2,279 to $1,036, signaling strong early performance.

With implied volatility crashing in the past week, the same trade now yields significantly less:

• Last week: ~31% annualized return
• Today: ~12% annualized return

The reduced premium is directly tied to evaporating volatility — a sign that the market is pricing in a much narrower trading range.

10x Research still expects Bitcoin to remain between $70,000 and $100,000 through year-end, but notes that the reward for selling volatility has already been largely harvested.

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Chainlink Price Outlook: ETF Hype Fades as Sellers Dominate the Market

Macro and Crypto-Specific Risks Back in Focus

The upcoming FOMC meeting remains a major inflection point. Even if the Federal Reserve initiates a rate cut in December, 10x Research expects what they call a “hawkish cut” — a policy move intended to slow the economy rather than stimulate risk assets.

At the same time, the market is showing sensitivity to crypto-native fear cycles. A viral post by analyst Crypto Rover highlighted that recurring Tether-related FUD has historically coincided with Bitcoin market bottoms. Despite renewed speculation about Tether’s backing circulating online, Rover suggested these narratives tend to trigger panic-selling that allows large buyers to accumulate.

The reminder has gained traction across social platforms as the mood remains tense.

What Comes Next

For now, Bitcoin’s sell-off is limited — down only 1.8% in the past week — but the absence of momentum is becoming hard to ignore. Cooling volatility, weak ETF flows, and uncertainty around U.S. monetary policy suggest that the recent bounce could remain corrective rather than impulsive.

Traders positioning for a violent breakout may need to reconsider their expectations. The market appears stuck in a structural tug-of-war: enough fear to suppress rallies, but not enough confidence to drive sustained selling.

10x Research’s report is titled “Bitcoin Rejected at the $92,000 Level – Our BTC Short Straddle Is Working.” Additional sections are available in their recent briefings, and the full report can be accessed via the link in their bio.

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