Bitcoin's Year-End Rally Hits a Wall as Key Trendline Halts Push Above $90,000

Bitcoin's late-year attempt to regain momentum stalled on Monday after prices were firmly rejected at a key technical resistance level, forcing the cryptocurrency back below $88,000. According to technical analysis from CoinDesk, the barrier is a descending trendline drawn from October's record high, acting as a glass ceiling for the market.

The resistance line originates from Bitcoin's all-time high above $126,000, connecting subsequent peaks from shallow recoveries, most notably the $116,400 high. Monday's failure to establish a foothold above $90,000 reinforces this barrier.

By failing to clear this hurdle, BTC has printed another "lower high." It’s a classic signal that sellers are re-emerging at resistance, confirming the "staircase-down" pattern that has defined the fourth quarter and stalling the momentum needed to challenge the six-figure mark.

As long as prices remain below this trendline, the immediate outlook is bearish. The latest rejection shifts traders' focus toward the $84,000–$84,500 support zone. If that level breaks, the next key area to watch is the November low near $80,000.

To revive a bullish case, analysts say BTC must achieve a decisive breakout above the trendline. Such a move could accelerate gains toward the $100,000 psychological level.