Arthur Hayes, co-founder of BitMEX, argues that the Federal Reserve's new Reserve Management Purchases policy could ignite a rally that drives Bitcoin toward $200,000 in early 2026 before a steep correction. He forecasts BTC first regaining $124,000 and then surging higher, even as other analysts warn that on-chain data now points to a developing bear market.

Bitcoin hovered around $88,000 on Sunday, with traders bracing for increased volatility into the weekly close. Some analysts expect a breakout toward the $98,000–$100,000 area and even a medium-term move to $150,000, while others warn of a possible correction back to the $70,000–$72,000 demand zone. Rising BTC inflows to Binance and key moving average signals are being monitored as potential catalysts for sharp price moves.

On Dec. 21, 2025, Michael Saylor hinted that Strategy Inc. may be preparing another Bitcoin purchase, reinforcing its aggressive treasury strategy even as its shares struggle. The company currently holds 671,268 BTC worth about $59.56 billion, while its stock is down roughly 43% year-to-date and could face additional pressure if MSCI removes it from major equity indices in a February review.

According to the Financial Times, Tether-majority-owned Northern Data sold its Bitcoin mining subsidiary Peak Mining for up to $200 million to three companies controlled by Tether executives. The sale, first disclosed without naming buyers in November, occurred shortly before video platform Rumble agreed to acquire Northern Data and is intertwined with a 610 million euro loan and large advertising and GPU deals between Tether and Rumble.

On 22 December 2025 at 07:32, Bitcoin traded in a tight band near $88,000. According to exchange liquidation maps, short liquidations cluster above $89,000–$90,000, while long-side risk sits closer to the mid-$85,000 area. On the 4-hour chart, RSI is slightly above 53 and MACD is near flat, signaling stabilization rather than a trend change.

Bitcoin's latest rebound above $86,800 has stalled after buyers failed to hold above the $89,250 resistance, leaving the price consolidating beneath $89,000. BTC is trading above $87,500 and the 100-hour Simple Moving Average, with a rising channel support near $87,650 defining the short-term structure. A decisive move above $89,500 could open the way to $90,500 and higher, while a break below $87,000–$86,800 may trigger a deeper pullback toward $85,500 or even $84,400.

On December 22, 2025, Michael Saylor signaled that Strategy may be preparing another sizable Bitcoin acquisition, reinforcing the firm's aggressive BTC treasury approach even as its stock faces pressure and index removal risk. The signal appeared while Bitcoin traded near the key $90,000 resistance level, where clustered liquidity and institutional positioning are shaping short-term market behavior. Despite recent volatility and ETF outflows, institutional demand, ETF holdings, and corporate treasuries continue to support Bitcoin around major liquidity zones.

Quarter-to-date, Bitcoin has lagged risk assets, with BTC down 22% while the S&P 500 is up 2.18%. In a recent interview, Michael Saylor said Bitcoin's fundamentals remain strong in 2025; MicroStrategy added 31k BTC this quarter. Coin Metrics reports wrapped BTC supply, including WBTC and cbBTC, totals 172,130 BTC.