Bitcoin Price Stabilizes Near $90K as Analysts Expect Range-Bound Crypto Market

After months of sharp volatility, Bitcoin (BTC) appears to be entering a period of consolidation. Following dramatic price swings in October and November 2025, the world’s largest cryptocurrency has stabilized, trading consistently between $85,000 and $90,000 for several weeks. Market analysts say this sideways movement may persist as investors wait for clearer macroeconomic and regulatory signals.

According to Gerry O’Shea, head of global market insights at Hashdex, Bitcoin could see upside catalysts in the coming weeks, including potential changes in U.S. monetary policy or progress on crypto legislation in Congress. However, he emphasized that the current environment remains largely range-bound, with limited momentum pushing prices decisively higher or lower.

Jim Ferraioli, director of crypto research and strategy at Schwab’s Center for Financial Research, shared a similarly cautious outlook. While Schwab expects 2026 to be a positive year for Bitcoin, Ferraioli suggested that the current year may feel relatively uneventful for crypto investors. He noted that Bitcoin’s massive rally from the November 2022 lows to its October 2025 peak of around $126,000 represents an eightfold increase, and the market is still absorbing those gains.

Recent data shows declining on-chain activity, while Bitcoin ETFs have become the dominant price driver. Lower transaction fees, long-term holder selling, and reduced exchange balances have shifted market dynamics. Ferraioli explained that ETF inflows initially boosted accessibility but may now be masking traditional market signals, as many large institutional investors remain on the sidelines pending clearer regulatory frameworks.

Hyunsu Jung, CEO of Hyperion DeFi, added that Bitcoin’s narrative has weakened amid cooling ETF inflows and stronger performance in other asset classes. Without renewed institutional demand or a major macroeconomic shift, he expects continued sideways price action. Will Reeves, CEO of fintech firm Fold, echoed this view, arguing that Bitcoin is undervalued and waiting for selling pressure to ease before a new wave of buyers emerges.

Despite debate over whether the market is in a new crypto winter, analysts note that a 30% correction is typical for Bitcoin. While correlations with equities exist, Bitcoin’s long-term trajectory will likely depend on adoption, money supply trends, and regulatory clarity in the year ahead.