Bitcoin stalls below $82K as traders split on next move

Bitcoin has stayed below $82,000 after multiple attempts to break higher, keeping the market rangebound through most of May and splitting trader views on the next direction.

The range top sits near $82,000 and is reinforced by a CME futures gap and a long-term 200-day trend line, both of which have capped recent upside moves.

Posting under the name JDK Analysis, a trader described price as ‘in range, within value, rotating just above the very key range high,’ and highlighted whether sellers will regain control.

CGT Trader pointed to a recently tested support zone and wrote, ‘In my opinion, we will likely break below it this time.’

BitBull noted that BTC ‘failed to reclaim the $82,000 level again’ and warned that ‘the next downtrend could start soon.’

Some traders offered a contrasting view. Cryptic Trades projected that Bitcoin could ‘play a massive catch-up in the upcoming weeks’ if price follows recent U.S. stock gains.

Volatility indicators have produced mixed signals. Trader Cai Soren observed that buyers stepped in to defend support and wrote that momentum still looks strong for continuation higher if the support holds. Bollinger Bands have compressed and expanded in recent sessions.

Data platform CoinGlass reported roughly $330 million in liquidations across crypto positions in the prior 24 hours, split roughly evenly between long and short trades.

Market participants are watching price action at known support and resistance levels to see whether the market will retest the lower edge of the range or break above the $82,000 barrier.