Bitcoin Must Close Above $89K to Avoid Steeper Decline

NAIROBI (CoinChapter.com)— Bitcoin faces a critical test as it struggles to reclaim $89,000, a level analysts say could determine its next major move. A failure to close above this mark could push BTC toward $69,000, a price last seen in November.

Bitcoin’s Key Battle at $89K

Crypto analyst Matthew Hyland identified $89,000 as a crucial resistance level in a March 13 video post on X. He argued that Bitcoin’s failure to reclaim this zone has left the asset vulnerable to further downside.

“The only way for Bitcoin to confirm that the bottom is actually in would be to close a weekly back above $89K,” Hyland said.

Bitcoin last reached $89,000 on March 7 before dropping to $78,523 on March 11. It has since stabilized around $83,000. A decisive move above $89,000 would liquidate approximately $1.6 billion in short positions, according to data from CoinGlass.

Without a strong breakout, Hyland warned BTC could fall to $74,000 or even $69,000. “It probably is likely at this point that going into the coming weeks or the coming months, Bitcoin will likely test this lower range at some point of support,” he added.

Macroeconomic Pressure Weighs on BTC Demand

Bitcoin’s price weakness has coincided with declining U.S. demand. Data from CryptoQuant shows that demand for Bitcoin in the U.S. fell by 103,000 BTC last week, the fastest contraction since July 2024.

Market uncertainty surrounding inflation and U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade tariffs have contributed to Bitcoin’s declining appeal among investors. On March 7, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell reiterated that he was in no rush to cut interest rates, further dampening sentiment.

Meanwhile, Trump’s tariffs on steel and aluminum imports have triggered retaliatory measures from the European Union. The EU plans to impose tariffs on $28 billion worth of U.S. goods starting April 1. Analysts warn that escalating trade tensions could weaken global risk appetite, adding pressure on Bitcoin.

Marcin Kazmierczak, chief operating officer at RedStone, suggested the situation could escalate further. “Counter tariffs aren’t a positive signal as they suggest a potential bounce back from the other side again,” he said.

Market Volatility Could Delay Breakout

Despite expectations for a Bitcoin recovery, rising volatility in the U.S. Treasury market could stall any upside move.

U.S. inflation data for February came in softer than expected, boosting hopes for Federal Reserve rate cuts. Some analysts projected BTC would climb to $90,000. However, the Merrill Lynch Option Volatility Estimate Index (MOVE), which tracks Treasury market volatility, has surged 38% in three weeks, reaching its highest level since November.

Bitcoin remains trapped between key liquidity zones. On-chain data from IntoTheBlock highlights critical support at $79,270 and $69,450, while heavy resistance sits between $84,296 and $86,753.

Bitcoin’s Next Move Hinges on $89K Close

With macro uncertainty growing and liquidity tightening, Bitcoin’s ability to reclaim $89,000 remains pivotal. A weekly close above this level could reignite bullish momentum, while failure to do so may push BTC toward $69,000.

For now, investors remain cautious as markets await further clarity on inflation, trade policies, and Bitcoin’s next technical move.