Bitcoin was trading around the US$86,000 mark on Wednesday, struggling to find fresh momentum as investors brace for what analysts describe as a “lacklustre” finish to 2025 for the world’s largest cryptocurrency.
Market activity has thinned in recent weeks, with trading volumes declining and price action largely range-bound after months of strong gains earlier in the year. Analysts say the absence of a clear catalyst, such as fresh regulatory clarity, a major institutional inflow, or a decisive shift in global monetary policy, has left bitcoin consolidating rather than pushing to new highs.
The cautious tone comes as investors reassess expectations around interest rate cuts by major central banks, which had previously fuelled optimism across risk assets, including cryptocurrencies. With inflation proving sticky in some economies and policymakers signalling a slower path to easing, speculative appetite has cooled.
Bitcoin’s recent performance also reflects broader fatigue in the crypto market following an intense rally that lifted prices sharply from 2024 lows. While long-term proponents continue to point to growing adoption, expanding ETF access and bitcoin’s fixed supply as supportive factors, short-term traders appear reluctant to take on additional risk at current levels.
Despite the subdued outlook for the remainder of the year, many market watchers note that holding above $80,000 still underscores bitcoin’s resilience. Whether the digital asset regains momentum before year-end may depend on macroeconomic data, regulatory developments and renewed institutional demand in the weeks ahead.
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