The world’s largest cryptocurrency is refusing to budge. On Friday, Bitcoin (BTC-USD) remained glued to the $90,000-$92,000 level. This has left traders in a state of no trade limbo. The entire financial world is currently fixated on the U.S. Supreme Court, which is expected to rule on the legality of controversial trade tariffs.
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Because these tariffs have such a huge impact on global inflation and how much cash investors are willing to risk, Bitcoin has become a secondary thought until a verdict is reached. For now, the start of the year chop continues to keep the market in a tight, frustrating range.
The Federal Reserve Is Dealing with a Cooling Labour market
While the courts are busy with trade policy, the Federal Reserve is dealing with a cooling labor market. Recent unemployment data came in lower than many expected, giving the Fed a reason to keep interest rates exactly where they are for the January meeting. Driving this cautious approach is a clear sign that the economy is slowing down. This has made officials hesitant to continue cutting rates just yet. At the heart of the current market boredom lies a Fed that is effectively in “wait and see” mode, which has stripped the crypto market of the explosive volatility it usually sees in early January.
Technical Signals Guard the $90,000 Floor
From a technical perspective, Bitcoin is fighting to stay above its 21-day moving average. If it fails to hold this ground, analysts warn of a potential “cascade” that could send prices tumbling toward the $88,000 mark. On the flip side, a breakout above $92,000 would be needed to prove that the bulls are still in charge. The market is currently finding support in a critical order block where big buyers are absorbing any sell pressure that hits the screen. Until the Supreme Court delivers a definitive yes or no on the tariff issue, these technical lines are the only map traders have left to follow.
Markets Sprint Toward a Breakout Catalyst
The lack of movement today doesn’t mean the market is dead; it just means it is coiled like a spring. Traders like Daan Crypto Trades have noted that they aren’t interested in chasing small 5% moves while the price is trapped in this two-month range.
Overall, everyone is looking for a decisive breakout that will set the tone for the rest of 2026. Whether that catalyst comes from the Supreme Court ruling or a shift in the Fed’s tone later this month, the ghost of the $90,000 deadlock will eventually have to give way to a new trend.
At the time of writing, Bitcoin is sitting at $91,334.87.
