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What causes bitcoin to dip after hitting 90k?

Bitcoin Faces Pushback at $90,000 | Traders Debate Psychological Pressure

By

Lena Mรผller

Jan 2, 2026, 11:05 PM

Updated

Jan 3, 2026, 08:26 AM

2 minutes reading time

Graph showing Bitcoin's price declining after reaching 90k, with a red downward arrow indicating the dip.

Bitcoin soared to $90,000 this week but quickly retreated, leaving traders and analysts questioning the move. Many suspect the round number acts as a psychological resistance. This sentiment is igniting heated conversations among people on various forums, where the future direction of Bitcoin hangs in the balance.

The Resistance Challenge

The recent climb in Bitcoin's price stirred excitement, only for it to dip once reaching $90,000. Traders highlight this threshold as a potential ceiling where numerous sell orders likely pile up.

A trader stated, "Itโ€™s called resistance in trading terminology. Unless we break through with conviction, it can stay like that." This notion of resistance captures the market's caution, particularly as many people express anxiety over sell-off possibilities.

Key Discussion Themes

  • Psychological Influence: The sentiment surrounding the $90k mark is strong, as many believe such round figures prompt traders to sell.

  • Broader Impact: While resistance levels are often gauged against USD, the global implications of Bitcoin's fluctuations cannot be ignored.

  • Market Reactions: Ongoing volatility raises questions about Bitcoinโ€™s ability to maintain an upward trajectory.

One user remarked, "If youโ€™re not 100% certain about Bitcoinโ€™s purpose, keep absorbing knowledge until it clicks." This perspective urges traders to focus not on fleeting price shifts but on understanding Bitcoin's foundational significance.

Sentiment Analysis

Insights reveal a mix of skepticism and optimism. Some traders see the possibility of Bitcoin surging above $100,000 if it remains above $90k in the coming days. However, echoes of previous market downturns loom large, with many recalling the sharp dips of 2018. One commenter pointedly addressed: "Then why is $90k a psychological resistance if itโ€™s not about USD?" This adds fuel to the ongoing debate.

What Lies Ahead for Bitcoin?

Experts propose a stabilization at or above the $90,000 mark is plausible if Bitcoin avoids heavy sell-offs. Many traders are hopeful, estimating about a 60% probability that Bitcoin could breach the $100,000 level.

"Everyone thinks 'hmmm $90k is a nice round number,' and they tend to sell there," another trader highlighted, reflecting a common sentiment. If buying pressure persists, Bitcoin may just reach new heights. Yet, fear of further sell-offs could bring back memories of notable past declines.

Key Insights

  • โœฆ $90k represents a pivotal psychological barrier influencing trader decisions.

  • โ–ผ Concerns of heavy sell-offs after brief increases promote market uncertainties.

  • โ–ฝ Historical patterns echo volatility, especially when nearing significant price points.

As Bitcoin markets adjust to this tension, the tug-of-war between buying and selling pressures will continue to steer future price movements. Will Bitcoin push through or find itself in another downward spiral? The answer might just depend on collective trader psychology.