As we move towards 2026, several Bitcoin charts are providing insights into potential market movements. Analyzing patterns like gold fractals, Bitcoin's cost basis heatmap, and long-term moving averages could offer clues on where Bitcoin might head next.
Currently, Bitcoin is in a consolidation phase while gold takes the lead—an occurrence historically preceding Bitcoin rallies. The $84,000–$85,000 range and the 100-week EMA are crucial levels to keep an eye on. Despite repeated attempts in December, Bitcoin was unable to surpass the $90,000 mark, facing resistance near $85,000-$87,000. This sideways movement follows a sharp 30% decline from its October peak above $126,000, resembling previous four-year cycle patterns where Bitcoin consolidates before a significant trend shift.
In a recent analysis, the relationship between Bitcoin and precious metals was highlighted. Gold and silver typically react first to market stress, with Bitcoin lagging. For instance, during mid-2020, despite rallies in precious metals, Bitcoin remained within the $9,000-12,000 range. However, once the metals peaked, Bitcoin saw substantial gains, rising from $12,000 to nearly $64,800 by May 2021. As of December 2025, gold and silver have reached record highs, suggesting that Bitcoin might soon experience a similar upward movement.
Another pivotal chart is the Bitcoin Cost Basis Distribution (CBD) heatmap, which shows significant accumulation zones. By December, a dense cluster of over 940,000 BTC was noted around $84,000–$85,000, marking the largest since 2020. Historically, these supply zones have preceded robust Bitcoin uptrends, as seen in early 2023 when buying activity around $16,000 set the stage for a rise beyond $38,000.
The Bitcoin hash rate is another critical factor as rising energy costs challenge miners, leading some to seek debt or equity financing. Although the hash rate has decreased since peaking in October, VanEck analysts interpret this trend as potentially bullish. Historically, drops in hash rate have led to positive 90-day returns for Bitcoin approximately 65% of the time, with further price increases occurring over 180 days.
Finally, examining Bitcoin's weekly trendline, the cryptocurrency is maintaining its position above the 100-week EMA. This suggests that as long as Bitcoin remains near this level, the overall uptrend could continue, potentially bouncing back towards the 50-week EMA around $97,000-98,000. However, if Bitcoin breaks below the 100-week EMA, it could face deeper declines toward the 200-week EMA, between $66,000-67,500.