Bitcoin Price Dip: Could BTC Fall to $99K?
Bitcoin (BTC) has traded sideways between $101,000 and $105,000 for the past 10 days. However, several factors suggest a potential price drop to $99,000 or lower.
As of May 17th, BTC is trading around $103,300, down 2.52% in the last 24 hours. Ethereum (ETH) and other major cryptocurrencies have mirrored this downward trend.
Reasons for a Potential Bitcoin Price Drop
The bearish outlook on Bitcoin is driven by a combination of technical analysis, macroeconomic uncertainty, and historical price patterns.
1. Weakening Technical Momentum
Bitcoin's price consolidation shows signs of weakening momentum, with lower highs forming. The Relative Strength Index (RSI), above the overbought level of 70, is also declining, reinforcing the waning bullish sentiment. This suggests a correction is likely.
Key Levels to Watch:
Bitcoin is currently above the $102,000 support level, the upper limit of a value area established between December 2024 and February 2025. Auction Market Theory suggests a move towards the lower limit of this area. A short-term price target of $93,000 (the value area low) is possible if $102,000 breaks. However, strong demand from buyers around $99,000 could potentially halt a significant correction.
2. Declining On-Chain Activity
Data from Santiment shows a decrease in Daily Active Addresses (DAA) and Network Growth (NG), indicating fewer new users and less overall activity on the Bitcoin blockchain. This suggests investors may be less interested in current price levels.

3. Macroeconomic Uncertainty
Despite a relatively positive April CPI report, the US stock market and cryptocurrencies haven't shown significant bullish momentum. Uncertainty surrounding potential Federal Reserve rate cuts persists. While there's a chance of a rate cut in June or July, the probability seems to decrease as the Fed meetings approach. This uncertainty contributes to market volatility.

In conclusion, the short-term outlook for Bitcoin appears bearish, especially given the recent decline in volatility. Investors should proceed with caution, as periods of low volatility often precede sharp price swings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Why is the outlook bearish? Weakening momentum, declining on-chain activity, and macroeconomic uncertainty all contribute to the bearish outlook.
- What are the key support levels? Key support levels are $102,000, followed by $93,000, with $99,000 potentially acting as a support level.
- What is driving the macroeconomic uncertainty? Uncertainty surrounding Fed rate cuts and global economic factors contribute to volatility in both traditional and crypto markets.
Disclaimer: This content represents the author's opinion and is subject to market conditions. Conduct thorough research before investing in cryptocurrencies. The author and Codeum assume no responsibility for personal financial losses.