Bitcoin Surges Past 21-Day Moving Average: Eyes on $100K Milestone

In a pivotal development for cryptocurrency traders, Bitcoin (BTC) has finally broken through its 21-day moving average, signaling a strong bullish momentum that could propel it toward the much-anticipated $100,000 mark. According to cryptocurrency analyst Michaël van de Poppe, this breakthrough represents the final resistance test before BTC challenges that psychological barrier. This move comes at a time when market sentiment is increasingly optimistic, driven by institutional interest and macroeconomic factors favoring risk assets like cryptocurrencies.

The 21-day moving average has long served as a critical technical indicator for BTC traders, often acting as a dynamic support or resistance level. With BTC surpassing this threshold on January 2, 2026, as noted by van de Poppe, traders are now monitoring key support levels around $90,000 to $95,000 to confirm the sustainability of this uptrend. Historical data shows that similar breakouts in the past have led to extended rallies, with trading volumes spiking as more participants enter the market. For instance, on-chain metrics from sources like Glassnode indicate increased whale activity, suggesting accumulation by large holders which could further fuel the price ascent. Traders should watch for potential pullbacks to the 50-day moving average as entry points, while resistance near $100,000 may trigger profit-taking.

Ethereum Outperforms Bitcoin: Trading Opportunities in ETH/BTC Pair

Adding to the excitement, Ethereum (ETH) is currently outperforming Bitcoin, a trend highlighted by van de Poppe in his analysis. This outperformance is evident in the ETH/BTC trading pair, where ETH has shown relative strength, potentially indicating a shift in market dynamics toward altcoins. As of the latest observations, ETH's price action suggests it could test higher resistance levels, with traders eyeing a breakout above 0.06 BTC in the pair. This development opens up arbitrage opportunities for savvy investors, such as longing ETH while shorting BTC in a hedged strategy to capitalize on the divergence.

From a broader trading perspective, this ETH outperformance aligns with growing interest in decentralized finance (DeFi) and layer-2 solutions on the Ethereum network. Market indicators like the Relative Strength Index (RSI) for ETH are approaching overbought territory but remain supportive of further gains, provided BTC maintains its upward trajectory. Institutional flows, as reported in various blockchain analytics, show increased allocations to ETH-based assets, which could amplify this trend. Traders are advised to monitor trading volumes on major exchanges, where ETH's 24-hour volume has been robust, often exceeding $20 billion during bullish phases. Incorporating tools like Bollinger Bands can help identify volatility squeezes, offering precise entry and exit points for positions.

Strategic Trading Insights for BTC and ETH in Current Market Conditions

For traders looking to navigate this landscape, a detailed analysis reveals several actionable strategies. With BTC breaking the 21-day MA, swing traders might consider setting buy orders near recent lows, targeting a move to $100,000 with stop-losses below the 21-day line to manage risk. The potential for a $100K test implies a 10-15% upside from current levels, based on technical projections. Meanwhile, ETH's outperformance suggests diversifying into ETH/USD or ETH/BTC pairs, where leverage can be applied cautiously on platforms supporting futures trading.

Market correlations also play a crucial role; BTC's movement often influences the broader crypto market, but ETH's strength could lead to an 'altseason' where other tokens like SOL or AVAX see amplified gains. On-chain metrics, such as active addresses and transaction counts, support this narrative, showing heightened network activity for Ethereum. To optimize for SEO and trading decisions, key phrases like 'BTC price prediction' and 'ETH trading strategy' highlight the focus on support at $85,000 for BTC and resistance at $4,500 for ETH. In summary, this breakthrough positions BTC for significant gains, with ETH providing additional trading alpha through its relative performance.

Overall, the cryptocurrency market is buzzing with potential, and staying informed on these developments is essential for profitable trading. (Word count: 682)