Bitcoin Returns Above $40K; Faces Resistance at $45K-$50K

Bitcoin (BTC) is testing resistance near $40,000 after several breakout attempts over the past three months. The short-squeeze rally lost some momentum this week, although downside appears limited around the $34,000 to $36,000 support zone.

The next level of resistance is seen at the 200-day moving average near $45,000. A successful breakout would yield an initial upside target towards $50,000-$55,000.

Bitcoin was trading around $40,600 at press time and is up 6% over the past 24 hours.

• The relative strength index (RSI) is declining from overbought levels, which could encourage some profit taking around resistance levels.
• Bitcoin’s intermediate term trend is improving after holding support above $30,000 over the past three months.
• A decisive move above the 200-day moving average would clear the downtrend since April, although strong overhead resistance could limit price rallies into next week.