Bitcoin’s ‘Meh’ Moment: What’s Stalling the Rally and When Will It Explode?

Bitcoin has been stuck in a holding pattern between $96,000 and $99,000 for weeks, leaving investors wondering: When will the next surge happen?

The crypto giant first shattered the $100,000 barrier on December 5, reaching an all-time high of $108,000 on December 17—largely fueled by the shockwaves of President Trump’s re-election. But since then, despite a steady stream of bullish news, Bitcoin has been unable to sustain momentum above six figures.

“Despite all the positive narratives, BTC feels stuck—hovering stubbornly just below $100,000 for what seems like forever,” notes analyst Noelle Acheson in her newsletter, Crypto Is Macro Now.

What’s Holding Bitcoin Back?

Acheson suggests several reasons for this stagnation, from lingering market trauma following the 2022 crash to distractions like the memecoin frenzy and Strategic Bitcoin Reserve debates. However, she argues that the biggest factor might be psychological: impatience.

BitGalactic takes this perspective a step further, pointing out that Bitcoin’s cyclical nature often includes prolonged consolidation phases before major breakouts. Historically, similar price lulls preceded explosive moves—especially when institutional interest reached critical mass.

The Catalyst for the Next Rally

So what will finally break Bitcoin out of its funk? The answer, according to Acheson and BitGalactic, lies in large-scale capital inflows.

“The real institutional adoption wave hasn’t hit yet,” Acheson emphasizes. While major funds and renowned investors have dipped their toes in, the broader institutional sector remains largely on the sidelines. When that changes, Bitcoin’s trajectory could shift dramatically.

BitGalactic adds that regulatory clarity could also serve as a catalyst, removing uncertainties that have kept big money at bay. Additionally, once institutional players begin making moves, retail investors—fueled by FOMO—are likely to follow suit, further accelerating the price surge.

The Calm Before the Storm?

For now, the market remains in a state of limbo, but Acheson reassures investors: patience will be rewarded. Once sellers are exhausted, the demand for Bitcoin—an asset with a verifiably finite supply—could push prices into uncharted territory.

BitGalactic echoes this sentiment, suggesting that the current lull may be the last real opportunity to accumulate before Bitcoin’s next parabolic run.

The question isn’t if Bitcoin will break out—it’s when.