Bitcoin approaches bull trap as weekly bear formula emerges

Kitco Media
By Aaron Dishner
Published:
Updated:
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Bitcoin approaches bull trap as weekly bear formula emerges teaser image

Bitcoin Technical Overview

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Bitcoin remains below the daily TBO Cloud in a “strong bearish” configuration. Daily volume, OBV and RSI all signal low momentum, while the TBO Slow line continues its downward trajectory, reinforcing a macro bearish trend. Although BTC has reclaimed the first resistance fan line, it has yet to break back above what is now resistance, leaving the bear flag intact.

On the weekly chart, a TBO Open Short is in progress and, if confirmed by today’s print, will complete the TBO Bear Formula—a pattern that preceded the 2018 and 2022 bear markets. A brief rally toward the weekly TBO Fast line near $100,000 is likely to serve as a bull trap before a further decline.

A close-up of a bitcoin and ethereum

Ethereum and Market Dominance Metrics

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Ethereum continues to trade below its daily TBO Cloud in a “strong bearish” trend, mirroring Bitcoin’s weakness. Combined stablecoin dominance remains above its daily TBO Cloud in a “strong bullish” mode, and although four TBT bearish divergences have formed (including a cluster), the ascending Slow line suggests a longer-term bullish bias for stablecoins.

Bitcoin dominance (BTC.D) is also rising, typically a bearish signal for altcoins. As both BTC.D and stablecoin dominance climb, we can expect continued pressure on the broader altcoin market.

Traditional Markets Update

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The US Dollar Index (DXY) dipped below 98 and appears bound for 97, where a rebound could resume its advance and weigh on equities. The S&P 500 is nearing its all-time high and retains a “strong bullish” TBO profile but shows subtle signs of weakening. S&P futures face TBO resistance with RSI approaching 70.

The FANG index is rebounding after last Thursday’s reversal at its TBO Slow line, driven largely by NVDA’s recovery rally. The VIX has declined, indicating reduced market fear. In Asia, the Nikkei sits above overhead support but below TBO resistance, while the Shanghai Composite briefly tested the daily TBO Cloud upside before closing inside, maintaining a bearish consolidation.

Precious Metals Rally

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Gold has broken above key overhead resistance and is targeting the next TBO level at $4,781. Silver continues its ascent toward the 1.272 Fibonacci extension just below $74. Platinum remains in a parabolic uptrend, reflecting strong industrial demand and safe-haven flows.

Market Outlook and Strategy

With both stablecoin and Bitcoin dominance rising, altcoins are likely to underperform. The impending weekly TBO Bear Formula suggests a temporary rally—potentially our last bull trap—before lower lows. Traders should consider securing profits from DCA positions during this rally, particularly if holding tokens in prolonged red. For those planning to short the reversal, monitor historical TBO support and resistance levels alongside volume and RSI for optimal entry points.

Learn my strategies and the tools I use every day by visiting The Complete Cryptocurrency Investor by Mastering Assets.

Kitco Media

Aaron Dishner

Co-founder and lead instructor at The Better Traders, Inc., an international crypto education company, and owner of the popular crypto bot trading YouTube channel Moonin Papa, Aaron Dishner serves over 25,000 students across 36 countries as a world-leading bot trader and crypto day trading and swing trading expert. Combining his passion for educational excellence, stemming from a professional teaching background, with his remarkable skill set in crypto trading, Aaron’s mission is to make trading safe and accessible so anyone can learn to benefit from the greatest financial revolution of our time.
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