Bitcoin At A Crossroads: $97,000 Cost Basis Holds Key To Next Breakout

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Bitcoin has reclaimed the $105,000 mark following a sharp correction triggered by macroeconomic turbulence and high-profile public tensions between former U.S. President Donald Trump and tech entrepreneur Elon Musk. The crypto market, already in a corrective phase, saw increased volatility due to these external influences. However, over the past 48 hours, signs of stabilization have emerged—prompting renewed attention from traders and analysts alike.

At the center of this renewed focus is an on-chain analysis from Glassnode, a leading blockchain analytics firm. Their latest insights spotlight critical price levels that could determine Bitcoin’s next major move—particularly the Short-Term Holder (STH) cost basis, now sitting at $97,100.


Understanding the STH Cost Basis: A Market Sentiment Compass

The Short-Term Holder cost basis represents the average acquisition price of all Bitcoin held by investors who bought within the last 155 days. This metric is more than just an average—it’s a real-time pulse check on market sentiment and risk appetite.

Why does it matter?

Short-term holders are typically more reactive to price swings than long-term "HODLers." Their behavior often reflects speculative momentum, making the STH cost basis a powerful indicator of psychological support and resistance.

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When Bitcoin trades above this level, it signals confidence among recent buyers. Conversely, a drop below it may trigger panic selling, especially if leverage is involved.

Glassnode’s analysis uses the Work of Cost (WOC) framework, which layers standard deviation bands around the STH cost basis to identify overbought and oversold zones.


Key Levels to Watch: $114,800 Resistance and $83,200 Support

Using the WOC model, two pivotal levels have emerged:

$114,800: The Bullish Breakout Threshold

A sustained move above $114,800 would represent a major psychological and technical milestone. Historically, such breakouts have been accompanied by:

This price zone is not just arbitrary—it reflects a point where short-term holder profitability becomes widespread, fueling FOMO (fear of missing out) and triggering algorithmic trading bots programmed to enter on new highs.

If Bitcoin consolidates above $97,100 and gathers momentum, the path toward $114,800 becomes increasingly viable. A clean breakout could propel BTC into uncharted territory, possibly surpassing $120,000 in a parabolic move.

$83,200: The Bearish Trapdoor

On the flip side, failure to hold $83,200 could unravel the current bullish structure. This level acts as a structural floor—if breached decisively, it may signal:

Technical traders often use such levels to place stop-loss orders or initiate short positions. Therefore, a breakdown below $83,200 might accelerate selling pressure in the short term.


Current Market Snapshot

As of this writing:

While price action shows recovery, the declining volume suggests caution. A genuine breakout typically comes with rising volume—confirming strong participation. The current consolidation phase may be setting the stage for the next directional move.

The fact that BTC is holding above the $97,100 STH cost basis is encouraging. It indicates that recent buyers are still in profit and not under immediate selling pressure.

However, markets rarely move in straight lines. Traders should prepare for continued volatility as macroeconomic factors—including interest rate expectations, regulatory news, and geopolitical developments—remain influential.

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Core Keywords & SEO Optimization

This analysis integrates the following core keywords naturally throughout the content:

These terms align with active search queries from investors seeking data-driven insights into Bitcoin’s next move. By embedding them contextually within headings and body text, the article meets both user intent and search engine relevance.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the STH cost basis in Bitcoin?
A: The Short-Term Holder (STH) cost basis is the average price at which all Bitcoins held by investors who purchased within the last 155 days were acquired. It serves as a key indicator of market sentiment and potential support/resistance.

Q: Why is $97,100 important for Bitcoin?
A: This is the current STH cost basis. If Bitcoin stays above this level, it suggests confidence among recent buyers. A drop below could trigger selling pressure and further downside.

Q: What happens if Bitcoin breaks $114,800?
A: A breakout above $114,800—the +1 standard deviation level—could ignite strong bullish momentum, attracting institutional and retail buyers alike, potentially pushing BTC to new all-time highs.

Q: What is the Work of Cost (WOC) model?
A: Developed by Glassnode, the WOC model analyzes on-chain data to identify fair value zones for Bitcoin based on holder behavior and cost layers. It helps forecast potential price extremes.

Q: Can Bitcoin fall below $83,200?
A: While possible during sharp corrections, $83,200 is seen as strong support in the current cycle. A confirmed breakdown would likely shift market sentiment to bearish and prompt broader portfolio rebalancing.

Q: How reliable is Glassnode’s on-chain data?
A: Glassnode is widely respected for its transparent methodology and accurate blockchain analytics. Its metrics are used by hedge funds, analysts, and traders globally to inform decisions.


Final Outlook: Consolidation Before Climax?

Bitcoin stands at a technical crossroads. The battle between bulls and bears will likely center around the $97,100 STH cost basis in the near term. Holding this level is essential for maintaining bullish momentum.

With resistance at $114,800 and support at $83,200 clearly defined, traders have a roadmap for navigating the coming weeks. While volume remains subdued for now, any catalyst—a major ETF approval, favorable macro data, or increased adoption—could reignite strong upward movement.

Ultimately, on-chain fundamentals remain strong. Long-term holders continue to accumulate, exchange reserves are declining, and miner selling pressure has eased.

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For those watching closely, the next breakout may not be far off—but patience and risk management will be key.