CryptoQuant: Bitcoin Needs to Break Above $81,700 for Bull Market Confirmation

Bitcoin must break $81,700 for bull market.

Bitcoin needs to hold above $81,700 to confirm a new bull market, according to CryptoQuant.

Over the past two weeks, the leading cryptocurrency has gained 24%, but growth has stalled, with prices ranging between $76,000 and $82,000. At the time of publication, the asset is trading around $77,100.

Strong Resistance Ahead

Julio Moreno, head of research at CryptoQuant, identified the $77,100-$80,200 range as the nearest and strongest on-chain resistance zone. In 2026, long-term holders sold an average of up to 539,000 BTC over a 30-day period within this range, he noted.

The next level is the 365-day moving average, which is around $81,700. Moreno pointed out that in previous cycles, a bull market “officially” began after the price closed above this level. If Bitcoin fails to hold above it, it may continue trading within the range.

Further resistance is noted at $83,600 according to the 3x Metcalfe band indicator (an estimate based on network activity). Another potential selling level is around $88,700, corresponding to the upper boundary of the realized price model for traders—a historical profit-taking zone for active participants.