Bitcoin Price Outlook: BTC Stalls as Profit-Taking Hits Annual Peak

Bitcoin (BTC) Faces Pullback Amid Strong Institutional Demand and Profit-Taking Activity

Bitcoin Takes a Breather: Profit-Taking and Strong Institutional Demand Shape Market Dynamics

Bitcoin (BTC) is experiencing a pullback, trading below $85,500 on Tuesday after a remarkable 6.7% surge the previous day. This fluctuation comes amid strong institutional demand, highlighted by nearly $1 billion in inflows into spot Bitcoin Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) on Monday, alongside notable acquisitions by corporate players.

Profit Booking Activity Pauses BTC Gains

As Bitcoin reached its highest price since January, peaking at $87,395 on Monday, many holders began to capitalize on their profits. According to Santiment’s Network Realized Profit/Loss (NPL) metric, profit-taking activity surged, indicating that holders are selling their assets at significant gains. This spike in the NPL metric, the highest since December 2025, suggests increased selling pressure as investors look to lock in profits.

Bitcoin NPL chart. Source: Santiment

Institutional Demand Remains Strong

Despite the profit-taking, institutional interest in Bitcoin remains robust. Data from SoSoValue revealed that spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded an impressive inflow of $998.95 million on Monday, marking the third consecutive day of positive inflows. This influx is the highest since October 7, 2025, when Bitcoin reached a record high of $126,199. If this trend continues, Bitcoin could see an extension of its recent rally.

On the corporate front, Michael Saylor announced that his firm, Strategy, acquired an additional 950 BTC, bringing its total holdings to an impressive 846,000 BTC. This move indicates a return to aggressive accumulation strategies after a summer focused on liquidity, further supporting a bullish outlook for Bitcoin.

Total Bitcoin Spot ETF net inflow daily chart. Source: SoSoValue

Bitcoin Technical Outlook: BTC Holds a Bullish Structure

As of Tuesday, Bitcoin is trading at $85,363, maintaining a bullish bias. The price remains well above the 50-day, 100-day, and 200-day Exponential Moving Averages (EMAs), which are clustered between approximately $72,600 and $75,400. Additionally, Bitcoin is trading above the 38.2% Fibonacci retracement level of the $57,800–$126,199 leg at $83,928, indicating that the recent breakout is still supported.

The Relative Strength Index (RSI) is around 69, suggesting strong momentum without reaching extreme levels. The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) remains positive, indicating sustained bullish pressure.

On the upside, initial resistance is seen at the 50% Fibonacci retracement level of $91,999, followed by $100,071 and $111,562, ahead of the all-time high of $126,199. Conversely, immediate support is identified at $85,000 and the 38.2% Fibonacci retracement at $83,928, with deeper support levels at $73,942 and stronger structural floors at $66,500 and $62,300.

BTC/USDT daily chart

As Bitcoin navigates this complex landscape of profit-taking and institutional demand, market participants will be closely watching for signs of continued bullish momentum or potential consolidation in the coming days.

Disclaimer

This article was not written or endorsed by the site’s editorial author.
It is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only, and may be lightly edited for factual clarity or accuracy when necessary.