Bitcoin’s 5% Whiplash Was No Accident — Charts Reveal The Full Story

Bitcoin’s 5% Whiplash Was No Accident — Charts Reveal The Full Story

Key Takeaways

  • Bitcoin’s 5% price swing on December 17 was not caused by news, but rather by structural market movements.
  • Three key charts reveal the underlying reasons behind the sudden surge and reversal.
  • Understanding these charts can help traders prepare for similar market movements in the future.

Introduction

On December 17, Bitcoin (BTC) experienced a violent price swing, surging to around $90,500 before reversing hard and sliding toward $85,200. This 5% move, equivalent to roughly $5,000, caught many traders off guard. However, a closer examination of the charts reveals that this move was not an accident, but rather a result of structural market movements.

Chart 1: The Setup

The first chart shows the setup leading up to the price swing. Bitcoin had been consolidating within a narrow range, forming a symmetrical triangle pattern. This pattern is often a sign of a impending breakout, as the market is building up energy and waiting for a catalyst to release it.

Chart 1: Bitcoin symmetrical triangle pattern

Chart 2: The Breakout

The second chart shows the breakout from the symmetrical triangle pattern. As the market broke above the upper trendline, it triggered a wave of buying, propelling the price upward. However, this breakout was short-lived, as the market quickly reversed and began to fall.

Chart 2: Bitcoin breakout and reversal

Chart 3: The Reversal

The third chart shows the reversal in more detail. As the market fell, it encountered support at a key level, marked by a previous swing low. This support level held, and the market began to bounce back, forming a hammer candlestick pattern. This pattern is often a sign of a potential reversal, as it indicates a shift in market sentiment.

Chart 3: Bitcoin reversal and hammer pattern

Conclusion

In conclusion, Bitcoin’s 5% price swing on December 17 was not an accident, but rather a result of structural market movements. By examining the charts, we can see that the setup, breakout, and reversal were all part of a larger market narrative. Understanding these charts can help traders prepare for similar market movements in the future.