The S&P 500 Index (SPX) achieved its highest close of the year last week, and Bitcoin (BTC) also hit a new 52-week high, indicating that risky assets remain strong going into the final few days of the year.
Some analysts believe Bitcoin is done with its rally in the short term and may roll over. Popular analyst and social media commentator Matthew Hyland cautioned in a post on X (formerly Twitter) that a drop in Bitcoin’s dominance below 51.81% could signal that the uptrend has ended “along with a likely top put in.”
Crypto market data daily view. Source: Coin360
Usually, the first leg of the rally of a new bull market is driven by the leaders, but after a significant move, profit-booking sets in and traders start to look at alternative opportunities. Although Bitcoin has not rolled over, several altcoins have started to move higher, signaling a potential shift in interest.
Could Bitcoin continue its up-move and hit $48,000 in the next few days? Will that boost interest in select altcoins? Let’s look at the charts of the top 5 cryptocurrencies that may remain strong in the near term.
Bitcoin price analysis
Bitcoin has been consolidating in a tight range near the minor resistance at $44,700, indicating that the bulls are not rushing to the exit as they anticipate another leg higher.
BTC/USDT daily chart. Source: TradingView
The upsloping moving averages and the relative strength index (RSI) in the overbought zone indicate that bulls remain in command. If the price turns up from the current level and rises above $44,700, it will signal the resumption of the uptrend. The BTC/USDT pair could then climb to $48,000.
Conversely, if the price plunges below $42,821, the pair may slump to the 20-day exponential moving average ($40,608). This is a crucial level to keep an eye on because a bounce off it will suggest that the uptrend remains intact, but a tumble below it will indicate the start of a deeper correction toward the 50-day simple moving average ($37,152).
BTC/USDT 4-hour chart. Source: TradingView
The 4-hour chart shows that the bulls are trying to sustain the price above the 20-EMA. If they can pull it off, the pair may rally above $44,700. The up-move could then surge to $48,000, which is likely to act as a formidable resistance.
Alternatively, if the price slides below the 20-EMA, it will suggest profit-booking by short-term traders. The pair could fall to the 38.2% Fibonacci retracement level of $41,993 and later to the 50% retracement level of $41,157.
Uniswap price analysis
Uniswap (UNI) rose above the overhead resistance of $6.70 on Dec. 9, completing a double bottom pattern.
UNI/USDT daily chart. Source: TradingView
The bears are trying to trap the aggressive bulls by pulling the price back below the breakout level of $6.70. If they manage to do that, the UNI/USDT pair could drop to the 20-day EMA ($6.10), a critical level to watch out for.
If the price rebounds off the 20-day EMA, the bulls will try to kick the price above $6.70. If they succeed, the pair may jump to $7.70 and eventually to the pattern target of $9.60.
Contrarily, a fall below the 20-day EMA will suggest that the breakout was a bull trap. The pair may then plunge to the 50-day SMA ($5.32).
UNI/USDT 4-hour chart. Source: TradingView
The pullback is trying to take support at the 20-EMA. If the price rises and maintains above $6.70, the likelihood of a rally above $7.13 increases. That may start the next leg of the uptrend toward $7.70.
Instead, if the 20-EMA fails to hold, the next stop is likely to be $5.80. This is an essential support for the bulls to defend because if it is breached, the pair could collapse to $4.80.
Optimism price analysis
After struggling for several days, the bulls pushed Optimism (OP) above the stiff overhead resistance of $1.87 on Dec. 7, indicating the start of a new uptrend.
OP/USDT daily chart. Source: TradingView
Usually, the price retests the breakout level before a new trend begins. The bears will try to sink the price back below $1.87, while the bulls will attempt to flip the level into support. If the price snaps back from $1.87, the OP/USDT pair could rally to $2.30. A break above this resistance could propel the price to $2.60.
This optimistic view could invalidate in the near term if the price turns down and plummets below $1.87. The bears will gain further ground on a slide below $1.60.
OP/USDT 4-hour chart. Source: TradingView
The price turned up from the 20-EMA, indicating that the sentiment remains positive and traders are buying on dips. The bulls will try to shove the price above the local high at $2.30. If they succeed, the pair may start the next leg of the uptrend.
Contrarily, if the price turns down from the current level and breaks below the 20-EMA, it will suggest profit booking by the bulls. That may drag the price to the breakdown level of $1.87. This level is likely to witness a tough battle between the bulls and the bears.
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Celestia price analysis
Celestia (TIA) has been in a strong uptrend, having risen from $1.90 on Oct. 31 to $11.50 on Dec. 6. This sharp rise may have tempted short-term traders to book profits near $11.50, resulting in a pullback.
TIA/USDT daily chart. Source: TradingView
The bulls are trying to defend the 38.2% Fibonacci retracement level at $9.01. Buyers will have to drive the price above $10.50 to clear the path for a retest of $11.50. A break and close above this level could start the next leg of the uptrend. The TIA/USDT pair may then soar to $14 and subsequently to $16.
On the contrary, if the $9.01 level gives way, the pair may skid to the 20-day EMA ($7.75). If the price rebounds off this level, it will suggest that the uptrend remains intact, but a break below it could signal a trend change in the short term.
TIA/USDT 4-hour chart. Source: TradingView
The bulls are trying to protect the 50-SMA, but the failure to sustain the rebound off it could increase the likelihood of a breakdown. If the 50-SMA gives way, the pair could slump to the 50% retracement level of $8.25. The flattish 20-EMA and the RSI near the midpoint suggest a range-bound action in the near term.
Buyers will have to push the price above the downtrend line to maintain the positive momentum. The pair could then attempt a rally to $11.50.
Stacks price analysis
Stacks (STX) is correcting in an uptrend. The bulls are trying to stall the pullback near the 38.2% Fibonacci retracement level of $0.99, which is a positive sign.
STX/USDT daily chart. Source: TradingView
A shallow pullback indicates that bulls are eager to buy on dips. That increases the likelihood of a retest of the local high at $1.25. The bears are expected to mount a strong defense in the zone between $1.25 and $1.31, but if the buyers clear it, the STX/USDT pair could extend its up-move to $1.60.
The immediate support on the downside is at $0.96. If this level is taken out, the pair may correct to the 20-day EMA ($0.87). Such a deep fall may delay the start of the next leg of the uptrend.
STX/USDT 4-hour chart. Source: TradingView
The pair is finding support near the 50-SMA, indicating that lower levels continue to attract buyers. The resistance to watch out for on the upside is $1.08. If bulls overcome this barrier, the pair may retest the local high at $1.26.
The 20-EMA is gradually sloping down, and the RSI is near the midpoint, indicating a slight advantage to the bears. A break and close below $0.96 could open the doors for a further downside to the 50% retracement level at $0.92.
This article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision.
