Bitcoin stalls at 93.5K as market weighs Fed rate-cut expectations and bearish signals
TL;DR
Bitcoin pulled back from the 93.5K level on Thursday as US markets digested stronger-than-expected labor data. The move pushed BTC closer to 90,000, showing clear hesitation despite a market narrative that continues to lean toward rate cuts in December.
Initial and continuing jobless claims both came in lower than forecast, signaling renewed strength in the labor market. Normally, this would dampen expectations for monetary easing, yet traders doubled down on bets that the Federal Reserve will cut rates at its December 10 meeting. Analysts argue the central bank is under pressure as consumer conditions weaken even while large-cap tech stocks hit new highs.
Commentators such as The Kobeissi Letter claim the Fed has little room to maneuver, suggesting additional cuts may be needed to prevent household stress from worsening. Current futures pricing shows a strong market expectation for another policy shift, even as global monetary conditions send mixed signals. Japan, for example, continues to inject large-scale stimulus while simultaneously edging rates higher, creating a confusing macro backdrop.
Despite the broader optimism in risk markets, Bitcoin continues to underperform equities. The S&P 500 is pushing toward new all-time highs, while BTC faces heavy resistance zones overhead. Traders highlight multiple levels that need to flip before momentum can shift, including the 93.5K yearly open, the 96K–98K resistance pocket, and major weekly moving averages.
Material Indicators, tracking liquidity and whale activity on Binance, notes that Bitcoin’s failure to reclaim the yearly open suggests the bearish structure remains dominant. Some analysts are watching for a potential retest of the 50-week SMA, which would align with the market’s current corrective tone.
While several long-term indicators hint at the end of bearish pressure, Bitcoin still needs a decisive breakout to confirm any meaningful recovery. For now, resistance remains firm and sellers continue to control key levels.