Bitcoin's $100K 'Resistance' Is Artificial, Not Technical

Bitcoin has shown renewed bullish momentum in the first week of January 2026, trading above key moving average levels and demonstrating increased buying pressure. The price is currently positioned above the 50-day EMA and near the 61.8% Fibonacci retracement level, signaling potential for further upward movement. Traders are watching closely for confirmation above the 100-day and 200-day EMAs, which could validate the trend.

The broader market is also responding to developments in systematic trading strategies and execution dynamics. Helix Alpha, a quantitative research firm, recently announced an expanded research initiative focusing on market structure and how trading environments influence performance. The firm is integrating execution realities into strategy design, emphasizing factors such as slippage, liquidity, and venue behavior.

This shift in focus reflects growing recognition that strategies must be tested and validated in real-world trading conditions. As Helix Alpha's strategic advisor Brian Ferdinand noted, strategies must operate within the frictions and rules of actual market environments.

Why Did This Happen?

The recent price action in Bitcoin is being driven by a combination of technical momentum and capital inflows into crypto assets. ETFs and institutional buying have contributed to the upward trend, with traders noting strong MACD signals and RSI readings above neutral levels.

The accumulation of Bitcoin by institutional players is also a key factor. Bitmine Immersion Technologies (BMNR) has announced ETH and crypto holdings of $14.0 billion, reinforcing the firm's position as a major ETH buyer and staking provider. The company's strategy of selective equity issuance and premium NAV-based acquisitions is expected to continue supporting ETH and broader crypto prices.

How Did Markets React?

Market participants have responded to the growing trend of institutional accumulation and improved execution dynamics. The rise of revenue-backed AI compute infrastructure and decentralized GPU networks has also contributed to broader capital flows in the tech and finance sectors.

In parallel, the defense sector has seen significant shifts. L3Harris Technologies has announced a $1 billion investment from the U.S. government to expand its manufacturing capabilities. This strategic move is being viewed as a structural shift in how defense contractors access capital, with implications for long-term profitability and stock performance.

What Are Analysts Watching Next?

Analysts are now focused on several key indicators. The execution efficiency of strategies in live markets remains a top priority for firms like Helix Alpha. The firm's research into liquidity, venue behavior, and order flow is expected to inform the next generation of systematic trading systems.

Investors are also monitoring Bitcoin's ability to break above the 100-day and 200-day EMAs. A close above $95,940 would confirm a strong bullish trend, while a pullback below $90,000 could signal a short-term correction.

The broader financial landscape is also evolving. With the launch of new BPaaS platforms in healthcare and the continued expansion of AI compute infrastructure, the interplay between technology and finance is becoming more pronounced. This trend could further reinforce the demand for crypto assets and digital infrastructure platforms.

The market is also keeping a close eye on regulatory and structural developments in the defense sector. L3Harris' spin-off strategy and the government's direct capital investment represent a new model for industrial expansion. If successful, this model could influence how other sectors approach capital allocation and strategic restructuring.

The coming weeks will be critical for Bitcoin and the broader crypto market. Technical confirmation, institutional accumulation, and execution dynamics will play a key role in determining the next phase of price movement. Analysts at DNA Holdings and other firms are likely to continue highlighting the intersection of AI infrastructure, decentralized compute, and institutional investment in their research.