Bitcoin News Today: Bitcoin Struggles Near $80K as Cramer's Bearish Shift Weighs on Sentiment

Jim Cramer has taken a definitive bearish stance on Bitcoin, marking a full pivot in his recent outlook. According to sentiment-tracking data from Unbias, Cramer's last three Bitcoin predictions have all leaned bearish, pushing his near-term outlook into what Unbias terms "perma-bear" territory. The shift has drawn attention from crypto traders, who often view his comments as an informal gauge of market sentiment.

Bitcoin currently trades in the mid-$80,000 range, following a choppy and defensive price action since the October 10 crash. Analysts describe the market as range-bound, with resistance near $90,000–$93,000 and support closer to $81,000–$85,000. The failure to reclaim higher levels before year-end has weighed on short-term sentiment, especially as the market approaches the New Year's week.

The broader market environment reinforces a cautious tone. The Crypto Fear & Greed Index recently slipped into "Extreme Fear," reflecting risk aversion rather than panic buying. Meanwhile, spot Bitcoin ETFs have recorded consecutive daily outflows into the Christmas week, signaling reduced institutional appetite as investors lock in profits and rebalance portfolios ahead of year-end according to recent reports.

Why the Standoff Happened

Cramer's bearish shift aligns with the prevailing mood in the Bitcoin market, where uncertainty and caution dominate. Historically, moments like these tend to spark discussion in crypto social channels, where Cramer's commentary often triggers the well-known "Inverse Cramer" narrative. This dynamic refers to the idea that when Cramer grows confident in one direction, traders often treat it as a contrarian signal rather than a conventional forecast.

His bearish stance fits into a broader narrative of market pessimism.

Bitcoin has struggled to break above the $90,000 resistance level, and traders are watching closely for signs of a breakout or a breakdown. The recent outflows from spot ETFs, combined with the inability to reclaim higher ground, have left many questioning whether a bear market is already unfolding according to market analysis.

How Markets Reacted

Bitcoin's on-chain activity reveals significant accumulation in the $80,000–$90,000 range, with 2.536 million BTC held in that zone as of December 20. This represents a 1.874 million BTC increase since October 11, a key inflection point in the market. The accumulation suggests that investors are holding their positions in a defensive stance, waiting for clearer direction before committing further according to on-chain analysis.

Technical indicators also support a range-bound narrative. The price remains locked between $97,500 and $80,500, with $85,500 acting as a short-term floor. Traders are closely watching whether Bitcoin can hold above this level, as a breakdown could open the door to a test of the $80,000 support. The 4-hour chart shows a compressed structure following the sharp selloff from recent highs, with limited follow-through on upward attempts according to technical analysis.

What Analysts Are Watching

Analysts remain divided on the future of Bitcoin. Fidelity's Jurrien Timmer, who has long been a bullish voice, now warns of a potential "year off" for Bitcoin in 2026. He cites the October peak near $125,000 as a potential endpoint of the current bull cycle, with key support expected between $65,000 and $75,000. Timmer contrasts Bitcoin's recent weakness with gold's strong 2025 performance, noting that gold has held onto most of its gains during its latest correction according to market analysis.

Conversely, Dan Tapiero of 50T Funds argues that the bull market is still mid-stage. He points to the pending IPO of Kraken and the broader wave of crypto companies seeking public listings as potential tailwinds to attract traditional finance capital. Tapiero believes these developments could bring fresh momentum to the market, even as others remain skeptical according to market commentary.

Risks to the Outlook

The market faces several risks as it enters the New Year. ETF outflows continue to signal weak institutional demand, and thin holiday liquidity could amplify volatility. Additionally, the broader macroeconomic environment remains uncertain, with traders waiting for key U.S. macroeconomic releases, including GDP data and jobless claims figures, which are due on Thursday, December 25 according to market analysis.

Bitcoin's failure to reclaim higher levels before year-end has already weighed on short-term sentiment. The combination of weak institutional appetite and thin liquidity could lead to further consolidation or a renewed downside move. Traders are also cautious about the potential for a deeper correction if Bitcoin falls below the $85,000 support level according to market analysis.

What This Means for Investors

Investors are closely watching how the market reacts to Cramer's bearish shift and the broader macroeconomic environment. While some see the current consolidation as a buying opportunity, others remain cautious given the lack of a clear breakout. The Inverse Cramer narrative continues to play a role in shaping market sentiment, with traders treating Cramer's comments as a contrarian signal rather than a conventional forecast.

For now, Bitcoin remains in a state of equilibrium, with no clear direction emerging. The market is waiting for a catalyst-whether a breakout above $90,000 or a breakdown below $85,000- to define the next phase of the cycle. Until then, traders are advised to remain cautious, given the volatility and uncertainty that have defined the final weeks of the year.