Bitcoin News Today: Institutions Buy the Dips as Bitcoin Tests $80K Support Amid Bearish Signals

Bitcoin's recent price action has sparked renewed debate over its near-term trajectory, with a 30% correction from its October 2025 peak to the mid-$80,000s raising concerns about a potential crash. According to technical analysis, analysts and market participants are scrutinizing technical patterns, macroeconomic shifts, and institutional behavior to gauge whether the cryptocurrency is entering a bearish phase or merely consolidating after a historic bull run.

The current drawdown follows a sharp sell-off triggered by geopolitical tensions and leveraged liquidations in late October 2025, which erased $1.1–$1.2 trillion from the crypto market. This collapse coincided with record outflows from U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs, including BlackRock's IBIT, which saw a $523 million single-day redemption as prices fell below $90,000. While ETF flows have recently stabilized—with some days showing net inflows—cumulative redemptions in November remain the largest since the products launched.

Technical analysts highlight the formation of a bearish chart pattern, with Bitcoin retracing 32% from its $129,000 peak and testing critical support levels near $80,600. Below this threshold lies $74,110, a level tied to Michael Saylor's MicroStrategy holdings, which could become a focal point for institutional buyers. Meanwhile, veteran chartist Peter Brandt has outlined a scenario where Bitcoin could dip toward $58,000 before resuming a longer-term uptrend.

The bearish narrative is compounded by macroeconomic uncertainties. While Federal Reserve rate-cut expectations offer a potential tailwind, fears of an AI-driven tech bubble and broader market de-risking have weighed on risk assets. ETF activity remains a key wildcard: while outflows persist, some investors are rotating into altcoin ETFs, suggesting crypto remains a strategic asset class.

Yet, optimism lingers among institutional players. Harvard University has increased its Bitcoin ETF holdings to $443 million, while Japan's Metaplanet has allocated ¥15 billion for BTC purchases. These moves signal that major institutions view dips as buying opportunities rather than abandonment. Max Keiser, a prominent Bitcoin advocate, argues the market has transitioned into an accumulation phase, with ETF inflows indicating renewed interest despite the recent crash.

Price forecasts vary widely. Ultra-bullish analysts, including Standard Chartered and Bitwise, target $150,000–$225,000 by year-end 2025, citing structural demand and potential Fed easing. More moderate projections, such as those from 101Blockchains, suggest a range of $100,000–$135,000, reflecting a consolidation phase. Conversely, cautious analysts at Kraken model a flat trajectory near $85,000, while bearish scenarios warn of 70% drawdowns to $35,000–$40,000.

The outcome hinges on several factors: Fed policy, ETF inflow reversals, and institutional accumulation. A resurgence in macroeconomic optimism or regulatory clarity could reignite a rally, while persistent risk-off sentiment or regulatory surprises might deepen the correction. As one analyst noted, "Bitcoin's volatility is a feature, not a bug—investors must prepare for extreme swings."