The dominant crypto narrative for 2024 has been institutional adoption. From the U.S. approval of spot bitcoin (BTC) exchange-traded funds to the burgeoning number of companies pledging to buy the largest cryptocurrency for their treasuries, crypto has entered, more than ever before, the mainstream conversation.

Bitcoin has increased almost 130% this year, breaking record highs on several occasions. It is currently hovering near the psychological threshold of $100,000. The ETFs approved in January have seen net inflows of $36 billion and amassed over 1 million BTC.

In addition, the number of publicly traded companies saying they’re adding bitcoin to their corporate treasury is accelerating. The trend, which started with MicroStrategy (MSTR) in 2020, recently attracted KULR Technology (KULR), a maker of energy storage products for the space and defense industries. The Houston, Texas-based company said it bought 217.18 BTC for $21 million and is allocating up to 90% of the surplus to cash to BTC.

Now Bitwise Asset Management, which already has spot bitcoin and ether ETFs, has applied for an exchange-traded fund to track the shares of companies that hold at least 1,000 BTC in treasury. Other requirements for the fund, dubbed Bitwise Bitcoin Standard Corporations ETF, are a market capitalization of at least $100 million, a minimum average daily liquidity of at least $1 million and a public free float of less than 10%, according to the Dec. 26 filing.

A second Thursday filing was made by Strive Asset Management, co-founded by Vivek Ramaswamy, a politician in the administration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. The Bitcoin Bond ETF seeks exposure through derivative instruments such as MicroStrategy’s convertible securities in an actively managed ETF. The bonds have been a massive success. The 0% coupon bond maturing in 2027 is priced at 150% above par and has outperformed bitcoin since inception.

“Since our inception, Strive has called out the long-term investment risks caused by the global fiat debt crisis, inflation, and geopolitical tensions,” Strive CEO Matt Cole told CoinDesk. “We strongly believe there is no better long-term investment to hedge against these risks than thoughtful exposure to bitcoin.”

“Strive’s first of many planned bitcoin solutions will democratize access to bitcoin bonds, which are bonds issued by corporations to purchase bitcoin. We believe these bonds provide attractive risk-return exposure to bitcoin, yet they are not available to be purchased by most investors,” he added.

Bitcoin is navigating turbulent waters as its price continues to slide, searching for a stable support level amid growing uncertainty. The current downward momentum has sparked concerns among investors and analysts, with many questioning whether Bitcoin has reached its cycle top. Sentiment in the market has shifted dramatically, with fear replacing the once euphoric optimism that drove the cryptocurrency to recent highs.

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Despite the unease, crypto analyst Ali Martinez offers a more optimistic perspective on the situation. In a recent analysis shared on X, Martinez suggested that a 20% to 30% correction could actually be the most bullish outcome for Bitcoin at this stage. He highlights how such pullbacks have historically set the stage for stronger rallies by shaking out weaker hands and allowing the market to reset before resuming its upward trajectory.

As Bitcoin’s price action teeters on the edge of a potential breakdown, all eyes are on the key support levels that could determine the next move. Will Bitcoin confirm the fears of a cycle top, or will a healthy correction provide the foundation for the next leg of its rally? The coming weeks will be crucial in shaping the narrative for the world’s leading cryptocurrency.

Bitcoin Correction Looms 

Bitcoin appears on the verge of entering a critical correction phase, with the $92K level emerging as the line in the sand. Analysts and investors are increasingly concerned that a drop below this threshold—and potentially the $90K mark—could trigger a wave of selling pressure, driving the price into sub-$80K territory. The growing fear has cast a shadow over Bitcoin’s bullish narrative as many brace for potential downside risks.

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However, not everyone sees this potential correction as bearish. Martinez offers a contrarian viewpoint, suggesting that a 20% to 30% correction could be the most bullish outcome for Bitcoin within the context of a bull trend.

Martinez presented a compelling chart showcasing every Bitcoin correction exceeding 20% during past bull markets. His findings reveal that each of these corrections acted as a reset for the market, shaking out weaker hands and paving the way for stronger rallies.

Martinez emphasizes that corrections are a natural and healthy component of Bitcoin’s price cycles, especially during bull runs. By allowing the market to recalibrate, they set the stage for sustained upward momentum. If Bitcoin does experience a significant pullback, it could be the precursor to a more robust and prolonged rally in the coming months.

BTC Testing ‘The Last Line Of Defense’

Bitcoin is currently trading at $94,500, grappling with sustained selling pressure and bearish price action. The market sentiment has shifted significantly in recent days, with fears of a deeper retracement gaining traction among analysts and investors. Many believe that if Bitcoin loses the $92,000 mark, it could open the door for an accelerated decline.

The $90,000 level is emerging as the critical support zone that Bitcoin must hold to maintain its bullish outlook. This level represents a psychological and technical barrier that could determine the cryptocurrency’s trajectory in the weeks ahead. If BTC manages to stay above $90K, analysts anticipate a strong recovery that could reignite bullish momentum and lead to a push toward previous highs.

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However, the stakes are high. A decisive break below the $90,000 level would likely exacerbate selling pressure, driving Bitcoin into deeper correction territory. In such a scenario, prices could fall as low as $75,000, marking a significant pullback from recent highs.

Featured image from Dall-E, chart from TradingView