Written by Biraajmaan Tamuly, Staff Writer. Reviewed by Ray Salmond, Staff Editor.
Written by Biraajmaan Tamuly, Staff Writer.
Reviewed by Ray Salmond, Staff Editor.
Bitcoin’s trend defining battle starts at the $74K support: Analyst
MarketsPublishedMay 18, 2026
Bitcoin traders are closely watching the $74,000-$75,000 support zone as exchange inflows rise and market signals weaken following BTC’s loss of momentum above $82,000.
Bitcoin (BTC) lost its hold on the $80,000 level over the weekend, and data suggest that the cryptocurrency needs to trade above the $74,000-$75,000 range, as it has repeatedly served as key support over the last two years.
Crypto analyst Ardi stated the next retest of the $74,000-$75,000 range could become the most crucial support test of the current bear market.
The analyst pointed to the role that the price range played during the last two years. In 2024, Bitcoin struggled to break above the range during a seven-month-long consolidation. In Q1 2025, the same area held as support before BTC rallied toward its cycle highs at $126,000.
BTC/USD, one-day chart analysis by Ardi. Source: X
Bitcoin is now approaching this level after its 5.78% weekly correction to $77,900. Ardi stated the zone carries added weight because several major price pivots formed at $74,000-$75,000 across multiple time frames.
Crypto trader Alex Wacy focused on the $70,000 level. Wacy stated holding that area could support a move back toward $85,000-$90,000. Losing it could open the door to a larger decline toward the $50,000-$60,000 range.
Related: BTC price ‘bull trap’ at $76.5K? Five things to know in Bitcoin this week
Bitcoin market signal weakens again
Bitcoin researcher Axel Adler Jr. stated the Bitcoin bull-bear structure index turned bearish again after BTC failed to stay above $82,000 earlier this month.
It tracks six indicators linked to exchange-traded fund (ETF) demand, trader activity, exchange flows, and short-term price momentum. A positive reading indicates buyers are in control, while a negative reading points to growing seller pressure.
Bitcoin bull-bear structure index. Source: CryptoQuant
The bullish signal lasted less than three trading days. On May 6, the index briefly turned positive as Bitcoin climbed near $82,000. By May 17, the reading had dropped to -23.49, indicating that sellers quickly regained control.
Meanwhile, CryptoQuant data showed more Bitcoin moving onto exchanges from investors who bought BTC six to 12 months ago. The average buying price was around $110,851, meaning many are now sitting on large unrealized losses after the latest drop.
The share of older coins moving to exchanges also surged to 10.54%, far above its usual level below 1%, with market analyst Easy On Chain stating,
“Historically, this reflects investors locking in major losses and exiting the market, creating severe spot-market selling pressure.”
Related: Saylor’s Strategy scoops $2B Bitcoin, holdings reach 843,738 BTC
This article is produced in accordance with Cointelegraph’s Editorial Policy and is intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute investment advice or recommendations. All investments and trades carry risk; readers are encouraged to conduct independent research.
- Bitcoin Price
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