Bitcoin Breaks Resistance — But Is It Sustainable?

Bitcoin (BTC) kicked off May with a powerful surge, breaking past the $97,000 mark for the first time in months. This move above a critical resistance level has reignited bullish sentiment in the crypto market, as many wonder if the world’s largest cryptocurrency is now headed toward a six-figure valuation.

But despite the excitement, the road ahead for BTC remains uncertain. According to recent on-chain analysis, Bitcoin now stands at a crucial turning point, with three possible paths unfolding from here: a full-scale bull rally, a stable consolidation, or a mild correction.

Bitcoin Breaks Resistance — But Is It Sustainable?

Bitcoin closed at $97,406 on Monday, May 1, overcoming a level it had failed to maintain since late February. This breakout has placed BTC above the short-term holder (STH) realized price, currently at $93,342. That metric represents the average on-chain acquisition cost for coins held for less than 155 days, and now it acts as a strong support floor for Bitcoin.

This shift also flipped many recent buyers into an unrealized profit position, reducing selling pressure and supporting the bullish thesis. However, traders are wary of assuming a straight path to all-time highs. The market is still navigating volatility, and BTC’s next move hinges on a key metric — its momentum ratio.

Three Potential Scenarios For Bitcoin’s Next Move

Crypto analyst Axel Adler, using data from CryptoQuant, highlighted Bitcoin’s momentum ratio as a key signal. As of Monday, BTC’s momentum ratio sat around 0.8, placing it in what Adler calls the “start” of a rally phase. The direction Bitcoin takes next depends heavily on whether this ratio rises or falls.

If Bitcoin’s momentum ratio breaks above 1.0 and manages to sustain itself at that level, it would indicate renewed strength and buying pressure. This scenario would also be supported by other indicators like the Market Value to Realized Value (MVRV) and Net Unrealized Profit/Loss (NUPL) moving into bullish territory.

Under such conditions, Bitcoin could continue its ascent, potentially aiming for the $150,000 to $175,000 range. This type of move would be in line with Bitcoin’s previous explosive rallies in 2017 and 2021, where it experienced significant price surges over short periods.

However, it’s important to note that the MVRV currently stands at 2.16, which is still quite a distance from the historical top zone, which typically occurs around 3.9. Similarly, the NUPL is at 0.54, which suggests the market is in an early optimism phase rather than euphoria. These readings indicate that there might be room for further upside before Bitcoin becomes overvalued.

If, on the other hand, the momentum ratio remains between 0.8 and 1.0, we might see Bitcoin trading more sideways in a wide band between $90,000 and $110,000. This scenario implies a period of base-building, where investors hold their positions but might not be actively making new purchases. We could also expect to see less volatility as the market waits for a new catalyst.

This outcome is considered more likely if the current levels of buying pressure begin to decrease but do not reverse drastically.

Finally, if the momentum ratio drops below 0.75, we might see a bearish outcome unfolding. In this case, short-term holders could be induced to cash out in greater numbers, ultimately triggering a correction that could return Bitcoin to the $70,000–$85,000 range.

Many analysts believe this scenario is less likely, given that Bitcoin already experienced a correction in April, which helped reset key indicators and flush out weaker hands.

While no one can predict the future with certainty, the current market conditions seem to favor either a continuation of the bullish trend or a consolidation phase. Indicators like the NUPL and MVRV are still showing moderate levels, and with BTC now sitting above the STH realized price, investor sentiment appears to be cautiously optimistic.

For now, Bitcoin stands at a crucial juncture, and its next move will be decisive. Whether it soars toward new highs, stabilizes in a holding pattern, or experiences another pullback will depend on how momentum and buyer behavior evolve in the days to come.