Bitcoin Holds Above $103K as Crypto Market Eyes Next Rally; Ethereum and XRP Consolidate Midweek

The global crypto market opened Wednesday with cautious optimism, as Bitcoin price managed to hold above a crucial support zone while major altcoins entered a consolidation phase. The market cap slashed below $3.5 trillion with the sentiments remaining under fear. The rise followed by a tight consolidation had flashed some bullish signals. Meanwhile, the ongoing bearish action raises concern over the next price action. 

The technicals point towards a bullish reversal, while the macroeconomic factors remain uncertain, keeping the market sentiments in a ‘wait and watch’ mode. So what’s next?

Bitcoin Maintains Structure Above $103K

Bitcoin (BTC) continues to trade comfortably above the $103,000 mark after a brief corrective pullback below $102,500. Despite short-term volatility, the asset’s structure remains firmly bullish—suggesting that buyers are defending this zone as a critical pivot point.

The bears have been guarding the resistance zone between $106,300 and $106,700 since the start of the month and the latest rejection validates the claim. This suggests the bears have been holding greater dominance compared to the bulls. With a significant rise in volume, the BTC price is expected to remain consolidated below the range. Besides, on-chain data shows sustained accumulation from long-term holders and a drop in exchange reserves, signaling confidence among institutional investors.  

Ethereum, XRP, and Altcoins Enter Sideways Accumulation

Ethereum (ETH) price is trading within a tight range near $5,350 as traders await new catalysts, possibly from protocol upgrade chatter or fresh staking inflows. Meanwhile, the XRP price continues to hold above $1.10 with signs of renewed whale activity—positioning it as one of the few altcoins showing strength during Bitcoin’s pause.

BNB price slips below $1000, Dogecoin trades around $0.172 and Cardano around $0.55. The DeFi space is also experiencing upward pressure, while the top performers like Uniswap and World Liberty Financial display strength. Memecoins like FLOKI, BONK, and PEPE also saw increased social activity and trading volumes while continuing to face upward pressure. 

Macro Picture: Risk Appetite Improves, But Rate Uncertainty Persists

Crypto’s midweek calm comes as global markets digest easing concerns around U.S. federal spending and potential monetary loosening. Risk-on assets, including equities and digital assets, are benefitting from renewed liquidity inflows in Asia. However, investors remain cautious—the Federal Reserve’s timeline for rate cuts remains unclear, keeping traders defensive on leverage-heavy bets.

Key Levels to Watch

• Bitcoin (BTC): Support at $101,000, Resistance near $108,000–$109,000

• Ethereum (ETH): Holding above $5,250, potential breakout above $5,450

• XRP (XRP): Needs a daily close over $1.20 to confirm bullish continuation

• Market Sentiment: Neutral-to-bullish; funding rates stable, open interest rising gradually

Key Events to Watch This Week

• U.S. CPI Data Release (Nov 13): Could shape risk appetite across equities and crypto markets if inflation surprises.

• Federal Reserve Remarks: Multiple Fed officials are scheduled to speak; any dovish tone may boost Bitcoin and altcoin sentiment.

• Asia Market Open Flows: Renewed liquidity from Hong Kong and Singapore continues to support early-week crypto strength.

• Institutional Flows: Watch ETF inflows/outflows and whale transactions around the $101K BTC level for direction cues.
• Project Milestones: Chainlink CCIP and Arbitrum updates could influence DeFi narratives through the week.