Bitcoin Eyes $138,000 as Coinbase Premium Signals Positive Market Sentiment

Bitcoin's rise past $100,000 sparks optimism for a surge towards $138,000, aided by a stabilizing Coinbase premium and renewed investor sentiment.

Bitcoin’s Current Momentum

Bitcoin enthusiasts are buzzing with excitement as signs of a rebound in the “Coinbase premium” suggest a potential climb toward a price of $138,000.

So far in 2025, Bitcoin has surged by 8.5%, riding the wave of a generally optimistic sentiment in the cryptocurrency landscape, fueled in part by the anticipation surrounding President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20.

In recent trading sessions, Bitcoin has once again crossed the $100,000 threshold, leading analysts to propose bold new all-time high forecasts.

On December 8, it successfully closed a daily candle above the six-figure mark for the first time, although it has since maintained this status for just six days—something many traders consider essential for sustained growth.

One trader observed that Bitcoin’s current trajectory mirrors the positive trends from early 2021.

Market Sentiment and Predictions

Despite facing diminishing returns over the last four years, this trader speculated that if Bitcoin continues to reflect its previous cyclical patterns, it could potentially achieve a valuation near $138,000 by February.

Another Bitcoin supporter cautioned, however, referencing troubling patterns on Bitcoin’s monthly chart from past bull runs; if these patterns hold, BTC might even soar to $200,000.

Researcher Axel Adler Jr. pointed out that a remarkable 90% of the Bitcoin supply is currently in the black.

He suggested that unless an unexpected market upheaval occurs, any declines in BTC’s price should be minimal.

This scenario is reminiscent of the bullish phase of 2017 rather than the disruptions seen in 2021 following the Chinese mining ban.

Retail Investor Trends

After a significant sell-off between December 18 and January 2, the Coinbase premium for Bitcoin found its way back to neutral territory by January 4.

An anonymous analyst commented that this return to the breakeven point signals an uptick in positive sentiment among U.S. investors and institutions.

It’s essential, however, to note that the Coinbase premium primarily reflects the mood of retail investors in the U.S., rather than the institutional perspective.

Interestingly, while Bitcoin’s price peaked at $108,000 last month, transaction volumes among retail investors have sharply declined.

Recent figures reveal that the 30-day rolling average of retail transactions below $10,000 has fallen to levels not witnessed since September 2024.

This substantial drop in retail activity may present a ripe buying opportunity for long-term investors looking to enter the market.

On the technical side, Bitcoin’s latest upward movement culminated in a bullish breakout after it closed a daily candle above $97,000 last week.

Surpassing the $100,000 mark is seen as a significant development, though traders emphasize that this level will continue to be of key interest in the coming days.

Source: Cointelegraph