Analyst Notes Current Bitcoin Metrics Mirror 2018 Pre-Decline Conditions

Alexey Bondarev
Alexey BondarevDec, 17 2025 7:41
On-chain data supports consolidation before potential rally toward six-figure target (Image: Shutterstock)
On-chain data supports consolidation before potential rally toward six-figure target (Image: Shutterstock)

Bitcoin (BTC) faces sustained selling pressure as market analysts debate whether current price levels represent a bottom formation or signal deeper declines ahead. The cryptocurrency has fallen 31% from its all-time high, with technical indicators showing the asset's longest consecutive "extreme fear" streak on record.

What Happened: Market Analysis

PlanB, creator of the Stock-to-Flow model, attributed current market dynamics to an equal split between sellers and buyers on Wednesday.

He said 50% of selling comes from original holders "traumatized by 2021," technical investors monitoring the relative strength index, and four-year cycle proponents expecting a bear market two years after the halving.

The remaining 50% consists of buyers focused on fundamentals, institutional investors, traditional finance players and banks.

PlanB characterized the situation as an "epic battle ... until sellers are out of ammo."

Joe Consorti, a crypto entrepreneur, noted historical precedents for further declines. When Bitcoin reached similar oversold levels in late 2018, the asset dropped an additional 44%, while the 2022 scenario saw a 54% decline.

Also Read: Dogecoin Falls 5% After Central Bank Announces Rate Cut With Cautious Guidance

Why It Matters: Price Outlook

Consorti suggested Bitcoin could either experience continued downward pressure or "chop around and form a bottom here," similar to patterns observed in September 2024 and April 2025. He emphasized that bottom formation requires time.

Bitcoin briefly approached $88,000 on Tuesday after reaching $85,000 on Monday, but retreated to $87,500 during Wednesday's Asian trading session due to insufficient buying pressure.

Read Next: Solana Drops Below $130 While Technical Indicators Signal Renewed Weakness

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Alexey Bondarev

Alexey Bondarev is the Head of Content at Yellow.com, having reported on crypto for the last 10 years. He specializes in in-depth Research and Learn pieces, with a focus on analytical reporting, industry context, and the bigger forces shaping crypto, from the AI era and security technologies to fintech innovation. He believes that everything digital will imminently overcome everything analogue and is working hard to make that come true.

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Analyst Notes Current Bitcoin Metrics Mirror 2018 Pre-Decline Conditions | Yellow