Bitcoin fell below $90,000 over the weekend as traders identified a recurring technical formation known as the Bart Simpson pattern appearing on price charts. The pattern, named for its resemblance to the cartoon character's spiky hair, has emerged multiple times throughout December, raising questions about near-term price stability.
What Happened: Pattern Formations
The Bart Simpson pattern forms when Bitcoin moves sharply in one direction within a short timeframe, trades sideways briefly, then quickly reverses toward its starting price level.
Several analysts documented at least three separate occurrences between Dec. 10-12, with additional formations spotted from late November through mid-December.
One analyst suggested another pattern may be completing now, potentially setting up another upward move. Paweł Łaskarzewski warned the breakout could reverse again, calling it a "likely scenario."
"Bart pattern + weekend order books = stop-hunt bingo," Łaskarzewski posted on social media platform X. "My base case: both sides get cleaned before direction is obvious."
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Why It Matters: Liquidity Traps
Market observers say the pattern typically emerges when trading liquidity thins, often coinciding with activity from large participants.
One analyst noted retail traders chase momentum after sudden moves while stop-loss orders become visible targets.
"Price rips during low liquidity, everyone starts tweeting targets, confidence comes back… then we go straight down and fully retrace," according to an analyst post.
Another market watcher, Christian Ott, described the formations as tools designed "to exhaust traders emotionally," noting long-term holders typically ignore these short-term fluctuations.
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