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Bitcoin Rallies to $89,098: Holiday Range-Bound Trading and $23.6B Options Expiry Impact

Published: December 26, 2025 | Tapbit Market Analysis

Bitcoin has broken out of its recent consolidation, rallying to $89,098 after weeks of narrow trading in the $85,000–$90,000 range. This move comes amid thin holiday liquidity and ahead of a massive $23.6 billion options expiry—one of the largest on record—raising questions about short-term volatility and post-expiry direction.

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Bitcoin Latest Price Overview: Breaking Above $89,000

24-Hour and Recent Performance: From $85,000–$90,000 Range to $89,098

  • Current Price: $89,098 (+2.15% in 24 hours).
  • 24-Hour Range: Low $87,200 – High $89,300.
  • Market Cap: $1.77 trillion.
  • Recent Context: Prolonged sideways action in the holiday period before today’s upside breakout.

Trading Volume and Holiday “Christmas Rally” Context

Volumes remain below peak levels due to year-end holidays, yet today’s surge shows renewed buying interest. Historically mixed “Christmas rally” outcomes add intrigue as markets eye post-holiday participation.

Holiday Range-Bound Trading: Technical Significance of $85,000–$90,000

Key Support and Resistance Analysis

  • Support at $85,000: Multi-week low and psychological floor; held firmly during consolidation.
  • Resistance Near $90,000: Strong overhead supply and round-number barrier repeatedly tested.

How Thin Liquidity Amplifies Short-Term Volatility Risk

Reduced participation during holidays creates shallower order books, allowing smaller flows to drive outsized moves—evident in today’s rapid climb to $89,098.

$23.6 Billion Bitcoin Options Expiry: Core Data and Structure

Expiry Scale, Timing, and Historical Comparison

Set for December 26–27, this $23.6 billion notional expiry ranks among the largest ever, primarily on Deribit and CME.

Call/Put Ratio, Max Pain Zone, and Price Magnet Effect

  • Put-heavy skew below $90,000 suggests downside protection demand.
  • Estimated Max Pain around $96,000–$98,000, where most options expire worthless.
  • Post-expiry gamma unwinds often trigger sharp directional moves.

Three Potential Bitcoin Price Paths Post-Options Expiry

Upside Break: Holding Above $90,000 Toward $96,000+

Bullish resolution with volume support could target $95,000–$100,000 on short squeezes and renewed inflows.

Continued Range-Bound Trading: Awaiting Post-Holiday Liquidity

Most probable near-term if momentum fades—sideways until institutional desks return in January.

Downside Risk: Retesting $85,000 or Lower

Failure to hold gains risks pullback, especially if expiry pinning reverses or macro risks emerge.

How Traders and Investors Should Respond

Short-Term Traders: Volatility Plays and Risk Controls

  • Focus on expiry-driven swings; use tight stops and scaled entries.
  • Consider straddle/strangle strategies around key strikes.

Medium-to-Long-Term Holders: Seasonal and Expiry Context

View “Christmas rally” patterns positively historically; treat expiry volatility as noise in broader uptrend.

Risk Warnings: Leverage and Holiday Uncertainty

Avoid excessive leverage; monitor sudden news flows that can exaggerate moves in thin markets.

Conclusion

Bitcoin’s rally to $89,098 breaks the*$85,000–$90,000 holiday range, but the impending $23.6 billion options expiry and low liquidity introduce meaningful two-way risks. Traders on Tapbit can navigate these dynamics with real-time tools and disciplined strategies as we close 2025.

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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute trading or investment advice. Cryptocurrency markets are highly volatile. Always conduct your own research.

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