Bitcoin is trading at a turning point as macro and chart signals converge. US inflation data and shifting rate expectations continue to shape risk appetite, while price action sits just above $85,000, a level buyers have defended repeatedly. Technically, BTC remains below key moving averages, keeping rallies fragile. A daily close below support exposes $80,600, while recovery above $90,200 would signal early stabilization. US CPI Misses, BoE Cuts Rates, ECB Holds: What Today’s Data Means for Markets Today’s macro releases delivered a coordinated signal from global central banks: inflation pressures are easing, but growth remains fragile, keeping policymakers cautious rather than confident. The Bank of England cut its benchmark rate to 3.75%, the lowest level in nearly three years, after UK inflation slowed to 3.2% in November from 3.6%. The decision passed narrowly, highlighting internal concern about cutting too aggressively. Governor Andrew Bailey said inflation has moved past its recent peak, but warned that UK economic momentum remains weak, with output expected to show little or no growth in the final quarter of 2025. This was a defensive adjustment, not a pivot toward stimulus. BREAKING: Bank of England cuts interest rates to 3.75% – the lowest level in nearly three years https://t.co/dYQtttYgAZ Sky 501, Virgin 602, Freeview 233 and YouTube pic.twitter.com/HTuZqsBCWe — Sky News (@SkyNews) December 18, 2025 In the euro area, the European Central Bank held rates unchanged, keeping the deposit rate at 2.00% and the main refinancing rate at 2.15%. Updated projections show inflation easing toward target over the medium term, but policymakers reiterated that future decisions will remain data-driven. The ECB’s message was restraint: policy is restrictive enough, but the case for near-term easing is not yet compelling. The most market-sensitive release came from the US. November CPI undershot expectations, with headline inflation at 2.7% year-on-year versus a 3.1% consensus, while core CPI slowed to 2.6% against a 3.0% forecast. At the same time, initial jobless claims held at 224K, but the Philadelphia Fed Manufacturing Index fell sharply to -10.2, signalling renewed weakness in industrial activity. Taken together, today’s data suggest that rates are approaching their peak across major economies, while downside growth risks are becoming more visible. Bitcoin Price Prediction: Bearish Flag Breakdown Keeps $85K in Focus Bitcoin’s daily chart shows the market entering a technically sensitive phase, with price trading near $85,600, just above a minor support zone at $85,000–$85,100. This area has attracted dip buyers repeatedly, but follow-through has weakened, pointing to fading demand rather than panic selling. Structurally, Bitcoin has confirmed a bearish flag breakdown, a continuation pattern formed after the sharp decline from the $100,000 region earlier this quarter. The break reinforces that the broader trend remains corrective. Price remains capped below the 50-day EMA near $94,500 and the 100-day EMA around $100,100, both sloping lower and acting as dynamic resistance. Until those levels are reclaimed, upside attempts are likely to face selling pressure. Bitcoin Price Prediction – Source: Tradingview Bitcoin Technical Outlook: Momentum Weak, $80K Path Opens Momentum remains soft. RSI in the high-30s shows limited buying strength without oversold conditions, leaving room for further downside. Recent candles are small and overlapping, pointing to consolidation rather than accumulation, with no reversal signal in place. A daily close below $85,000 would likely trigger a move toward $83,000, with the bearish flag projecting downside toward $80,600. On the upside, a sustained reclaim of $90,200 is needed to ease pressure and shift focus back to $94,500, where supply remains heavy. Near term, failed rebounds below $90,000 continue to favor sellers. Deeper dips toward the $80,000 area may attract longer-term buyers rather than aggressive short covering. PEPENODE: A Mine-to-Earn Meme Coin Nearing Presale Close PEPENODE is gaining momentum as a next-generation meme coin that blends viral culture with interactive gameplay. With over $2.36 mn raised and the presale approaching its cap, interest is building fast as the countdown enters its final stretch. What makes PEPENODE stand out is its mine-to-earn virtual ecosystem. Instead of passive holding, users can build digital server rooms using Miner Nodes and facilities, earning simulated rewards through a visual dashboard. The concept brings gamification and competition into the meme coin space, giving holders something to do before launch. The project also offers presale staking, allowing early participants to earn boosted rewards ahead of the token generation event. Leaderboards and bonus incentives are planned post-launch to keep engagement high. With 1 $PEPENODE priced at $0.0012016 and limited allocation remaining, the presale is entering its final opportunity window for early buyers. Click Here to Participate in the Presale The post Bitcoin Price Prediction: Bear Flag Strengthens After CPI as $85K Wobbles appeared first on Cryptonews .
