Bitcoin Pulls Back to Around $103K – Can the Bull Market Still Run?

Current Price and Market Overview

Chart: https://www.gate.com/trade/BTC_USDT

Recently, Bitcoin retreated to approximately $103,000, falling nearly 3% in a single day on November 12, 2025, to about $103,279. Analysts note that short-term support for Bitcoin is under pressure, and key zones like $102,000–$100,000 are facing significant tests. Previously, Bitcoin set a high near $126,000 before beginning its pullback. Given these developments, market participants are now questioning whether the bull run is losing steam.

Why Has Bull Market Momentum Weakened? Insights from Technicals, Capital, and Sentiment

Technical Perspective:

• The price pullback has breached several significant support zones, including the psychological $100,000 level.
• Technical indicators reveal weaker short-term buying strength and declining trading volumes.
• Leveraged markets—such as derivatives positions and open interest in futures—have contracted sharply, signaling cooling bullish sentiment.

Capital Perspective:

• Analysts report that major institutions and “whales” are reducing exposure or pausing further accumulation.
• While some capital inflows persist (such as through ETFs), overall momentum is noticeably weaker than before.

Sentiment Perspective:

• The market has shifted from aggressive buying to adopting a cautious stance, with some investors taking profits.
• Analysts and institutions warn that a “fall season” or “consolidation period” may already be underway.

In sum, momentum has clearly weakened across all three dimensions, raising uncertainty about the uptrend’s sustainability.

Is the Bull Market Still Intact? Supporting Arguments and Counterpoints

Supporting Arguments:

• Despite the short-term slowdown, supply-side factors—such as exchange reserves and long-term holders—continue to tighten from a medium- to long-term perspective.
• The investor base is seeing more participation from institutions, and as the market matures, the bull cycle could last longer instead of ending abruptly.
• If critical support levels (e.g., $100,000 or $98,000) remain intact, the current correction may represent a healthy adjustment within an ongoing bull run.

Counterpoints:

• If support fails, a deeper correction may follow, potentially bringing the bull market to a premature close.
• Macro factors—such as rising interest rates, a stronger US dollar, and policy risks—continue to weigh on risk assets.
• Cooling sentiment and slower capital inflows could signal a major market shift.

Overall, I believe that while the bull market has not ended, we have entered a “correction period” or “consolidation phase,” rather than continuing in a straightforward upward channel.

Investor Strategies: How to Navigate the Current Market

• Remain calm and avoid chasing highs: With the current pullback underway, chasing rallies could expose you to greater risks.
• Watch key support levels: Whether $100,000 and $98,000 hold will be critical indicators for future market moves.
• Staggered entries and diversify risk: If you have a positive medium- to long-term outlook, consider staggered entries and keep reserve capital.
• Track capital flows and institutional activity: ETF inflows, whale address activity, and long-term holder behavior can all provide valuable trend signals.
• Set your stop-loss and profit targets: If the price breaks down further, promptly adjust your positions. This will help manage potential losses.

Conclusion

Bitcoin’s retreat to around $103,000 signals waning bull market momentum, with technical, capital, and sentiment indicators all suggesting a period of adjustment. However, from a medium- to long-term outlook, the structural bull market remains intact and is unlikely to end soon. Investors should treat this stage as a correction within a bull market, not the end of the cycle, staying prudent and open to new opportunities. If key support levels hold and new capital enters the market, another upward movement could still occur.