Bitcoin has run into resistance again near $71,000, pulling back after testing a descending trendline that has been in place since October 2025. The line originates from the $126,000 peak and has connected a series of lower highs for nearly six months, keeping the broader technical structure under pressure.
The latest move fits what chart analysts describe as a trendline rejection. Price touched resistance, then faded. That matters because repeated lower highs usually point to sellers defending the same area over and over, which keeps the bearish structure intact even after a sharp rebound.
The rally from $60,000 to $71,000 has not changed the chart yet
Over the past few weeks, Bitcoin climbed from around $60,000 to above $71,000. The advance was notable, but analysts cited in the source argue that rallies inside a broader downtrend are still treated as temporary recoveries unless the structure is clearly broken. After an overnight test of the trendline, price turned lower once more.
The key issue now is not whether Bitcoin briefly traded above resistance, but whether it can close above it and hold. So far, the asset has not posted a daily close above the descending trendline. In technical terms, a short-lived push above resistance without follow-through does not qualify as a confirmed breakout. A stronger move would require sustained trading above the line, backed by solid volume.
Two short-term paths remain on the table
With resistance near $71,000 still active, the market is focused on two near-term scenarios. The first is a deeper correction, where renewed selling pressure sends Bitcoin back toward $65,000. Given the current chart setup, that possibility remains open.
The second scenario is a recovery strong enough to break the descending trendline decisively. If that happens, the technical outlook would shift and the market could start treating the recent rebound as something more durable. The source also notes that recent ETF inflows are being viewed as a short-term positive on the fundamental side, but price levels on the chart remain the main driver for now. Analysts say Bitcoin needs to move clearly above the descending trendline before upside momentum can be considered restored.
For the moment, the market remains stuck between technical resistance and a more optimistic fundamental backdrop.