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Bitcoin’s rally may be far from over, according to leading market watchers who suggest the cryptocurrency is following a stair-step path higher. Analysts argue that the journey to new record highs will not be explosive, but rather a measured climb punctuated by healthy corrections that reset the market before the next leg up.
James van Straten, a respected market analyst, likened Bitcoin’s current trajectory to the performance of gold in the early 2000s. Back then, the precious metal steadily gained value over several years, with occasional pullbacks that ultimately strengthened the long-term trend.
For Bitcoin, van Straten envisions a “slow grind higher,” supported by consistent inflows into exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and rising institutional adoption. However, he cautions that investors should be prepared for temporary dips of 10–20%, which he believes are a natural part of a healthy bull market cycle.
Key Levels That Could Define Bitcoin’s Next Move
Technical analysts are highlighting several price levels that could determine whether Bitcoin maintains its momentum or faces renewed selling pressure.
Michaël van de Poppe, founder of MN Trading, identified $107,000 as a likely support level where dip buyers could re-enter the market if the price weakens. This zone has emerged as an important area where bullish sentiment could stabilize during short-term corrections.
Even more significant, however, is the $112,000 level, which van de Poppe called a potential “trigger point.” A decisive close above this resistance could serve as a powerful signal of strength, encouraging risk-taking across the cryptocurrency market.
According to van de Poppe, surpassing this milestone may mark the beginning of “altcoin mode” — a period when capital rotates out of Bitcoin and into other major cryptocurrencies, such as Ethereum, Solana, and XRP. This shift often amplifies gains in the broader digital asset space and could drive a fresh wave of investor enthusiasm.
Schiff Renews Criticism of Bitcoin Treasury Strategies
While technical analysts debate chart patterns and resistance zones, the long-standing ideological battle between Bitcoin and gold advocates has reignited.
Peter Schiff, CEO of Euro Pacific Capital and one of Bitcoin’s most vocal critics, challenged the corporate treasury strategy embraced by MicroStrategy’s Michael Saylor. Schiff argued that Bitcoin’s relative illiquidity makes it a risky choice for institutions that want to hold massive sums on their balance sheets.
According to Schiff, the gold market offers greater depth and flexibility. “Tens of billions in gold can be sold with minimal disruption,” he claimed, suggesting that the same cannot be said for Bitcoin. He warned that unloading billions worth of BTC would not only be more complicated but could also trigger cascading sell-offs across the market.
Supporters Counter Schiff’s Claims
Bitcoin proponents were quick to push back on Schiff’s criticisms. They pointed out that institutional investors do not need to sell large positions all at once. Instead, firms can use over-the-counter (OTC) channels or stagger sales across time to minimize price impact.
Furthermore, Bitcoin supporters argue that liquidity in the digital asset market has expanded significantly thanks to ETFs, derivatives, and the increasing role of institutional players. They claim that while gold has centuries of history as a store of value, Bitcoin’s borderless, programmable, and transparent qualities make it uniquely suited for the modern era.
Michael Saylor himself has consistently defended his Bitcoin-heavy approach, describing BTC as the most compelling treasury reserve asset in existence. He argues that Bitcoin’s scarcity, capped supply of 21 million, and global accessibility make it superior to gold in terms of long-term value preservation.
Outlook: A Pivotal Quarter Ahead
With Bitcoin hovering below the $112,000 threshold, the market is at a decisive juncture. Analysts see continued ETF inflows as a key driver of momentum, while traders are watching for signs of either a breakout or a deeper correction.
If Bitcoin manages to close above $112,000, it could unlock a new phase of bullish activity, attracting not only retail traders but also institutions that have been waiting for technical confirmation of strength. This scenario could also ignite renewed enthusiasm in altcoins, further expanding the rally across the crypto landscape.
On the other hand, failure to clear resistance might invite another wave of selling, testing supports around $107,000 or even lower. Such a pullback, while potentially painful for short-term traders, would not necessarily derail the broader bullish outlook, as long as ETF demand and institutional flows remain intact.
The Gold vs Bitcoin Debate Persists
Beyond price levels and technical milestones, the ongoing debate between Peter Schiff and Michael Saylor highlights a deeper philosophical divide. Schiff views gold as the ultimate form of liquidity and financial security, while Saylor believes Bitcoin represents the future of money and the ultimate hedge against fiat debasement.
This clash is unlikely to end anytime soon, as both assets continue to attract distinct investor bases. Gold appeals to those seeking stability and historical precedent, while Bitcoin attracts investors looking for exponential growth and exposure to digital innovation.
As Q4 approaches, the $112,000 level for Bitcoin stands out not only as a technical barrier but also as a symbolic milestone in the asset’s ongoing rivalry with gold. The outcome could shape market sentiment well into 2026 and beyond.
