Bitcoin rallies continue to be capped by selling near the intra-day range highs, and the expectation of a Bank of Japan interest rate hike could amplify the downturn in BTC and altcoins. Bitcoin attempted a recovery on Monday, but renewed selling pressure threatens to pull the price to $84,000. Several altcoins are attempting to hold above their support levels, but the bounce lacks strength.

Trader CrypNuevo noted that BTC could range from $80,000 to $99,000, with a break below $80,000 potentially sinking the price to $73,000. Analyst Aksel Kibar suggested that BTC could soon break out of its “extreme low volatility setup.” If it clears the $94,600 level, a move toward $100,000 is possible, but if it sinks below $73,700 to $76,500, further declines are likely.

The crypto community is watching the Bank of Japan (BoJ), which is expected to hike interest rates on December 19. Historical data shows that BoJ rate hikes have previously caused BTC to drop over 20%. The question remains: will the major altcoins join BTC in a relief rally, or will the bears dominate?

Looking at the S&P 500 Index (SPX), it turned down from the 6,920 resistance level, showing that bears are strongly defending this point. If the price breaks below the moving averages, it could remain trapped between 6,550 and 6,920 for several days. A close below 6,550 would indicate a double-top pattern, paving the way for a drop to the 6,180 target. Conversely, if SPX rises above 6,920, it could signal a continuation of the uptrend, potentially reaching towards 7,290.

The US Dollar Index (DXY) also tried to rise above the 20-day exponential moving average (EMA) of 99.04 but faced resistance. The moving averages have completed a bearish crossover, and the relative strength index (RSI) is negative, suggesting that bears have the advantage right now. Support is minor at the 98 level, but if it falls below that, it could drop to 97.20 and then 96.21. A break and close above the 20-day EMA would indicate strength from buyers, while a close above 100.54 would signify a stronger bullish trend.

In terms of Bitcoin price prediction, BTC bounced off the uptrend line on Monday but struggled to clear the 20-day EMA at $90,720. The bearish sentiment is apparent as the 20-day EMA turns down and RSI remains negative. If BTC closes below the uptrend line, it could nosedive to $84,000 and eventually to the November 21 low of $80,600. However, if it sharply turns up and closes above the 20-day EMA, it may rally to the 50-day simple moving average (SMA) at $95,985, where sellers are likely to defend the zone between the 50-day SMA and $100,000.

Moving on to Ether (ETH), buyers managed to push the price above the 20-day EMA of $3,106 on Monday, but the long wick on the candlestick indicates significant selling at higher levels. The bears will aim to pull Ether below $2,907. If successful, the ETH/USDT pair could descend to a support zone between $2,716 and $2,623. However, if the price rebounds and breaks above $3,350, it could signal a near-term bottom, with the potential to rally to $3,658 and $3,918.

For BNB, tight range trading has resolved to the downside, suggesting a slight advantage for bears. Sellers will look to pull the price down to the crucial support level of $791. If this level fails, the BNB/USDT pair may resume its downtrend toward $730. On the other hand, a rebound from $791 followed by a break above the 20-day EMA at $888 could indicate a potential range formation between $791 and $1,020.

XRP remains caught below the 20-day EMA of $2.06, indicating weak buying momentum. The bears aim to drive XRP down to the support line of the descending channel and then to $1.61. Buyers are expected to defend the $1.61 level; a break below could send the XRP/USDT pair to the October 10 low of $1.25. The bulls will need to push the price above the 50-day SMA of $2.21 to signal strength, potentially allowing the pair to rally toward the downtrend line.

Solana (SOL) has formed a symmetrical triangle, revealing uncertainty between buyers and sellers. A downside break below the triangle's support line would signal bearish momentum, potentially plunging the SOL/USDT pair toward the strong support at $95. Conversely, a break and close above the triangle’s resistance line would indicate that bulls are attempting a comeback, with potential rallies toward $172 and later $189.

Dogecoin (DOGE) is facing selling pressure as bears attempt to pull the price below the critical support level of $0.13. If they succeed, DOGE may continue its downward trend, potentially nosediving toward the October 10 low of $0.10, where buyers might step in. To signal strength, bulls must push the Dogecoin price above the 20-day EMA of $0.14, which could lead to a rally toward $0.19, suggesting the previous break below $0.14 was a bear trap.

Cardano (ADA) continues to slide toward the critical support level of $0.37. If the bears manage to pull the price below this level, it could signal the start of a more significant downward move, potentially plummeting to the October 10 low of $0.27. Alternatively, if the price turns up and breaks above the 20-day EMA at $0.42, it may consolidate between $0.37 and $0.50 for a while, with buyers needing to push above $0.50 to signal a potential trend change.

Lastly, Bitcoin Cash (BCH) has broken below the 20-day EMA of $560, indicating that bulls are losing control. The next level of support lies at the 50-day SMA of $534 and then $508. This scenario suggests that BCH may oscillate within the $443 to $615 range for the time being. For a bullish signal, buyers need to maintain the price above $615, which could enable the BCH/USDT pair to challenge the critical overhead resistance at $651.

In conclusion, the current landscape for BTC and major altcoins is marked by uncertainty, with various factors influencing market movements. Upcoming events, like the Bank of Japan rate hike, may play a pivotal role in shaping price dynamics. Investors should remain vigilant and conduct thorough research before making any trading decisions, as the crypto market continues to exhibit volatility and unpredictability.