Bitcoin Faces First Close Below This Key Long-Term Support in 2.5 Years

Bitcoin risks closing below the 50-week moving average - an important long-term support not breached for over 2.5 years.

With the bears already on the offensive following the recent sell-off, prices are likely to suffer if bitcoin closes on Sunday below the key support, currently seen at $7,611.

More worryingly for the bulls, since the cryptocurrency has not traded below the 50-week MA since October 2015, acceptance below that level would only add credence to the argument that the long-term bull run has ended.

A downside break would raise the odds of a slide to fresh 2017 lows below $6,000.

As of writing, bitcoin is changing hands at $7,400 on Bitfinex, and price chart analysis suggests that bitcoin is likely to end the week below the key $7,611 level.

To start with, the weekly relative strength index is below 50.00 and trending south in favor of the bears.

The RSI has also found acceptance below the key support zone of 53.55-55.00, which only strengthens the bear case.

The daily chart below also shows scope for a drop below $7,000.

View BTC looks set to close below the 50-week MA for the first time since October 2015, signaling a major bearish breakdown and opening the doors for a re-test of $6,000.

A corrective rally may save the day for the bulls the probability of a bearish weekly close below the 50-week MA will remain high as long as bitcoin is trading below $8,644.