# Crypto in 2026, Bitcoin's $81K Support Holds as $97K Target Looms

Bitcoin tests $81K support after a flush to $79,750. Gareth Soloway maps the $87,200 breakout level and $97K upside target. Plus ETH and HBAR setups.

Source: https://34000501qxfkjytvma472.top/crypto-in-2026-bitcoin/ · based on the channel [Gareth Soloway](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwTu6kD2igaLMpxswtcdxlg) · Video: [Bitcoin Came THIS Close to Breaking Down: $97K Next?](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5p7VdWDV-E) · 2026-10-20

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## Key takeaways

- Bitcoin flushed to $79,750 before closing back above $81,000 support.
- A daily close above $87,200 opens a confluence of targets at $95,000–$97,000.
- A daily close below $81,000 opens $75,500, where Gareth plans to buy 25%.
- The $67,000 zone is where he plans to load the rest of his position.
- Ethereum has a heavy buy zone just below $2,000; a breakout targets $2,800.
- HBAR swing trade targets near $0.10 on a retrace to the scene of the crime.

Bitcoin is holding its ground in a narrowing range, with the crypto market watching two key levels: $81,000 on the downside and $87,200 on the upside. According to Gareth Soloway's latest analysis, a daily close above $87,200 would open a path toward $95,000–$97,000, while a breakdown below $81,000 would target $75,500 and then $67,000. For traders looking to act on these levels, signing up through [Coinbase's tier-one fee link](https://coinbase.com/aff/verifiedinvesting) can reduce trading costs.

## Bitcoin's two key levels: $81,000 and $87,200

The immediate battle lines for Bitcoin are clearly drawn at $81,000 support and $87,200 resistance. Bitcoin recently flushed to about $79,750 before recovering back above $81,000, reinforcing the importance of that support. The price has been hammering this line repeatedly, but so far it has held. On the upside, $87,200 is the gatekeeper: only a daily close above that level would confirm the bullish scenario and activate the upside targets.

## Why Bitcoin is hanging in there as the AI trade collapses

Bitcoin's relative resilience stands out as the AI trade and the Nasdaq slide. While tech stocks have faced selling pressure, Bitcoin has managed to hold its support zone, suggesting that crypto-specific demand remains intact. This divergence is notable because it shows that Bitcoin is not simply following the Nasdaq tick-for-tick. However, Gareth Soloway remains cautious: he holds no swing position in Bitcoin, long or short, while it sits inside its roughly $6,000 range. The lack of a clear directional break keeps the risk-reward neutral for now.

## Upside factors: three reasons for a $95,000–$97,000 target

A breakout above $87,200 would align three separate technical factors near $95,000–$97,000, creating a strong confluence. First, a rising trend line currently near $91,000 could act as a magnet and potentially carry the target into late November. Second, a measured move off the recent consolidation projects to $96,000–$97,000. Third, prior pivot highs confirm this zone as a logical resistance area. When multiple independent methods point to the same region, traders pay attention. Gareth walks through each factor on Coinbase's own charts, emphasizing that the upside case only counts above $87,200.

## Downside risk: below $81,000 opens $75,500 and $67,000

A daily close below $81,000 would flip the script and open the door to lower levels. The first target would be $75,500, where Gareth plans to buy only 25% of his intended position. If that level fails, the next major zone is around $67,000, where he plans to load the rest. This staged approach reflects his belief that the cycle low is likely in until proven otherwise, but he remains prepared for a deeper flush. He shared with Crypto Banter that he would not go all-in at $75,500, preferring to keep dry powder for the $67,000 zone.

## Ethereum: sub-$2,000 buy zone or a $2,800 retest

Ethereum remains range-bound, but the levels are clear. A heavy buy zone sits just below $2,000, where buyers have historically stepped in. On a breakout, the next major retest would be around $2,800. Traders watching ETH can use these levels to plan entries and exits, keeping in mind that the broader crypto market's direction often influences Ethereum's moves. Gareth's approach is to wait for price to reach these zones rather than chase intermediate moves.

## HBAR swing trade: retrace to the scene of the crime targets $0.10

Gareth recently took an HBAR swing trade with Smart Money Crypto members, buying on a retrace to the "scene of the crime"—a previous breakdown level that now acts as support. The target is near $0.10. This setup illustrates a classic swing-trading technique: wait for price to return to a key level where the prior move originated, then enter with a defined stop and target. The trade reflects the importance of having a game plan and sticking to it, rather than reacting emotionally to market noise.

## Why a game plan keeps emotion out of trading

Without a predefined plan, traders get whipsawed by volatility and make impulsive decisions. Gareth emphasizes that having clear levels for entries, exits, and position sizing removes emotion from the equation. For example, knowing in advance that he would buy 25% at $75,500 and the rest at $67,000 allows him to act rationally if those levels are reached. This discipline is especially important in crypto, where prices can swing violently. As one viewer noted, emotional trading without a game plan is a common pitfall, and many traders lack the knowledge to create one. Education and preparation are key.

## Useful links

- [Coinbase tier-one fee pricing and sign-up bonuses](https://coinbase.com/aff/verifiedinvesting) — save on trading fees and qualify for promotions if your account has been idle for 30 days or you joined under someone else's link.
- [VerifiedInvesting.com](https://www.verifiedinvesting.com) — for more analysis and tools.

## Bottom line

Bitcoin's immediate direction hinges on $81,000 support and $87,200 resistance. A break above $87,200 could ignite a rally to $95,000–$97,000, while a close below $81,000 would target $75,500 and $67,000. Gareth Soloway's analysis provides a clear roadmap for both scenarios, emphasizing the importance of a game plan. For traders looking to minimize costs, [sign up through Coinbase's tier-one fee link](https://coinbase.com/aff/verifiedinvesting) to keep more of your profits. Always remember that trading involves risk, and these levels are for educational purposes.

## Questions & answers

**What are the key Bitcoin levels to watch right now?**

The two critical levels are $81,000 on the downside and $87,200 on the upside. A daily close above $87,200 opens targets at $95,000–$97,000, while a close below $81,000 targets $75,500 and then $67,000.

**Why is Gareth Soloway not holding a Bitcoin position?**

He sees Bitcoin stuck in a roughly $6,000 range with no clear directional break, making the risk-reward neutral. He prefers to wait for a confirmed breakout above $87,200 or a drop to his buy zones before committing.

**What is the Ethereum trade setup?**

Ethereum has a heavy buy zone just below $2,000, which could act as strong support. On a breakout, the next major retest would be around $2,800.

**How does a game plan help in crypto trading?**

A game plan predefines entries, exits, and position sizes, removing emotion from decisions. This prevents impulsive trades and helps traders stick to their strategy even during volatile swings.