Bitcoin (BTC) continues to display strength in the market, despite facing the critical $60,000 support level. Traders are emphasizing a "bullish market structure" that remains intact even after several retests of this key psychological mark.

• Bitcoin maintains "bullish market structure" despite a $60K retest.

• Whale buying activity suggests confidence in a future rally.

• Bitcoin ETFs show signs of recovery with net inflows in late September.

• Analysts target $85,000–$100,000 for BTC by year-end if demand grows.

• Market sentiment remains cautious amid geopolitical tensions and regulatory developments.

Market analyst Rekt Capital recently stated that while Bitcoin's price hovers around $60K, traders should avoid succumbing to fear. "BTC has revisited the low $60,000s countless times over the past several months," he mentioned, highlighting that each drop generates a new reason for concern. However, the overall market structure continues to lean bullish.

Bitcoin weekly price | Source: CheckOnChain 

While the $60,000 mark has provided crucial support in the past, recent market movements have caused concern among investors. Bitcoin experienced a 6% dip over three days after touching a two-month high above $66,000. Despite this decline, some traders see it as a healthy correction in an ongoing bull market.

Popular trader Jelle reinforced the sentiment, suggesting that Bitcoin is executing a crucial resistance-to-support (R/S) flip. "Bitcoin's market structure is bullish again, and we're turning key S/R back into support," he noted. This viewpoint urges investors to avoid being shaken out by temporary volatility.

Read more: Crypto Inflows Surge: $1.2 Billion in a Week Amid Rate Cut Hopes

Bitcoin whale behavior analysis | Source: CheckOnChain

Despite market downturns, whale activity indicates strong accumulation at the $60K range. CryptoQuant founder Ki Young-Ju highlighted that influential entities continue buying large amounts of Bitcoin. This whale activity suggests that significant investors are betting on a future bull run.

Bitcoin short-term holder analysis | Source: CheckOnChain 

Short-term holders' behavior offers insights into Bitcoin's current market position. Checkmate, the creator of Checkonchain, analyzed the Short-Term Holder Spent Output Profit Ratio (STH-SOPR). This metric measures the proportion of funds in profit when moved on-chain by speculators who hold Bitcoin for up to 155 days.

Currently, the STH-SOPR is below its center value of 1.0, which some analysts interpret as a "buy the dip" opportunity. When this metric is low, it indicates that holders are not taking profits, suggesting potential market upside.

The broader market remains cautious due to various factors, including geopolitical tensions and regulatory uncertainty. Analysts from CryptoQuant project that Bitcoin has a fair chance to reach $85,000–$100,000 by the end of the year, provided demand grows.

However, they caution that external factors, such as the Federal Reserve's monetary policy and geopolitical developments in the Middle East, could impact market dynamics. Institutional interest, particularly from Bitcoin ETFs, could act as a catalyst. Net buying of Bitcoin ETFs surged in late September, reversing previous selling trends.

Read more: Bitcoin Rallies as Crypto Market Reacts to Fed Rate Cut Speculation and Q4 Optimism

Not everyone shares the same optimism. Some analysts predict a further drop if Bitcoin fails to hold the $60K level. Mark Cullen, a crypto enthusiast, recently cautioned traders to prepare for a potential dip to $57,000. He stated, "It's taking time, but Bitcoin still appears to be heading lower." This view adds to a growing chorus calling for a pullback of up to 10% or more if support gives way.

Read more: The Bitcoin Stock-to-Flow (S2F) Model: A Comprehensive Guide

Bitcoin’s market structure remains optimistic despite the threat to the $60,000 support. Whale buying activity, bullish market indicators, and potential ETF interest suggest the cryptocurrency could still have a path to higher prices. Yet, caution prevails due to external uncertainties and mixed market signals.

Will Bitcoin hit $100K by year-end? Demand growth and global market conditions will likely be the deciding factors.