Bitcoin Retreats From $80K; ETH Tests $2,100 Pivot

On May 21, 2026, Bitcoin retreated from the $80,000 level and most altcoins slipped as U.S. equities advanced after a U.S.-Iran peace draft. Crypto prices moved less strongly than U.S. tech shares during the session.

On four-hour charts, Bitcoin found support at the 200-period moving average near $77,000 after breaking an upward channel that had taken the price above $80,000. A recovery above the four-hour 50-period moving average at about $78,800 would open a path to test the $80,000–$83,000 area and higher cycle highs near $82,500. Downside pressure would increase if Bitcoin closed below the 200-period moving average and extended losses past $75,000. Further support levels to watch include $70,000, the 2024 double-bottom zone between $60,000 and $63,000, and the February low near $59,935. Resistance bands referenced in technical levels include $90,000–$95,000, $98,000–$100,000 and the current all-time high region around $124,000–$126,000.

Ethereum traded around a $2,100 pivot on the four-hour chart and showed softer price action than Bitcoin. A move above the four-hour 50-period moving average at roughly $2,200 would clear a route to $2,400 and the $2,500–$2,800 range seen in mid-2025. A decisive close below $2,100 would expose supports in the $1,700–$1,800 area, the February low at $1,744, and broader 2025 support between $1,380 and $1,500. Longer-term upside targets mentioned in technical levels include $3,000–$3,200 momentum pivots and prior highs near $4,950.

Analyst Elior Manier published a technical review on May 21 listing the moving averages and price levels above as reference points for traders. The note described the current price action as a period of consolidation with key four-hour moving averages serving as short-term support and resistance. The review advised monitoring market headlines and commodity prices such as crude oil for potential triggers that could affect investor behavior.