Brandt Rejects Bull Flag as Bitcoin Nears Critical Turning Point

TLDR

• Peter Brandt rejected claims that Bitcoin is forming a bullish flag pattern.
• Brandt said the current pullback exceeds the typical duration of a classical bull flag.
• Bitcoin remains inside a descending price channel on the weekly chart.
• The cryptocurrency continues trading below the 8-period and 18-period moving averages.
• An ADX reading of 28.27 indicates the bearish trend remains active.

Bitcoin remained locked inside a descending trading range as veteran trader Peter Brandt rejected expectations of an immediate breakout. He said the current chart structure does not qualify as a bullish continuation pattern under classical technical analysis rules. Brandt instead projected further weakness before a broader cycle recovery emerges later in 2026.

Bitcoin Price Remains Under Pressure Inside Descending Channel

Brandt reviewed the weekly BTC/USD chart and challenged claims that Bitcoin was forming a bullish flag. He stated that classical charting principles do not support that interpretation. According to Brandt, recognized bull flags usually last between six and eight weeks.

However, the current pullback has extended beyond that timeframe. As a result, he argued that the pattern no longer fits traditional definitions. He referenced charting standards established by Schabacker, Edwards, and Magee.

The analyst identified a descending price channel as the dominant structure. He showed Bitcoin trading beneath both the 8-period and 18-period moving averages. Those indicators continued to reinforce downward pressure on price action.

Brandt also highlighted a previous downside break from consolidation. He marked that event with a red signal on the chart. According to his assessment, that breakdown remains the defining technical development.

The trader pointed to the Average Directional Index, or ADX, for confirmation. The indicator measured 28.27 on the weekly chart. That reading suggested the prevailing trend still carried strength.

Brandt therefore projected continued movement inside the descending corridor. He said Bitcoin could remain under pressure during the coming months. His chart pointed to a cycle bottom forming around September or October 2026.

Long-Term Target Stays Near $127,500 Despite Current Weakness

Although Brandt maintained a bearish short-term outlook, he preserved his longer-term projection. His chart continued to show a potential cycle target near $127,500. That level remained marked by the upper red trend line.

At the same time, the chart displayed a lower baseline near $24,825. Brandt identified that area as the multi-year floor for Bitcoin. The level remained unchanged in his latest review.

The analyst explained that the bullish scenario requires a confirmed trend reversal. Until then, the descending channel remains the dominant structure. He did not indicate that such a reversal had already started.

Instead, Brandt said the market must first complete its corrective phase. He suggested that price action still lacked evidence of a lasting breakout. The chart therefore continued to favor consolidation and weakness.

According to Brandt, a new advance would begin only after a confirmed upside escape. He referenced a future green signal on the chart as confirmation. That marker would indicate a breakout from the descending channel.

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