Bitcoin price under pressure as CME futures open with $2.9K gap

Bitcoin price began the week under pressure after CME futures reopened well below Friday’s close, drawing attention to a large pricing gap.

Summary

• Bitcoin futures on CME opened the week with a sharp downside gap after weekend selling pushed prices lower in the spot market.
• The $2.9K gap has become a key level traders are watching, as similar gaps have often influenced short-term price moves.
• While near-term momentum remains fragile, analysts say longer-term catalysts could still reshape Bitcoin’s 2026 outlook.

CME Bitcoin futures opened near $86,560 after closing the previous session around $89,500, leaving a downside gap of roughly $2,940.

The move reflects selling that took place over the weekend, when spot Bitcoin (BTC) continued trading while CME futures were closed.

How the CME gap formed

Since the CME has set trading hours while Bitcoin trades continuously, large weekend price changes often appear as gaps when futures markets reopen. When prices move sharply during this period, futures often reopen at very different levels.

The sharper the spot price swing during the closure, the wider the gap at the open. This weekend’s decline pushed futures to reopen well below Friday’s settlement, making the gap one of the more noticeable ones seen this month.

Analysts are divided on what may happen next. Some market participants believe the pullback is simply a pause after Bitcoin’s mid-month rally. If buying pressure returns, they expect prices to move back toward previous resistance levels, which could lead to the CME gap being filled.

Others disagree, arguing that losing key price levels multiple times may push Bitcoin lower before a durable recovery can begin.

What traders are watching next

In the short term, Bitcoin appears to be testing support between $86,000 and $88,000. A move back above $95,000 would signal improving momentum. However, a continued drop below current support could lead to further downside toward the low $80,000 range.

Looking ahead to 2026, opinions remain mixed. Supporters point to growing institutional adoption, strong exchange-traded fund demand, and wider use of stablecoins and digital reserves. Grayscale has suggested a possible new all-time high in the first half of 2026, while Binance founder Changpeng Zhao has described 2026 as a potential breakout year.

Even so, caution is still needed. Future U.S. laws, such as the CLARITY Act, are expected to affect how money flows into digital assets. Favorable policy changes could support long-term demand, while delays or setbacks may keep volatility high.

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