High-Stakes Week For Bitcoin And Ethereum As Central Bank Decisions Approach: Key Predictions

This week could mark a pivotal moment in the first quarter of 2024 for the entire crypto market and the two largest cryptocurrencies, Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH), as major central banks, led by the Bank of Japan and the US Federal Reserve (Fed), prepare to announce their interest rate decisions

According to crypto futures exchange Blofin, these announcements will set the tone for monetary policy in the coming months. The impact of safe-haven sentiment has led to a pullback in both BTC and ETH prices, with traders expressing greater optimism for BTC. 

Bitcoin Price Movement Range Projected At 9.78%

As per a recent on-chain analysis report released by the exchange, crypto traders are expecting BTC’s price movement range to reach 9.78% over the next seven days, with a projected 30-day range of 20.33%. 

However, despite the expected volatility, the report indicates that traders remain bullish on BTC in the medium to long term. 

Skewness analysis suggests that price declines and pullbacks are expected to induce volatility, but the duration of this round of pullback is expected to be relatively short. Risk aversion to macro uncertainty is seen as the primary trigger. 

The latest dealers’ gamma distribution supports the expected wide range of BTC price fluctuations, with gamma peaks around $65,000 and $75,000. With the quarterly settlement approaching, market makers’ influence on BTC price movement is gradually recovering, providing support during price drops but making it challenging to surpass the $75,000 level. 

Bitcoin

In addition, on-chain data shows a decline in spot investors’ enthusiasm for buying BTC, although the number of addresses holding more than 100 BTC continues to increase, as seen in the chart above. The reduced number of addresses holding over 1,000 BTC suggests that significant holders have decided to sell at BTC’s new highs. 

Despite caution over potential price fluctuations, the hedging effect contributes to the increasing possibility of BTC price stabilization, making holding BTC a favorable choice.

Bearish Sentiment Dominates Front-Month Options For Ethereum

According to the report, similar to BTC, traders expect relatively high volatility levels for ETH in the short term, with projected price movement ranges of 10% over seven days and 20.32% over 30 days. However, the report suggests that traders are less optimistic about ETH’s future performance compared to Bitcoin. 

Furthermore, Blofin finds that bearish sentiment dominates the front-month options, while bullish sentiment remains favorable in the back-months. Blofin emphasizes that expectations of rate cuts may support the ETH price, but the pricing of Ethereum tail risk indicates “increased pessimism” regarding significant events impacting the ETH price, with spot Ethereum ETFs seen as a potential trigger. 

Finally, Blofin explains that the high leverage of altcoins has long been a “source of risk” in the cryptocurrency market. The recent price decline has led to the liquidation of many highly leveraged altcoin positions, resulting in lower annualized funding rates for perpetual contracts. 

This deleveraging of altcoins, coupled with their relatively small market share of less than 20%, has helped to mitigate risk and contribute to market stability, according to the report. However, despite the overall decline in altcoin leverage, speculation in meme coins continues.

Bitcoin

At present, the price of Bitcoin stands at $62,500, reflecting a significant decline of 7.5% within the last 24 hours. Similarly, Ethereum is trading at $3,276, experiencing a 6.8% drop during the same period.

Featured image from Shutterstock, chart from TradingView.com

Record-Breaking GBTC Outflows Send Bitcoin Down 14% To $62,000

As reported by Fortune Magazine, the cryptocurrency market has been experiencing significant volatility as Bitcoin (BTC) has experienced a sharp decline that has had a domino impact on other cryptocurrencies. The recent drop in the price of Bitcoin, coupled with outflows from Grayscale’s GBTC, has raised concerns among investors. 

Bitcoin Sees 14% Correction From ATH

Bitcoin suffered a 14% drop since reaching its all-time high (ATH) of $73,700 last week, briefly touching $62,483 on Tuesday morning. However, it recovered and stabilized around $64,900, just below the $65,000 mark. 

The decline was attributed to record outflows of over $640 million from Grayscale’s Bitcoin Trust (GBTC). In comparison, other spot Bitcoin ETFs saw inflows of less than $500 million, resulting in a net outflow of $15 million on Monday, according to Bloomberg ETF expert James Seyffart. 

Bitcoin

This outflow from GBTC, combined with the cautious sentiment surrounding the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting in the US, has had a significant impact on Bitcoin’s performance.

As recently reported by NewsBTC, investors exhibited caution ahead of the FOMC meeting, closely monitoring the potential changes in interest rates. Recent higher-than-expected inflation data, as indicated by the US Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Producer Price Index (PPI), dampened expectations of interest rate cuts. 

According to Fortune, the CME FedWatch Tool projected a 99% likelihood of rates remaining unchanged, further affecting market sentiment. Per the report, investors were keen to gauge the Federal Reserve’s stance on monetary policy, contributing to the cautious trading environment.

In the same context, the Bank of Japan raised its key interest rate from -0.1% to 0% to 0.1% in response to rising consumer prices. This was the first rate increase in 17 years.

Crypto Futures Traders Take A Hit

The drop in Bitcoin’s price had a cascading effect on other cryptocurrencies. Major altcoins like Ethereum (ETH) and Solana (SOL) experienced significant declines of 8.1% and 12.5% over the past 24 hours, respectively. 

Meme coins, including Floki Inu (FLOKI), Bonk Inu (Bonk), and Dogecoin (DOGE), also suffered losses of 34%, 28.5%, and 24.8%, respectively, during the past week. 

The decline in cryptocurrency prices resulted in over $440 million worth of liquidations for traders of crypto futures. Traders who had leveraged positions betting on higher prices faced significant losses. Most of these liquidations occurred on Binance, totaling $212 million, followed by OKX at $170 million. 

Bitcoin

Despite its price correction, BTC retains substantial gains of over 26% and 132% in the past thirty days and year-to-date timeframe, respectively.

Featured image from Shutterstock, chart from TradingView.com

Post-Halving Pressure: Marathon Digital Anticipates Bitcoin Break-Even Price Of $43,000

The Bitcoin (BTC) market has been on a wild ride recently, hitting a new all-time high (ATH) before experiencing notable volatility that resulted in an 8% drop to the $65,500 level on Friday. 

Meanwhile, Marathon Digital, one of the largest US-based Bitcoin mining companies, is preparing to acquire more power infrastructure and streamline operations to meet the challenges posed by a reduction in revenue due to the upcoming April halving event

Bitcoin Miners Brace For Post-Halving Shakeout

According to a Bloomberg report, Marathon Digital plans to acquire additional power infrastructure and expand its mining capacity to keep costs low and maintain profitability. 

By optimizing operations and scaling up, Marathon aims to mitigate the impact of the impending revenue drop and secure wider margins in the post-halving landscape.

Marathon Digital recently announced an agreement to purchase a 200-megawatt data center in Garden City, Texas, for over $87 million. This acquisition marks the company’s second major investment in power infrastructure after it acquired multiple sites for $179 million earlier this year. 

By increasing its ownership of mining capacity infrastructure to 53%, up from a meager 3% in the previous year, Marathon is positioning itself for greater operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness, Bloomberg notes. 

However, post-halving, the Bitcoin mining industry is expected to undergo significant changes, with some miners facing profitability challenges and potential exits. 

Profitability Crisis Looms

Marathon Digital’s CEO, Fred Thiel, highlights the impact of revenue reduction, estimating that the industry’s average break-even point will rise from around $23,000 per Bitcoin to approximately $43,000. Thiel stated:

Post halving, there will be some miners to lose profitability, maybe challenged, or maybe looking for an exit as their revenues will drop because of the Bitcoin rewarded will drop. The simple math is, if the industry average break-even point was around $23,000 per Bitcoin, it will now go up to around $43,000.

It is worth noting that this does not necessarily mean that Bitcoin’s price will fall to $43,000 from its current trading price of $69,300. The breakeven price refers to the price at which miners like Marathon Digital can cover their operating costs and achieve profitability. It is not directly correlated to the market price of Bitcoin.

Bitcoin

As of the time of writing, BTC is trading at $69,300 and is on the verge of reclaiming the significant milestone of $70,000. The cryptocurrency experienced a notable spike in volatility during the early hours of Friday’s trading session but has since recovered, mitigating its losses from 8% down to 2.5%.

Featured image from Shutterstock, chart from TradingView.com 

Crypto Market’s ‘Monster Cycle’: $7.5 Trillion Market Value By 2025, Bitcoin Targets $150,000

In a recent Bloomberg report, it has been revealed that the market value of crypto assets is expected to witness a remarkable surge, nearly tripling to $7.5 trillion by 2025. 

Wall Street Firm Predicts “Monster Of A Crypto Cycle”

The next few years are likely to usher in a “monster of a crypto cycle,” according to Wall Street research firm Bernstein. In addition, Bernstein analysts have an “outperform” rating on the stock as they initiate coverage of online brokerage Robinhood Markets. 

Analyst Gautam Chhugani believes investors should take advantage of the opportunity to ride the “crypto comeback arc,” envisioning a “ninefold increase” in Robinhood’s crypto trading volume over the next two years.

Chhugani expressed his confidence in Robinhood’s prospects, stating that now is the opportune time to enter the market with an 18-24 month window to capitalize on the crypto resurgence. Assigning a price target of $30 to the stock, Chhugani’s price target is currently the highest among analysts tracked by Bloomberg.

Following the publication of positive February operating data, which included increases in assets under custody and surging trade volume, Robinhood shares surged as much as 12% in New York trading, reaching the highest intraday level since December 2021. 

So far this year, the stock has gained over 40%. However, Wall Street remains cautious about its outlook, with six analysts rating the stock as a buy, ten suggesting a hold, and three recommending selling.

With the anticipated growth of crypto assets from $2.6 trillion to $7.5 trillion, the largest digital currency, Bitcoin, is set to become a $3 trillion asset by 2025. According to Chhugani, this surge is expected to be fueled by the “unprecedented success” of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) tied to the cryptocurrency. 

Additionally, Chhugani predicts that Bitcoin will reach a high of $150,000 next year. He emphasized the ongoing institutional adoption of cryptocurrencies and expressed expectations for the continued success of the Bitcoin ETF and the potential launch of an Ethereum ETF within the next 12 months.

Robinhood Positioned For Success

In the context of Robinhood, Chhugani highlighted the company’s “full suite crypto offering within a regulated broker platform,” which positions it favorably. Bloomberg notes that traditional broker platforms, such as Charles Schwab Corp., have been more hesitant in offering cryptocurrency services.

Summing up his bullish stance, Chhugani stated: 

In short, we are bullish on crypto, and we believe Robinhood’s crypto business resurgence will restore its fortunes with investors.

The projected exponential growth of the cryptocurrency market and the optimistic outlook for Robinhood’s crypto business have captured the attention of market observers. With the increasing mainstream acceptance and institutional adoption of digital assets, the next few years hold significant potential for investors and market participants alike.

Crypto

Featured image from Shutterstock, chart from TradingView.com

Washington Court Convicts Bitcoin Fog Founder of Aiding Darknet Drug Trade Money Laundering

In a recent development, the founder of “Bitcoin Fog,” a cryptocurrency-mixing service, was found guilty by a federal jury in Washington of helping to launder tens of millions of dollars from darknet markets notorious for illegal drug sales.

Multi-Million Dollar Crypto Money Laundering Case

According to a Bloomberg report, Roman Sterlingov, a 35-year-old Russian-Swiss national, was convicted by a jury on multiple counts, including conspiring to money launder, money laundering, and failing to register a money transmitting service. The prosecution argued that Bitcoin Fog facilitated over $400 million in untraceable transactions, with some funds originating from illicit markets.

The verdict not only marks another victory for the United States in its crackdown on crypto criminals but also sheds light on the role of Chainalysis, a Wall Street-backed firm utilized by the Justice Department and Treasury Department to trace cryptocurrency flows in money laundering cases. The defense raised concerns about the reliability of Chainalysis during the trial, questioning its methods and credibility.

During the month-long trial, prosecutors presented evidence showing how they tracked the flow of crypto from darknet markets through Bitcoin Fog, which they claimed Sterlingov operated. The government also relied on testimony from other crypto criminals, including Ilya Lichtenstein and Larry Harmon, who testified about using mixers for money laundering purposes.

Bitcoin Fog Founder Maintains Innocence Despite Conviction

Sterlingov, who has consistently denied running Bitcoin Fog, testified that he allegedly worked in information technology and helped clients create domain names during his employment at a marketing and web firm. 

Furthermore, Sterlingov claimed that he did not recall creating the Bitcoin Fog domain name or engaging in certain transactions referenced by the government.

Defense attorney Tor Ekeland also claimed that there was no concrete evidence linking Sterlingov to the operation of Bitcoin Fog, emphasizing a lack of eyewitness accounts or server logs. 

Ekeland also questioned the logic of using a secretive multi-step process to fund Bitcoin Fog when the initial transaction originated from an account registered in Sterlingov’s name. Sterlingov now faces a potential prison sentence of up to 20 years for the most serious charges. 

Bitcoin

As of the latest update, Bitcoin, the largest cryptocurrency in the market, experienced a minor 2% correction, briefly dipping to $68,500 and temporarily falling below the significant $70,000 milestone. However, the cryptocurrency swiftly rebounded and is currently trading at $71,400 at the time of writing.

Despite this temporary correction, Bitcoin has still exhibited notable gains of 11%, 25%, and 48% over the past seven, fourteen, and thirty days, respectively. These substantial increases propelled BTC to achieve its recent all-time high (ATH) of $73,000, which was reached on Monday.

Featured image from Shutterstock, chart from TradingView.com 

The Price Peak Puzzle: Unraveling The Timing Of Bitcoin Bull Market Peak

As Bitcoin (BTC) continues its remarkable ascent, reaching a new all-time high (ATH) of $72,300, investors wonder when the current bull market will peak. Considering historical data and the upcoming halving event scheduled for April 2024, crypto analyst Rekt Capital has provided insights into potential timing. 

Bitcoin Peak Expected Sooner Than Expected?

By examining previous halving cycles and the “acceleration” observed in the current cycle, Rekt Capital suggests that Bitcoin’s bull market may peak within 266-315 days from breaking its old all-time high, potentially occurring in December 2024 or February 2025.

Rekt Capital’s analysis reveals that Bitcoin has historically peaked in its bull market approximately 518-546 days after a halving event. However, the current cycle demonstrates accelerated growth, reducing approximately 260 days. 

According to the analyst, this acceleration has the potential to halve the typical cycle length, indicating that Bitcoin’s peak in the current bull market may occur much sooner than anticipated.

Bitcoin

Rekt Capital’s perspective, measuring the bull market peak from when an old all-time high is breached, provides valuable insights. In this cycle, Bitcoin recently broke to new all-time highs, indicating a potential milestone in the market. 

If the accelerated perspective holds, the next bull market peak is estimated to occur within 266-315 days from this breakout, landing somewhere between December 2024 and February 2025, according to the analysis provided by Rekt. 

Roughly every four years, Bitcoin’s halving events have historically played a crucial role in shaping market cycles. These events reduce the block reward miners receive, thereby reducing the rate of new Bitcoin supply, but this time may be different, according to Rekt, another analyst.  

From Four-Year Cycle To New Horizons

Similar to Rekt’s analysis, market expert Crypto Con suggests that the “conventional four-year cycle” may no longer hold, as Bitcoin is reaching new all-time highs sooner than expected, and as such, Crypto Con believes that the “boundaries of the traditional cycle” are being pushed, potentially signaling a paradigm shift in Bitcoin’s market dynamics. 

Historically, Bitcoin’s price cycles have adhered to a four-year pattern, characterized by market peaks around four years after each halving event. However, Crypto Con challenges this notion, arguing that the current cycle deviates from the “traditional timeline.” 

Bitcoin’s recent entry into “price discovery mode” and the achievement of new ATHs approximately a year earlier than expected suggest that the four-year cycle may no longer hold its predictive power.

Bitcoin

Crypto Con’s analysis indicates that the current market trajectory aligns more closely with the 2017 bull run than with previous cycles. Comparing the first tops of cycles 1 and 3 (2013 and 2021) to the present, both instances were on the verge of forming their initial peaks around April, mirroring the current market conditions. 

This observation supports the possibility of Bitcoin’s next bull market peak occurring in late 2024 rather than the previously anticipated late 2025.

Featured image from Shutterstock, chart from TradingView.com 

MicroStrategy Increases Bitcoin Bet With $822M Purchase, Adds 12,000 BTC To Treasury

As Bitcoin (BTC) continues its unprecedented uptrend, surging to a new all-time high (ATH) of $72,300, software company MicroStrategy remains steadfast in its vision. It is reaping substantial rewards from its strategic investment in the largest cryptocurrency in the market. 

MicroStrategy, led by renowned Bitcoin supporter and former CEO Michael Saylor, recently made a major acquisition, further solidifying its position in the digital asset market.

MicroStrategy Bitcoin Investment Pays Off

According to a filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), MicroStrategy acquired approximately 12,000 BTC between February 26, 2024, and March 10, 2024, for approximately $821.7 million in cash. The average purchase price per Bitcoin was $68,400. 

Additionally, MicroStrategy recently completed an offering of convertible senior notes due 2030, raising $800 million in funds. With this latest acquisition, MicroStrategy’s Bitcoin holdings now stand at a staggering 205,000 BTC, acquired for $6.9 billion.

Microstrategy

MicroStrategy’s stock trades at $1,557, representing a remarkable 9% gain within 24 hours. The company’s shares have demonstrated a sustained and continuous upward trajectory since February 26, coinciding with Bitcoin’s $50,000 consolidation phase breakthrough. 

Over two weeks, Bitcoin surged to its present trading price, establishing a notable correlation between the leading cryptocurrency and MicroStrategy. This correlation has further solidified the company’s strategy and contributed to its stock’s performance.

MicroStrategy’s strategic investment in Bitcoin has yielded remarkable results. The company now boasts a profit of $7.7 billion on its Bitcoin holdings, which translates to a remarkable return of 112% so far as Bitcoin breaks new all-time highs.

ETF Expert Astounded By Bitcoin ETF Success

The rapid rise of Bitcoin Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) has surpassed even the most optimistic projections. Bloomberg ETF expert Eric Balchunas highlighted the growth of these funds in a recent post on social media site X (formerly Twitter). The expert noted that assets under management (AUM) surpassed $55 billion, and trading volume reached an impressive $110 billion. 

Microstrategy

Balchunas acknowledged that achieving such numbers in just two months was nothing short of “absurd,” far exceeding what would normally be considered successful even at the end of a full year.

In addition, in a surprising turn of events for the ETF expert, Blackrock’s IBIT ETF and Fidelity’s FBTC have emerged as the leaders among all ETFs in terms of year-to-date (YTD) flows through the middle of March. This unexpected feat positions these Bitcoin ETF offerings as major players in the ETF market, attracting the attention and interest of investors seeking exposure to the digital asset.

Microstrategy

Currently, BTC continues its uptrend, aiming to solidify and consolidate above the $70,000 threshold, which would put the cryptocurrency in a good position to reach the $100,000 mark in the rest of the year. 

Featured image from Shutterstock, chart from TradingView.com

BREAKING: Bitcoin Hits New All-Time High, Surging Past $70,000 For The First Time In History

Bitcoin (BTC), the dominant cryptocurrency, has made history by briefly breaking its consolidation phase and reaching an all-time high of $70,000. Despite encountering resistance near this level, Bitcoin’s market capitalization has reached $1.3 trillion, showcasing its continued upward momentum. 

However, as the cryptocurrency faces a double top in the same price zone after almost three years, it must overcome a significant hurdle to consolidate above $69,000 and pave the way for further price gains.

Bitcoin Sets New Record 

In the past 24 hours, Bitcoin experienced a 2% uptrend, propelling it to breach the $70,000 milestone for the first time. The cryptocurrency had previously reached $69,300 on Tuesday, indicating the growing strength of its upward trajectory. However, the $69,000 mark has proven to be a formidable resistance level, leading to increased volatility once breached.

Bitcoin

The double-top formation in this price zone over a three-year period adds further complexity to Bitcoin’s consolidation efforts. Breaking through this resistance is crucial for Bitcoin to establish a solid foundation for future price gains and sustainably consolidate above $70,000.

The success of Bitcoin spot exchange-traded funds (ETFs) within a short span of two months has bolstered investor confidence and generated anticipation for future price appreciation. 

With investors betting on Bitcoin’s long-term prospects, it appears to be only a matter of time before the cryptocurrency overcomes its current resistance level and continues its upward trajectory. This positive sentiment provides a favorable backdrop for Bitcoin’s potential breakthrough.

Following its brief touch of $70,000, Bitcoin experienced a rapid retracement to the $68,000 level. The timing and extent of its consolidation above the resistance mark remain uncertain. However, market observers are closely monitoring Bitcoin’s performance, anticipating a potential breakthrough that could fuel additional price gains.

Featured image from Shutterstock, chart from TradingView.com 

Bitcoin ETF Frenzy: BlackRock Smashes Expectations With $788 Million Inflows In One Day

BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF, IBIT, achieved a remarkable milestone on March 5. Attracting a staggering $788 million, it exceeded its previous record of $612 million in inflows in a single day. This surge in investment coincided with Bitcoin reaching a new all-time high (ATH) of $69,300, surpassing its previous ATH set in 2021.

Bitcoin ETF Trading Volumes Reaches Record $10 Billion

Shortly after Bitcoin hit its new milestone, the market experienced a notable price correction, dropping below $60,000. However, this dip seemed to entice ETF buyers who saw it as an opportunity to accumulate Bitcoin at a discounted price. 

As a result, the Bitcoin price has quickly recovered and reached the $65,200 level, positioning itself for further price gains and consolidation above its ATH.

Bitcoin ETF

According to Bloomberg ETF expert Eric Balchunas, the ten Bitcoin ETFs traded a staggering $10 billion in volume on the same day, breaking the previous record set just a week ago. 

The expert noted that this surge in trading activity is not entirely unexpected, as volatility and volume often go hand in hand with ETFs. Balchunas also highlighted that several ETFs, including Blackrock’s IBIT, Fidelity (FBTC), Bitwise (BITB), and Arkham (ARKB), achieved record-breaking trading volumes.

Interestingly, while the Bitcoin ETFs experienced a surge in inflows, the Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC) continued its trend of outflows since the ETFs launched on January 11. 

Balchunas noted that GBTC has seen nearly $10 billion in outflows, yet its total assets under management remain unchanged since its launch. This phenomenon can be attributed to the bull market subsidy, wherein investors continue to hold assets despite outflows, generating revenue for the trust.

A Temporary Halt Before Further Gains?

Bitcoin’s recent price action has encountered resistance at its ATH level of $69,000, signaling a temporary rejection from this crucial point. This coincides with the activation of the Golden Ratio Multiplier, the first and only cycle top indicator to have fired thus far.

The Golden Ratio Multiplier, an indicator often used in technical analysis, has seen its cycle top band (level 5) rise to $69,099, aligning perfectly with Bitcoin’s recent peak. However, considering this is the sole indicator predicting a cycle top, some analysts, including Crypto Con, believe that a significant market correction may not have occurred yet.

Bitcoin ETF

According to Crypto Con, this current phase represents a temporary resting place for Bitcoin’s early parabolic ascent. Crypto Con suggests that once Bitcoin breaks through the ATH, it will begin a new phase characterized by heightened market activity and potential price gains. 

Bitcoin ETF

Featured image from Shutterstock, chart from TradingView.com

Deribit Exchange Expects Bitcoin To Rise 20% In The Next 30 Days, Targeting $80,000

In a significant milestone for the cryptocurrency market, Bitcoin (BTC), the largest digital asset, shattered its previous records, surging past the $69,000 mark to establish a new all-time high (ATH) of $69,300 on Tuesday. 

The achievement marked a historic moment for BTC, which hadn’t reached such levels in over two years. However, the crypto’s upward trajectory shows no signs of slowing down, with experts predicting further price gains.

Bitcoin Price And ETFs In Perfect Harmony

According to data from Deribit, an options and futures crypto exchange and analytics firm GenesisVol, BTC is anticipated to experience a potential increase of up to 20.8% within the next 30 days. 

These projections suggest that, under ideal circumstances, Bitcoin’s price could break through the $80,000 barrier. Even conservative traders are optimistic, expecting BTC to easily surpass $70,000 and reach around $75,000.

In addition, the recent approval of spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) has played a pivotal role in Bitcoin’s success, suggesting that the upward trend in BTC prices, coupled with bullish sentiment among options traders and institutional and retail investors, is far from over.

Bloomberg ETF expert Eric Balchunas emphasized the significance of this development, stating that it represents a crucial moment for both Bitcoin and ETFs. Balchunas believes the surge from $25,000 to $69,000 was largely driven by hopes of ETF approval and subsequent flows. 

Bitcoin

The expert claimed that the synergy between ETFs and Bitcoin has proven mutually beneficial, as ETFs have enhanced liquidity, affordability, convenience, and standardization for investors. 

Notably, the ten-spot Bitcoin ETFs have amassed over $50 billion in assets, with a staggering $8 billion generated from flows and the rest attributed to the rising value of Bitcoin.

However, as Bitcoin reached its new peak, increased market volatility led to a liquidation surge. Journalist Colin Wu reported a sharp 5% drop in Bitcoin’s price within an hour, with Binance recording below $65,000. During this hour, liquidations amounted to a staggering $142 million. 

BTC Sell Signal

Although bullish investors are currently on cloud nine, renowned crypto analyst Ali Martinez has sounded the alarm as the TD Sequential indicator recently flashed a sell signal on the daily chart of Bitcoin.

The TD Sequential indicator, developed by market expert Tom DeMark, utilizes price patterns and sequences to identify potential trend reversals in various financial markets, including cryptocurrencies. 

Martinez emphasized the indicator’s notable track record in predicting Bitcoin’s price movements since the beginning of the year. The TD Sequential indicator issued a buy signal in early January, just before Bitcoin’s price surged 34%. 

Conversely, a sell signal was given in mid-February, followed by a 4.44% drop in the value of BTC. So, considering the previous sell signals, a potential drop towards the $62,000 price level could be in the making for the largest cryptocurrency on the market, still holding the $60,000 support, which will be key for BTC’s prospects.

Bitcoin

Featured image from Shutterstock, chart from TradingView.com

BREAKING: Bitcoin Price Soars To New All-Time High Above $69,000

In a monumental milestone for the world’s leading cryptocurrency, the Bitcoin price has skyrocketed to an unprecedented all-time high (ATH), surpassing the remarkable threshold of $69,000

Bitcoin

Bitcoin Price Breaks Records

The recent approval of spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) on January 10 was a significant catalyst behind this surge. The market reacted with great excitement as the long-awaited decision by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) paved the way for greater accessibility and legitimacy of Bitcoin investments.

Throughout 2023, the Bitcoin price exhibited a notable uptrend, starting from its low of $15,400 in November 2022, which marked the end of the crypto winter and bear market. However, as 2024 began, the industry was buzzing with anticipation of the SEC’s potential approval of bitcoin spot ETFs.

After the approval, the Bitcoin price – which had already recovered from the previous bear market and was trading above $40,000 – surged to the $49,000 mark, followed by a sharp drop to the $41,500 support line the next day. Many market pundits interpreted this as a “sell the news” event. 

However, contrary to the critics’ expectations, the investment vehicles proved to be a resounding success and gained increased institutional acceptance. Consequently, the Bitcoin price rebounded and continued its upward trajectory, defying any resistance and establishing a strong bullish sentiment.

Bull Run Unleashed

As Bitcoin reaches this new ATH, the absence of setbacks or resistance walls across all time frames suggests that this may be one of the most significant bull runs in Bitcoin’s storied history. 

Notably, market analysts and experts have already considered the possibility of Bitcoin reaching extraordinary price milestones of $100,000 by 2024 or even $200,000 by 2025, as previously reported by NewsBTC.

Nonetheless, future regulatory decisions and macroeconomic factors will undoubtedly shape Bitcoin’s price trajectory and ability to reach even higher levels.

Featured image from Shutterstock, chart from TradingView.com

Bitcoin Proves European Central Bank Wrong: Hits All-Time High Against Euro

Bitcoin (BTC), the leading cryptocurrency, continues its remarkable bullish run, surpassing the $65,000 mark on Monday and inching closer to its all-time high of $69,000. Simultaneously, BTC has achieved a significant milestone against the Euro as economic concerns escalate across Europe. 

BTC Achieves Record Highs Against 14 G20 Currencies

Despite previous skepticism from European authorities, Bitcoin has soared to an all-time high of $60,200 against the official currency of the European Union (EU). This achievement is noteworthy, considering the Euro’s recent depreciation against Bitcoin, as depicted in the chart below.

Bitcoin

On February 22, the European Central Bank (ECB) expressed doubts about Bitcoin’s potential as a global decentralized digital currency, citing its “limited use” for legitimate transactions.

The ECB argued that Bitcoin had failed to live up to its initial promise of becoming a widely accepted payment or a reliable investment. It also highlighted the alleged “inconvenience, slowness, and high costs” of Bitcoin transactions.

The ECB further raised concerns about the “history of price manipulation” and fraudulent activities associated with Bitcoin. It attributed these issues to the absence of a “fair value” for the cryptocurrency. However, despite the ECB’s reservations, Bitcoin has experienced a surge in institutional and retail investments. 

The recent approval and success of Bitcoin spot exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have played a pivotal role, attracting inflows of over $7.3 billion to the BTC market within just two months, prompting renewed bullish sentiment in the industry.

Bitcoin’s success extends beyond its achievement against the Euro. The cryptocurrency has reportedly reached all-time highs against the currencies of fourteen G20 countries, including the Japanese Yen, British Pound, Australian Dollar, Canadian Dollar, Chinese Yuan, New Zealand Dollar, Swedish Krona, and South Korean Won. 

Bitcoin Set For Potential Surge To $200k 

Reports of an impending surge in Bitcoin’s value have sparked excitement among investors, as market expert Gert Van Lagen predicts another substantial price increase. 

With BlackRock’s renewed interest in purchasing Bitcoin and a reported scarcity of the cryptocurrency on over-the-counter (OTC) desks, conditions seem favorable for a straight pump to $100,000. Van Lagen emphasizes that with limited resistance to upward movement, the potential for exponential growth appears limitless.

The analyst suggests that continued buying by spot ETFs at a rate of $900 million per day, coupled with a shallow market depth of approximately $20-40 million, can drive significant price surges. 

Van Lagen’s analysis also suggests that based on historical cycles, once the 1.618 Fibonacci extension of the 2018 bear market is breached, Bitcoin peaks within 2-3 months at the 2.272 extension. Currently, the 2.272 extension projects a potential peak of $207,000.

Looking back at previous cycles, notable patterns emerge. 2013 Bitcoin topped within six weeks at the 2.272 extension of the 2011 bear market after breaking the 1.618 extension. 

Similarly 2017, Bitcoin peaked within three months at the 2.272 extension of the 2015 bear market, following a breakthrough of the 1.618 extension. 

Bitcoin has surpassed the 1.618 extension of the 2018 bear market in the current market. Van Lagen anticipates that Bitcoin will likely peak at the 2.272 extension of the 2018 bear market, estimated at around $200,000. 

Bitcoin

Currently, the largest cryptocurrency on the market is trading at $65,300, up over 5% in the last 24 hours and over 27% in the last seven days.

Featured image from Shutterstock, chart from TradingView.com

Bitcoin ETF Breaks Records: BlackRock’s IBIT Joins Elite ‘$10 Billion Club’ Amidst Soaring Demand

The demand for spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) has surged since their recent approval on January 10, with BlackRock’s IBIT Bitcoin ETF leading the way. This ETF has reached impressive milestones in less than two months, attracting significant investor interest and opening doors for various market participants to invest in the largest cryptocurrency directly. 

As institutional and retail investors flock to these new investment vehicles, market experts predict a bullish trend and anticipate a potential price surge.

Bitcoin ETF Frenzy

According to Bloomberg ETF expert Eric Balchunas, BlackRock’s IBIT Bitcoin ETF has quickly joined the esteemed “$10 billion club,” reaching the milestone faster than any other ETF, including Grayscale’s Bitcoin Trust (GBTC), noting that only 152 ETFs out of 3,400 have crossed the threshold.

Balchunas notes that IBIT’s ascent to this club was primarily driven by significant inflows, which accounted for 78% of its assets under management (AUM). This reflects the growing appetite for Bitcoin exposure among investors seeking diversified and regulated investment options.

In particular, the current trajectory of the ETF market paints a picture of resilience and bullish sentiment in the market. Equity ETF flows, and leveraged trading levels are positive indicators, although they have not yet reached the euphoria seen in 2021, Balchunas notes. 

However, Bloomberg’s new BI ETF Greed/Fear Indicator, which incorporates various inputs, highlights the optimistic outlook shared by ETF investors, as seen in the chart below.

Bitcoin ETF

On this matter, crypto analyst “On-Chain College” went to social media X (formerly Twitter) to emphasize the significant demand for Bitcoin as evidenced by its rapid departure from exchanges. 

In its analysis, On-Chain College highlights that Bitcoin ETFs buy approximately ten times the daily amount of BTC mined. At the same time, the upcoming halving event will further reduce the mining supply. The analyst predicts when demand will exceed available supply, leading to potential upward price pressure.

Highest Monthly Close Since 2021

Bitcoin’s recent market performance has caught the attention of wealth manager Caleb Franzen, who highlights the significance of the highest monthly close since October 2021. 

Franzen further emphasizes the bullish momentum by pointing out that the 36-month Williams%R Oscillator has closed above the overbought level for only the fourth time in history. Historical data reveals impressive returns following such signals, indicating the potential for substantial gains in the coming months. 

Bitcoin ETF

Additionally, Franzen notes the changing dynamics of the market, with increased institutional participation and the ease of retail onboarding through ETFs.

Franzen presents a compelling case for the bullish nature of overbought signals, urging market participants to view them as momentum indicators rather than signals to fade. Previous instances of overbought signals have resulted in significant Bitcoin price appreciation:

  • February 2013: +3,900% in 9 months
  • December 2016: +1,900% in 12 months
  • November 2020: +260% in 12 months

While acknowledging diminishing returns in each cycle, Franzen highlights the unprecedented level of institutional participation and the ease of retail access through ETFs. 

Even if Bitcoin were to match the +260% gain from the November 2020 signal, it would reach a price of $180,000, surpassing Franzen’s minimum cycle target of $175,000. 

Ultimately, Franzen notes that bull markets are typically characterized by a rising ETHBTC ratio and a falling BTC.D (Bitcoin dominance). While these characteristics have yet to manifest fully, Franzen suggests that a multi-quarter rally in the broader cryptocurrency market may be on the horizon.

Bitcoin ETF

Featured image from Shutterstock, chart from TradingView.com 

Bitcoin Maximalist Forecasts ‘God Candle’ Formation Propelling BTC To $100,000

Bitcoin (BTC) has witnessed a remarkable ascent, surpassing the $57,000 mark and recording a year-to-date surge of over 142%. The cryptocurrency’s market capitalization has also surged towards $1.14 billion, reaching levels not seen since December 2021. With the previous all-time high (ATH) of $69,000 within sight, the bullish sentiment surrounding Bitcoin is becoming increasingly evident.

Setting Eyes On $100,000 And $200,000.

Prominent Bitcoin maximalist Max Keiser, known for his optimism even during the harshest bear markets, has suggested the possibility of a “God Candle” scenario given the current market conditions.

To provide further context, this term describes a vast and powerful candlestick pattern on a price chart that indicates a significant and sudden price movement. According to Keiser, if such a pattern were to emerge, it could propel Bitcoin toward the $100,000 price level, shattering its previous record. 

Traders and analysts interpret a “God Candle” as a highly bullish signal, reflecting robust buying pressure and the potential for a trend reversal or continuation. It often signifies a notable shift in market sentiment and catalyzes further price appreciation.

Adding to the optimistic outlook for Bitcoin, crypto analyst Gert van Lagen has projected a target of $200,000 for BTC. Analyzing the 1-week chart, van Lagen notes that Bitcoin’s price has been following a “parabolic trajectory” since November 2022 and is on track to reach $200,000 soon. 

According to the analyst, this parabolic pattern aligns with the previous fifth sub-waves that have historically similarly intersected the blue trendline, as seen in the chart below. 

Bitcoin

Notably, van Lagen points out that a breach of the 78.6% Fibonacci retracement level, which Bitcoin has already crossed, tends to trigger an immediate parabolic spike.

Finally, the analyst highlights the rising risk-on sentiment in the stock market and the strong correlation between Bitcoin and the S&P 500 since late 2021 as additional support for this bullish forecast.

Bull Market Cycle For Bitcoin Until 2025?

Renowned market expert Peter Brandt revised his Bitcoin price target in a recent post on social media X (formerly Twitter), raising it from $120,000 to $200,000. 

Brandt attributes this adjustment to Bitcoin’s recent breakthrough above the upper boundary of a 15-month channel, indicating a potential bull market cycle until August or September 2025. However, the analyst says a close below last week’s low of $50,600 would invalidate this interpretation. 

As Brandt points out, the $50,600 price level represents a 1-week resistance level for the largest cryptocurrency on the market, which, in the event of a price correction, as has historically happened whenever a sudden price spike occurs in BTC’s price action, Bitcoin would likely retest the $49,900 support level on its weekly chart. A drop towards $47,000 could be imminent in a more extreme scenario.

Bitcoin

However, with Bitcoin currently trading at $56,800, up 4.2% in the last 24 hours, its bullish uptrend seems far from over, potentially leading to a parabolic continuation of its price, as van Lagen and other analysts suggested.

Featured image from Shutterstock, chart from TradingView.com

Bitcoin Surges To New 26-Month High, ‘Whales Go Parabolic’ As Analyst Forecasts Rally Toward $60,500

Bitcoin (BTC), the leading cryptocurrency, has experienced a surge of over 3.6% in the past 24 hours and an impressive 27% in the last month. These gains have propelled the Bitcoin price to reach a new 26-month high of $53,360 on Monday, signaling investors renewed optimism.

BTC Whales Make Waves

Adding to the bullish sentiment surrounding Bitcoin, crypto analyst Ali Martinez highlights the significant activity of the BTC whales, stating that “whales are going parabolic.” 

Notably, In the past month alone, more than 150 new BTC addresses have appeared, each with more than 1,000 BTC. This surge in whale activity indicates a heightened confidence in Bitcoin’s long-term prospects and offers a positive outlook for its future price movements.

Bitcoin

Martinez emphasizes a “megaphone pattern” observed on Bitcoin’s daily chart. According to the analyst, this pattern suggests that if BTC maintains its position above the $50,000 level, a sustained close above $53,000 could catalyze a substantial rally toward the $60,520 mark. 

Bitcoin Rally Led By Leveraged Long Positions? 

As detailed in a recent Bloomberg report, BTC’s rise has been driven in part by a surge in spot demand and momentum traders capitalizing on a breakout after a period of consolidation, according to Chris Newhouse, a decentralized finance (DeFi) analyst at Cumberland Labs.

Newhouse highlights that the current price action has seen a relatively balanced level of liquidations, indicating that excessive short liquidations do not drive the recent rally. Instead, leveraged long positions have quickly replaced the liquidated shorts, suggesting a shift in sentiment toward bullishness.

Moreover, the report highlights that open interest for perpetual Bitcoin futures has experienced a noticeable increase, indicating growing market participation and interest in BTC derivatives. 

Simultaneously, Newhouse explains that short positions have been forced to close amid the latest rally, potentially a result of fresh long positions entering the market.

Nevertheless, the cryptocurrency’s ability to sustain its upward momentum and navigate key resistance levels will be crucial in determining its next growth phase.

In a further boost to Bitcoin’s optimism, MicroStrategy, the enterprise software firm known for its strategic Bitcoin purchases, announced that it has acquired an additional 3,000 cryptocurrency tokens this month for approximately $155.4 million. 

With a total Bitcoin holding of about $10 billion, MicroStrategy continues to demonstrate its confidence in its long-term value and potential.

Bitcoin

Featured image from Shutterstock, chart from TradingView.com

Fidelity Director Analyzes Bitcoin Potential: Could It Hit $6 Trillion Market Cap?

In recent years, the debate surrounding Bitcoin’s (BTC) potential market share relative to gold has garnered significant attention, as recently approved Bitcoin Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) can bring Bitcoin significantly closer to gold in key metrics.

Jurrien Timmer, Director of Global Macro at Fidelity Investments, has put forward an analysis that sheds light on this subject. By examining the value of “monetary gold” and Bitcoin’s market capitalization, as well as considering the impact of halvings on Bitcoin’s supply, Timmer presents insights into the future dynamics of these two assets. 

Gold Vs Bitcoin

Timmer’s analysis begins by estimating the share of gold held by central banks and private investors for monetary purposes, excluding jewelry and industrial usage. While this estimation is not exact, based on data from the World Gold Council, Timmer suggests that monetary gold accounts for approximately 40% of the total above-ground gold.

Drawing upon his previous calculations, Timmer posits that Bitcoin has the potential to capture around a quarter of the monetary gold market, with monetary gold valued at around $6 trillion and Bitcoin’s market capitalization at $1 trillion.

Timmer further delves into the impact of Bitcoin halvings on its price. Historically, halvings have had a substantial effect on Bitcoin’s value. However, Timmer raises the hypothesis that diminishing returns may occur in the future as the incremental supply of new Bitcoin decreases.

By comparing the outstanding supply and incremental supply of Bitcoin with those of gold, Timmer demonstrates that the diminishing impact of the halvings is likely to be more pronounced in the future. 

As the number of coins available for mining dwindles, the influence of each subsequent halving event on Bitcoin’s price may diminish. This insight prompts Timmer to explore alternative ways to project Bitcoin’s price trajectory.

BTC’s Price Projections

To account for the diminishing impact of halvings, Timmer introduces the concept of a modified Stock To Flow (S2F) curve. This curve is derived by overlaying an asymptotic supply curve, representing the percentage of coins mined relative to the final supply cap, onto the original S2F curve.

Timmer proposes using a regression formula incorporating PlanB’s original S2F curve and the asymptotic supply curve as independent variables. This modified S2F curve aligns more closely with the supply dynamics of gold, reflecting a scenario in which Bitcoin’s scarcity advantage continues, but its impact on price gradually diminishes over time.

Bitcoin

Using the modified S2F model and considering the supply characteristics of gold, Timmer generates hypothetical price projections for Bitcoin that place the cryptocurrency at approximately $100,000 by the end of 2024.

According to Timmer, if Bitcoin were to capture a quarter of the monetary gold market, it would represent a remarkable shift in the global distribution of wealth, which would gradually drive up the cryptocurrency’s price over the coming years.

Bitcoin

Featured image from Shutterstock, chart from TradingView.com

Bitcoin ETFs Threaten Gold’s Dominance As Digitalization Trends Gain Momentum

In just over a month since their approval by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Bitcoin ETFs have swiftly gained traction in the market, posing a formidable challenge to the long-standing dominance of gold ETFs.

Bitcoin ETFs Gain Ground on Gold ETFs

The rapid rise of Bitcoin ETFs has led to a convergence in asset values, with BTC ETFs closing the gap with gold ETFs. Bitcoin ETFs hold approximately $37 billion in assets after only 25 trading days, while gold ETFs have accumulated $93 billion in over 20 years of trading. 

Bitcoin ETFs

In this regard, Bloomberg’s Senior Commodity Strategist, Mike McGlone, emphasizes the shifting landscape, stating, “Tangible Gold is Losing Luster to Intangible Bitcoin.” 

According to McGlone, the US stock market’s continued resilience, the US currency’s strength, and 5% interest rates have presented headwinds for gold. Moreover, as the world increasingly embraces digitalization, the emergence of Bitcoin ETFs in the United States adds further competition to the precious metal.

McGlone further states that while the bias for gold prices remains upward, investors who solely focus on gold may risk falling behind potential paradigm-shifting digitalization trends. 

Ultimately, McGlone suggests that investors should consider diversifying their portfolios by incorporating Bitcoin or other digital assets to stay ahead in the evolving investment landscape.

Bitcoin Rally Driven By Institutional Demand 

The success of Bitcoin ETFs is further demonstrated by recent data suggesting that the upward trend in Bitcoin prices is driven primarily by institutional demand. At the same time, retail participation appears to be declining.

According to analyst Ali Martinez, as the price of Bitcoin continues to hover between $51,800 and $52,100, there has been a noticeable decrease in the creation of new Bitcoin addresses daily, indicating a lack of retail participation in the current bull rally and highlighting the growing influence of institutional investors in the cryptocurrency market.

Bitcoin ETFs

However, market expert Crypto Con points out a significant shift in Long-Term Bitcoin holder positions, signaling a potential downside movement. 

As seen in the chart below shared by Crypto Con, the position change line crossed below -50.00 for the first time in over a year, a pattern that has historically occurred at critical moments in Bitcoin’s market cycles. These moments include the cycle bottom, mid-top (which occurred only once), and the start/end of a cycle top parabola (which occurred most frequently).

Bitcoin ETFs

According to Crypto Con, this recent shift in long-term holder positions raises two possible scenarios: a mid-top or an imminent parabolic movement. Such a movement at this stage in the cycle is considered unusual. 

Primarily, it indicates that long-term Bitcoin holders are exiting their positions in significant numbers, possibly anticipating a market correction or a change in the overall trend.

Overall, the shift in Bitcoin holder positions and the decline in retail participation present contrasting dynamics in the current market landscape. While institutional demand continues to drive the price of Bitcoin higher, long-term holders appear to be taking profit or adjusting their positions. 

BTC chart

While BTC is currently trading at $51,800, it remains to be seen what the direction of the next move will be and how institutions will continue to influence the price action of the largest cryptocurrency as spot Bitcoin ETFs gain traction.

Featured image from Shutterstock, chart from TradingView.com

Bitcoin ETFs Boosts Coinbase (COIN) Shares As JPMorgan Upgrades Rating

The recent Bitcoin rally, propelling its price to the $52,000 level, has positively impacted the stock of US-based cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase (COIN). After experiencing a notable dip to $115 at the start of February, Coinbase’s stock rose to $172 on Thursday, following a significant upgrade by a JPMorgan analyst.

Improved Prospects For Coinbase Amid Crypto Rally

According to a Bloomberg report, JPMorgan analyst Kenneth Worthington abandoned his bearish view on Coinbase weeks after downgrading the stock. 

As Bitcoin traded higher, Coinbase shares gained as much as 7.8% following the upgrade. Worthington believes the exchange will likely benefit from the recent rally in digital asset prices, prompting him to shift his rating back to neutral.

This change in stance comes after Worthington’s January downgrade, where he predicted a potential deflation of enthusiasm for Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs). 

However, contrary to his previous forecast, Bitcoin ETFs have been successful in terms of trading measures, and the price of Bitcoin has surged beyond $52,000, reaching its highest level since 2021. In a note to clients on Thursday, Worthington explained:

Given the acceleration in recent days of flows into Bitcoin ETFs and the significant price appreciation of Bitcoin and now Ethereum, we are returning to a Neutral rating on Coinbase as we see the higher cryptocurrency prices not only sustaining but improving activity levels and Coinbase’s earnings power as we look to 1Q24.

Coinbase

Coinbase’s stock experienced an 8% dip at the beginning of the year, following an impressive 400% surge in 2023. Analyst opinions on the stock remain divided, with buy, hold, and sell recommendations being roughly evenly split. 

Worthington maintained his $80 price target on the stock ahead of the company’s earnings report, which is scheduled to be released after the market closes on Thursday.

Worthington emphasized that Coinbase’s business is closely tied to token prices, with its core revenue being transaction-based. As the value of tokens increases and trading activity gains momentum, fees based on the value traded are expected to drive higher trading volumes, ultimately contributing to improved revenue for Coinbase.

Bitcoin ETFs Witness Significant Trading Volume 

On February 14th, the trading volume of Bitcoin ETFs showcased notable figures, with Blackrock’s IBIT recording the lead with $721 million in volume. 

Grayscale’s Bitcoin Trust (GBTC) followed closely with $619 million, while Fidelity’s FBTC secured the third spot with $456 million. On the other hand, Ark Invest accumulated a volume of $169 million.

The nine ETFs’ total trading volume amounted to approximately $1.5 billion. Notably, the largest ETFs experienced higher trading volume than the previous day, with IBIT surpassing $700 million and GBTC exceeding $600 million.

Coinbase

Intriguingly, before the trading session, GBTC sent less than half of the Bitcoin it sent to Coinbase the previous day. Despite this decrease, GBTC’s total trading volume was 50% higher.

As the demand for Bitcoin continues to surge, ETFs play a crucial role in facilitating institutional and retail investors’ participation in the cryptocurrency market. The increased trading volume of Bitcoin ETFs highlights investors’ growing interest and confidence in digital assets.

Coinbase

Currently, Bitcoin is trading at $51,900 and encountering a critical resistance level at $52,000. 

Featured image from Shutterstock, chart from TradingView.com

Bitcoin All-Time High Ahead: Historical Pattern Signals 50% Chance Of Reaching $100K By August

Bitcoin (BTC), the world’s largest cryptocurrency, has surged to a 26-month high, reaching $52,000 and reigniting predictions of surpassing its previous all-time high (ATH) of $69,000. 

The market has experienced a resurgence of bullish sentiments, fueled further by the recent adoption of Bitcoin spot exchange-traded funds (ETFs). These have spurred notable growth within just one month of approval by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Bitcoin Poised For A Major Breakout? 

Investment manager and market expert Timothy Peterson, who recently made a bold claim on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), reinforces Bitcoin’s renewed optimism. 

Peterson stated that Bitcoin had achieved an almost exact 100% gain in 180 days, a feat that has occurred 41 times since 2015. In 78% of these instances, Bitcoin reached even higher price levels. 

Furthermore, Peterson’s analysis of historical data suggests that the average return for the next 180 days after such a gain was also approximately 100%.Based on this historical pattern, Peterson asserts that there is a 50% chance Bitcoin will reach the significant milestone of $100,000 by August. 

However, despite this possibility, as the halving event approaches, there could be another correction that, while not putting the bull run in jeopardy, could trigger significant liquidation rates as the hype surrounding the current uptrend mounts.

Pre-Halving Correction Looms

The upcoming halving event scheduled for April, combined with historical patterns, suggests that Bitcoin may experience one final correction before the bull run resumes, presenting a crucial moment for investors.

Crypto analyst Rekt Capital emphasizes the significance of a pre-halving retrace, noting that historically, it tends to occur only a few weeks before the actual halving event. 

Looking back at previous halvings, such retracements have ranged from -38% in 2016 to -20% in 2020. Based on these patterns, a retracement of around 27% is possible in the current market scenario.

Bitcoin

If a retracement of this magnitude were to occur, it would place the Bitcoin price at approximately $37,900, as indicated in Rekt Capital’s pre-halving retrace chart. This level represents an important threshold for investors to accumulate the cryptocurrency before the next phase of the halving event and the anticipated bull run rally.

Key Resistance For BTC’s Trajectory

Bitcoin’s continued rise has brought its price to a critical juncture, with the current trading level of $52,100 catching the attention of the founders of blockchain data and intelligence platform Glassnode.

According to their analysis, historical data reveals that the $52,000 level has acted as a formidable resistance point on the weekly chart, making it a crucial threshold for Bitcoin’s trajectory. 

The platform’s founders suggest that a successful breach of this level could trigger a surge of buying pressure, potentially leading to a Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) scenario among investors.

Bitcoin

Overall, the future direction of BTC price remains uncertain, leaving investors to ponder whether the current uptrend will be sustained or if a potential pre-halving retrace will occur before resuming its upward trajectory to surpass its previous all-time high and reach the coveted $100,000 level.

Featured image from Shutterstock, chart from TradingView.com 

Bitcoin Price Alert: X Account’s Analysis Suggests Sub-$10K Drop – Here’s The Reasoning

Amid a significant Bitcoin price rally, reaching a new two-year high of $52,000, a renowned social media account known as WhaleWire has made a startling prediction.

The account, widely followed for its bold statements and news postings, has forecasted a staggering 99.99% chance of Bitcoin falling below $10,000, directly challenging the prevailing bullish sentiment.

 Clash Over Potential Bitcoin Price Crash

In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), WhaleWire has voiced concerns about sustainability and alleged manipulation through fraud and price manipulation. The account accuses mainstream media and self-proclaimed Bitcoin enthusiasts, often referred to as “moon boy scammers,” of perpetuating an upward price narrative to allegedly serve their interests.

However, not everyone is convinced by WhaleWire’s claims. In response to the account’s recent prediction, a user on social media accused WhaleWire of being a liar, citing a previous forecast from August 2022 when the account asserted that Bitcoin would undoubtedly drop below $20,000. 

Ironically, Bitcoin did experience a decline below that threshold a few weeks later, lending some credibility to WhaleWire’s track record.

WhaleWire continues to express skepticism and calls out the so-called “Bitcoin maximalists” who exhibit excessive greed and euphoria. The account suggests that recent price movements, including Bitcoin briefly touching $50,000 amid concerns over Tether’s money printing, are deliberate maneuvers to trap bullish investors. 

WhaleWire claims that retail investors are now heavily invested in Bitcoin, anticipating further gains, only to be blindsided by a subsequent price rug-pull.

Doubling down on its conviction, WhaleWire has announced that it has increased its short positions, surpassing its $69,000 short. He believes that the ongoing rally will mark the top of what he refers to as the “echo bubble run”, which he originally predicted when Bitcoin was valued at $16,000.

Bullish Optimism Builds 

As the Bitcoin price continues its uptrend, a crypto analyst operating under the pseudonym “Mags” has taken to social media to share an optimistic outlook for Bitcoin. 

As per Mags’ analysis, Bitcoin is currently trading above the critical 0.618 Fibonacci retracement level on a weekly chart, a feat never achieved in previous cycles before the halving event.

Traditionally, the 0.618 level has proven to be a formidable resistance zone, acting as a significant hurdle on Bitcoin’s path to reaching its all-time high (ATH). Mags believes that if Bitcoin successfully closes above the 0.618 level, which is currently valued at $48,500, it could signify an unprecedented bullish breakthrough.

Adding further weight to the bullish sentiment is the analysis provided by Ali Martinez. Martinez highlights a noteworthy trend: the amount of Bitcoin held in known cryptocurrency exchange wallets has plummeted to its lowest level in six years, with a total of only 2.34 million BTC remaining.

Bitcoin price

This substantial decrease in Bitcoin holdings on exchanges suggests a growing inclination among investors to move their BTC into secure, long-term storage solutions. 

According to Martinez, this shift away from exchanges implies a potential shift towards a more “hodling-centric” approach, where investors aim to hold their Bitcoin for extended periods rather than actively trading it.

Amidst the divergence of opinions and conflicting perspectives from both bullish and bearish investors, the ultimate outcome remains uncertain. The Bitcoin price action, as the largest cryptocurrency in the market, continues its notable uptrend, challenging the bearish predictions put forth by WhaleWire and others.

As the debate rages on, time will reveal whether WhaleWire’s forecast proves accurate or if the current bullish momentum will persist, further solidifying Bitcoin’s position as a dominant force in the cryptocurrency market.

Bitcoin price

Currently, BTC is trading at $51,600, up 5.4% in the last 24 hours and over 18% in the last seven days.

Featured image from Shutterstock, chart from TradingView.com