Ethereum Rally: Crypto Analysts Outline 3 Key Drivers For Price

Ethereum (ETH), the second largest cryptocurrency asset, is anticipated by several well-known analysts in the crypto industry to undergo a price surge in the upcoming months as the market is seeing a wave of bullish momentum.

Ethereum Poised To Go Parabolic In The Upcoming Months

Altcoin Daily crypto analysts have revealed three major factors that could propel the price of Ethereum in the coming months. The analysts shared their optimistic insights for ETH in a recent episode – “Ethereum price is still ready to explode” on YouTube.

According to the Altcoin Daily analysts, Ethereum is expected to reach $4,000 in the next three to six months from now. One of the major drivers noted by the analysts to take the price to this level is the impending “Ethereum Beacon Upgrade.”

In the video, they highlighted that the upgrade is the last big update for ETH, which is scheduled to go live in Q1 of 2024. Its primary goals are to lower transaction fees and improve layer 2 solution efficiency.

Additionally, the Ethereum Beacon upgrade promises a refined user experience. This is an important step forward toward creating a blockchain network that is more accessible and scalable. They pointed out that the update’s final test net is set to take place on Wednesday, February 7. Meanwhile, its overall mainnet roll-out is just one month away from going live.

For the second key factor, the experts have identified the hype surrounding the approval of Ethereum Spot Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs). “I do want to be clear here the catalyst we are talking about is the anticipation of the ETH spot ETFs,” one analyst stated.

Although Ethereum futures have already garnered global permission, the analysts point out that the approval of the ETFs might signal a significant trigger for Ethereum’s long-term price growth.

Notable Shift From Bitcoin To ETH 

According to the experts, the anticipation surrounding its potential approval is expected to drive ETH’s price to $4,000, akin to the excitement surrounding Bitcoin ETFs in 2023. In addition, they underscored that the BTC ETFs approval is one reason why the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) can not disapprove the ETH ETFs. 

If this is right, then ETH is very close to reaching the aforementioned price level. This is because the final date for ETFs approval is only 112 days from now. 

Meanwhile, the last key factor highlighted by Altcoin Daily is the “Bitcoin rotations after halving towards the rest of the ecosystem.” After the upcoming Bitcoin halving event, there might be a possible fund rotation from BTC to ETH.

Altcoin Daily also mentioned a possible sell-the-news scenario post-halving that could lead to a cooldown. As a result, Ethereum might take advantage of it and become the dominant player in the crypto market.

Ethereum is currently trading a little above $2,300, indicating a 1.23% rise in the past 24 hours. Its market cap is demonstrating the same increase, while its trading volume is up by over 41% in the past day.

Ethereum

Ethereum to $20,000: Analyst Sees Spot Ethereum ETFs Fueling Bull Run

A crypto analyst, Eric, believes Ethereum (ETH) could spike to $20,000 in the upcoming bull run. The analyst said the potential launch of spot Ethereum exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in the United States will propel this upswing.

Ethereum To $20,000 Possible

In a post on X, Eric cited Ethereum’s historical tendency to mirror Bitcoin (BTC), albeit with a one-cycle lag. In the previous bull market, the analyst noted that Bitcoin surged 22-fold from $3,100 to $69,000. Therefore, if Ethereum follows a similar trajectory, reaching $20,000 would be a realistic possibility.

Ethereum price trending upward on the daily chart | Source: ETHUSDT on Binance, TradingView

As the analyst noted, Ethereum’s recent bear market bottom of $880 in 2022, if extrapolated using the 22x growth rate seen in BTC, places the coin at $19,360. However, the analyst believes Ethereum might surpass expectations, making $20,000 a base and a psychological round number to monitor closely. 

Supporting this forecast is the possible approval of a spot Ethereum ETFs. Like the spot Bitcoin ETF, this authorization will likely attract institutional investors and significantly boost Ethereum prices and liquidity. Institutional investors can gain exposure to Ethereum through these complex derivative products without the complexities of directly trading or storing the coin.

While the optimism remains, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) will likely follow the same path it took before approving the first spot of Bitcoin ETFs in January. For context, the strict agency failed to approve any spot Bitcoin ETF for over ten years, citing market manipulation risks and the absence of proper monitoring tools.

Will The US SEC Approve A Spot Ethereum ETF?

However, in a recent statement by The Block, Standard Chartered, a global bank, said the US SEC will likely approve Ethereum ETF’s first spot in May 2023. By then, the bank added, ETH prices will be trading at around $4,000, propelled by general market optimism. 

The bank notes that the failure of the agency to classify ETH as a security further adds weight to this expectation. At the same time, Grayscale Investments, which is issuing Grayscale Ethereum Trusts (ETHE), wants to convert this product into an ETF. Each share traded at around $20 as of January 30.

ETHE share price | Source: Grayscale

Earlier, Grayscale won against the US SEC’s arguments, wishing to prevent the conversion of their Bitcoin Trust into an ETF. This win set the ball rolling for the eventual approval of the first spot Bitcoin ETFs in the United States. 

Additionally, the fact that Ethereum Futures ETFs were recently approved and listed on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange is a net positive, paving the way for a potential listing in May 2024. 

ORDI: Extraordinary Price Movement Excites Investors – Here’s Why

At the time of writing, ORDI is experiencing a substantial increase in price after several events in the crypto world unraveled. Coingecko data reveals that ORDI is up nearly 12% in the past 24 hours. However, it remains to be seen whether this uptick in price will erase the bearishness experienced in the past few weeks. 

But right now, the crypto market, as a whole, is up a huge amount. The latest market data shows that the broader market is up nearly 3% after the bullishness brought by major coins and tokens like Bitcoin.

Stiff Competition In The Bitcoin ETF Space

After 11 Bitcoin spot exchange-traded funds were approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission earlier this month, the competition surrounding the Bitcoin ETF space grew this month. According to recent news, Fidelity’s Bitcoin ETF has outpaced Grayscale’s GBTC in inflows. JP Morgan also said that the outflows from GBTC were directed to its newer competitors with lower fees. 

“GBTC profit taking has largely happened already…This would imply that most of the downward pressure on Bitcoin from that channel should be largely behind us,” said JPMorgan analysts led by Managing Director Nikolaos Panigirtzoglou in a recent statement. 

The financial institution also points to Blackrock and Fidelity’s individual Bitcoin ETFs to dominate the market in the long term. However, Grayscale’s CEO Michael Sonnenshein believes that the majority of the recently approved ETFs won’t survive in the long term. He also defended the higher feeds imposed by Grayscale compared to its competitors.

“Investors are weighing heavily things like liquidity and track record and who the actual issuer is behind the product. Grayscale is a crypto specialist. And it has really paved the way for a lot of these products coming through,” said Sonnenshein in a recent interview with CNBC. 

ORDI: Higher High In The Near Future

ORDI is mostly following Bitcoin’s pace in the broader market. As of writing, BTC is sitting at $43.4k and rising. If Bitcoin continues to sail the bullishness, we might see ORDI follow suit. 

In the context of ORDI, events such as those mentioned above will also put the spotlight on BRC-20 standard tokens which has gained momentum since last year. As of now, ORDI’s position remains attractive for investors and traders as it rides the bullish wave that Bitcoin created.

If this bullishness continues, bulls will have enough momentum to settle on the 50% retracement level, which will provide a solid base to pump higher in the future. However, a more conservative bullish prediction is ORDI stabilizing above the 61.80% retracement level. If this happens, investors and traders will still experience profits with a much more stable platform for future price movements. 

Featured image from Shutterstock, chart from TradingView

Analyst Thinks Ethereum Will Explode To $15,000, Cites Favorable Technical Formation

A crypto analyst, Elja on X, predicts that Ethereum (ETH) will reach a staggering $15,000 by 2025 based on technical analysis. The analyst argues that the current bearish sentiment in the crypto market is “temporary.”

Moreover, Elja notes that the second most valuable coin by market cap follows a similar fractal pattern that fueled its previous major price rally in 2021.

ETH to $15,000 | Source: Elja on X

Is Ethereum Ready To Rip Despite The Current Consolidation?

Sharing a screen grab of the current ETH price action, Elja says most people in crypto are “short-sighted” and only focus on immediate price movements. In the analyst’s assessment, traders should look at the long-term to understand the overall price pattern.

Thus far, Ethereum, like Bitcoin (BTC), remains under pressure and struggling to break above immediate resistance levels. Looking at the development in the daily chart, ETH is back at a critical support level of around $2,200. Notably, the coin is down 20% from January 2024 highs of about $2,700.

ETH is under pressure, at least in the short to medium term. As it is, the coin follows the technical candlestick arrangement visible in Bitcoin.

Ethereum price trending downward on the daily chart | Source: ETHUSDT on Binance, TradingView

The altcoin downtrend appears to have been triggered by events following the approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). As an illustration, Bitcoin fell from around $47,000 to below $40,000 this week, weighing down altcoins, including Ethereum.

On-chain data shows that Grayscale Investments has been unloading thousands of coins behind Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC). Subsequently, there has been a sell-off in Bitcoin and across the altcoin scene. The situation has been made worse for Ethereum following the United States SEC’s decision to postpone the approval of spot Ethereum ETFs. 

While these developments have negatively impacted sentiment, Elja believes they will not derail Ethereum’s long-term growth trajectory. Specifically, the analyst notes that ETH is consolidating, a “healthy sign.” 

ETH To $15,000: Will Fundamental And Technical Factors Help?

Elja added that when crypto prices consolidate, it could suggest that whales are accumulating their position. Once this ends, ETH prices could trend higher. From the analyst’s chart, the coin will break above $5,000 to $15,000 in the coming sessions.

When making this prediction, the analyst compared the Ethereum price action to the fractal pattern that propelled ETH from around $200 to $4,800 in 15 months from 2019 to 2021. Extrapolating from past price action, Elja believes Ethereum is on a similar path. Based on analysis, the coin will likely break above November 2021 peaks.

Ethereum burning | Source: Ultrasound Money

Beyond technical factors, ETH supporters cite the decreasing issuance rate. According to Ultrasound Money data, the network has been burning thousands of ETH, reducing supply. Additionally, Larry Fink, the CEO of BlackRock, believes Ethereum will be the choice network for tokenizing real-world assets (RWAs) in the years ahead.

Post-ETF Pain: Bitcoin Plunges 20% – And Drowns The Crypto Market In A Sea Of Red

Bitcoin has dropped over 20% from its three-year high reached shortly after the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approved the first spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in January. Analysts cite a combination of profit-taking after the long-awaited event and broader market uncertainty as reasons for the correction.

Bitcoin Retreats Post-ETF Approval Surge

The price surge in anticipation of the ETF approval saw Bitcoin reach nearly $49,000 on January 11th. However, since the green light for the ETFs, the cryptocurrency has retreated steadily, trading at around $39,500 at the time of writing.

According to some analysts, they have seen a classic “sell the news” scenario unfold. Investors had largely priced in the ETF approval for months, and once it actually happened, some took the opportunity to lock in profits, they added.

While nearly $4 billion has flowed into the new spot ETFs, a significant portion, analysts note, came from existing funds like Grayscale which transitioned into an ETF, suggesting less net new investment than what the headline numbers might imply. Additionally, the ongoing liquidation of assets from bankrupt crypto exchange FTX has added downward pressure on prices.

Yuya Hasegawa, crypto market analyst at Japanese bitcoin exchange Bitbank, said:

“It seems that the seemingly large amount of daily outflows from GBTC is affecting the market in a psychological way.”

The downturn extends beyond Bitcoin, with other major cryptocurrencies also experiencing losses. Ether, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency, is down nearly 4%, while Solana and other altcoins have seen similar declines. The price dips have also impacted crypto-related stocks, with Coinbase shares falling around 4% in pre-market trading.

Despite the recent price correction, analysts remain divided on the near-term outlook for Bitcoin. Some believe the pullback may be nearing its end, with support levels around $36,000 likely to hold. Others believe further downside is possible before a sustained rebound.

Bitcoin: Volatility Persists, Long-Term Outlook Strong

Bitcoin has experienced significant corrections after major news events in the past. However, the long-term fundamentals remain strong, and many believe Bitcoin is still on track for a new all-time high in 2024.

The recent market volatility highlights the risks involved in investing in Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. While the potential for high returns exists, investors should be aware of the significant price swings and uncertain regulatory landscape before entering the market.

As the post-ETF aftermath unfolds, the cryptocurrency market finds itself submerged in a sea of red. The volatility underscores the sensitivity of digital assets to market sentiment and regulatory developments.

Featured image from Shutterstock

Bitcoin Spot ETFs Approved After 14 Years- The Journey So Far

The year 2024 marks the dawn of a new era, not just for technology but for finance, as a major victory was achieved for Bitcoin Spot ETFs (Exchang-Traded Funds). It’s now the era where the past will be appreciated for its foresight and doggedness. 

When the pioneer cryptocurrency and digital currency, Bitcoin launched in January 2009, it was nothing like a real-world asset or of an ‘agreed’ digital value, but an almost neglected bag of gold as it faced enough rejection from all phases. Even with Satoshi’s Whitepaper, Bitcoin wasn’t given a cordial welcome in the world of finance.

However, for all its promise, BTC remained shrouded in an air of mystery and skepticism. It took several years for Bitcoin to cement its value in the world of technology, finance, and the digital economy, assuming a giant role amidst many other cryptocurrencies. 

However, On January 10, 2024, the SEC, in its official filing, approves all 11 Bitcoin Spot ETFs. This long-awaited green light from the US SEC marked a watershed moment, not just for Bitcoin, but for the entire cryptocurrency industry. 

The 14-year journey to this point was arduous and paved with skepticism; regulatory hurdles loomed large, with the SEC citing concerns about market manipulation and investor protection as justification for repeated rejections. Attempts like Bitcoin futures ETFs offered limited exposure, failing to capture the true essence of a spot ETF’s direct price tracking. 

Bitcoin Spot ETF Explained

The recent approval of Bitcoin spot ETFs has stirred excitement across the financial landscape. But what exactly are these instruments, and what impact will they have on the future of BTC and, more broadly, on the investment landscape?

Bitcoin “Spot” ETFs (exchange-traded funds), unlike their futures-based counterparts, don’t track the price of Bitcoin futures contracts. Instead, they take a more direct approach, holding the underlying asset – Bitcoin itself – in secure digital custodians. 

This eliminates the potential for “basis risk,” a phenomenon where futures prices deviate from the actual cash price of Bitcoin. Simply put, Spot ETFs offer a more straightforward and transparent way to gain exposure to BTC’s price movements, akin to traditional gold-backed ETFs.

Bitcoin Spot ETFs function similarly to their traditional counterparts, such as those tracking stock market indices. They pool investor capital, purchasing Bitcoin and holding it securely. Each share of the ETF represents a fractional ownership of the pooled Bitcoin, allowing investors to participate in the market without directly holding or managing the cryptocurrency themselves. This eliminates technical complexities and potential security risks, particularly for those with limited crypto experience, potentially broadening the base of Bitcoin investors. 

The Genesis Of Bitcoin ETFs (Early Days and Conceptualization – 2013-2017)

The earliest sparks of a Bitcoin ETF concept date back to 2013, when the Winklevoss twins first proposed their Gemini ETF. Winklevoss twins, Cameron and Tyler, both tech entrepreneurs with a vision in 2013, submitted the first application for a Bitcoin ETF, the Gemini ETF, sparking the decade-long journey to regulatory approval. 

This audacious proposal was outrightly rejected by the SEC during the tenure of its former chairman, Jay Clayton, who later resigned in 2020 and became a supporter of cryptocurrency. Interestingly, Clayton is now actively involved in crypto regulations when he joined the advisory board of Fireblocks, a crypto custody platform.

The following years were a crucible of innovation and uncertainty. While Bitcoin’s market capitalization surged, attracting both fervent supporters and cautious observers, the SEC remained hesitant. The regulator’s concerns about market manipulation, price volatility, and the nascent state of blockchain technology were cited as justifications for repeated rejections of subsequent ETF proposals, including Grayscale’s attempt to convert its Bitcoin Investment Trust into a spot ETF.

Yet, amidst the rejections, there were flickers of progress. Technological advancements improved blockchain security and custody solutions, addressing initial concerns about vulnerability and potential wash trading. The global adoption of Bitcoin, particularly in Canada with its approval of Spot ETFs in 2021, served as a compelling case study for increased accessibility and market stability.

This period also saw the SEC’s stance slowly evolve. The appointment of Gary Gensler as SEC Chair in 2021 brought a newfound openness to dialogue and exploration of potential regulatory frameworks for cryptocurrencies. The approval of the first US-listed futures-based bitcoin ETF in October 2021, despite its limitations, offered a glimpse of what could be.

The Turning Point: A Decade Of Persistence Pays Off (2018-2023)

While the 2017-2018 crypto boom and subsequent crash sent shockwaves through the industry, it also served as a crucible, forging resilience and fueling a renewed focus on compliance and innovation. Industry figures like Grayscale, undeterred by previous rejections, continued to refine their proposals, incorporating crucial safeguards and addressing regulatory concerns.

This relentless pursuit of approval finally yielded results in 2023. In May, Cathie Wood’s ARK Investments filed for a spot bitcoin ETF, setting a definitive deadline for the SEC’s decision. 

Then, in June, BlackRock’s entry into the arena with its own Spot Bitcoin ETF application sent ripples of excitement through the financial world. This move by a traditional financial giant signalled a crucial shift in sentiment, demonstrating growing institutional confidence in BTC’s potential.

The months that followed were a whirlwind of activity. A flurry of applications from firms like Fidelity and Invesco poured in, fueled by the momentum of BlackRock’s move and the prospect of imminent approval. In August, a pivotal legal victory for Grayscale in the D.C. Circuit Court further strengthened the case for spot ETFs, forcing the SEC to re-examine its previous rejections.

Finally, the SEC, in a historic decision, greenlighted 11 spot bitcoin ETF proposals, including those from BlackRock, Fidelity, and VanEck. This moment marked the culmination of a decade-long struggle, signifying the mainstream acceptance of investor participation in the cryptocurrency space.

Ripples Across The Crypto Landscape: Implications Of Bitcoin Spot ETFs (2024)

The arrival of spot ETFs has cast a wide net, sending ripples across various spheres of the financial world. There are a lot of potentials and challenges presented by spot ETFs, vital impact on market stability, institutional adoption, and regulatory oversight. There are positive predictions that the Bitcoin market cap could rise above $1 Trillion after the launch of Bitcoin Spot ETFs.

Let’s contemplate the broader significance of this pivotal moment, what it means for the future of finance, and its relationship between technology and traditional financial systems here.

Investor Crossroads

For retail investors, Spot ETFs offer a convenient and familiar way to participate in the Bitcoin market without directly holding the cryptocurrency. This opens the door to broader adoption and increased liquidity, potentially leading to smoother price discovery and reduced volatility. The influential American magazine, Forbes predicted the BTC price will trade as high as $80,000 as a result of Bitcoin Spot ETFs’ approval. 

The year 2024 is also shaping up to be a good one, if not one of the best seasons for cryptocurrency, especially Bitcoin, as it’s the season for Bitcoin halving, which will have another mega impact on the crypto industry. 

However, the inherent risks of Bitcoin, including price fluctuations and potential exposure to fraud, must not be underplayed. Investors should approach spot ETFs with cautious optimism, ensuring a proper understanding of the technology, market dynamics, and associated risks before venturing in.

Institutional Embrace Bitcoin

The arrival of spot ETFs marks a significant step towards institutional acceptance of Bitcoin. The involvement of established financial institutions like BlackRock and Fidelity lends credibility to the cryptocurrency and paves the way for further integration with traditional financial products and services.

Concerns remain about the impact of institutional involvement on market manipulation and potential conflicts of interest. However, regulatory oversight and robust compliance frameworks will be crucial in ensuring a fair and transparent market for all participants.

Market Redefined

Spot ETFs could potentially lead to greater market stability by introducing institutional investors and their risk management expertise. This could mitigate some of the inherent volatility of the cryptocurrency market, attracting a wider range of investors and fostering sustainable growth.

The SEC’s approval represents a cautious acceptance, not a blank check. Further regulatory clarity and potential adaptation of existing frameworks might be required to effectively address the unique challenges posed by the integration of cryptocurrencies into mainstream financial systems.

Beyond Bitcoin

Spot ETFs could act as a gateway for investors to explore the broader crypto landscape. Their familiarity and ease of access might encourage exploration of other promising blockchain-based projects, accelerating the overall growth and development of the cryptocurrency ecosystem.

The success of spot ETFs will hinge on the continued evolution of blockchain technology and associated infrastructure. Scalability, security, and user experience will remain key areas of focus for ensuring the smooth functioning and widespread adoption of crypto-based financial products.

The 11 Spot Bitcoin ETFs products (with their ticker symbols) approved  on January 10, 2024, are:

  • Blackrock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT)
  • ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF (ARKB)
  • WisdomTree Bitcoin Fund (BTCW)
  • Invesco Galaxy Bitcoin ETF (BTCO)
  • Bitwise Bitcoin ETF (BITB)
  • VanEck Bitcoin Trust (HODL)
  • Franklin Bitcoin ETF (EZBC)
  • Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin Trust (FBTC)
  • Valkyrie Bitcoin Fund (BRRR)
  • Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC)
  • Hashdex Bitcoin ETF (DEFI)

Conclusion

The approval of Bitcoin spot ETFs is a watershed moment, not just for the cryptocurrency itself, but for the entire financial landscape. It marks a new chapter in the saga of Bitcoin, one where its disruptive potential can be harnessed within the framework of established financial systems.

Also, this path forward is paved with both opportunities and challenges. Navigating regulations and addressing investor risk concerns are important to ensure seamless integration with traditional financial systems and regulatory bodies, which will be crucial in determining the ultimate success of this technological leap.

Final Thoughts

The approval of Bitcoin spot ETFs is not merely a regulatory green light; it’s a resounding declaration of Bitcoin’s arrival on the main stage of finance.

Related Reading: Celestia Network: How To Stake TIA And Position For 5-Figure Airdrops

However, the journey is far from over. This approval is a milestone, not a destination. As we stand at this turning point, it’s important to remember the spirit of defiance that birthed BTC. It was born from a desire for autonomy, for freedom from centralised control, and for a more equitable financial system. 

While ETFs offer a bridge between this decentralized world and the established financial order, it’s crucial not to lose sight of these core principles.

BTC price chart from Tradingview.com (Spot Bitcoin ETFs)

The SEC Goes Back to Court

Last summer, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) sued crypto exchanges Coinbase and Binance, alleging they listed and traded unregistered securities in the form of various cryptocurrencies. This week, the regulator’s legal teams faced the exchanges in court as the companies argued the SEC did not make the case that those cryptos are securities.

Bitcoin Bearish Forecast: Analyst Signals Continued Downfall

The price of Bitcoin appears to be experiencing a bearish moment in the past few days now despite the approval of multiple Bitcoin Spot Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs), which has raised speculations about the token’s future.

Bitcoin Could See Further Collapse

Bitcoinhyper, a cryptocurrency analyst, has offered his insights on the current state of Bitcoin. The analyst unveiled his predictions to the community during one of his YouTube videos.

According to him, BTC is currently undergoing a decline, which could potentially lead to a further collapse in price. In the beginning, Bitcoinhyper noted an upswing in the price of Bitcoin to $49,000 following the approval of BTC spot ETFs by the SEC. 

However, the market did not react as anticipated, and there was a notable decline from the $49,000 price mark.  “Unfortunately, we got a significant dump, and in rejection, from $49,000,” he stated.

The analyst highlighted that BTC was up for several days before the ETF approval, with experts anticipating the crypto would hit $50,000. Thus, in a surprising turn of events, the asset’s price witnessed a drop of about 16%.

Bitcoin

In spite of the Bitcoin spot ETF approval, the market’s perception swiftly took an unpleasant shift. The correction took retail investors by surprise as they were unprepared since they had assumed that the price would rise.

With the crypto asset experiencing such a collapse in price, it is believed that the market will see a massive liquidation. Remarkably, during this decline, liquidations were not as large as anticipated.

Bitcoinhyper noted that during the decline, around $18.8 million in short positions were liquidated, which is less than expected. The news caused traders to become overconfident while ignoring the possibility of a correction.

No Positive Impact On BTC Price Despite Substantial Inflow

Reportedly, Bitcoin saw a whopping $1.18 billion inflow in digital assets funds worldwide following ETF approval. Despite the significant inflow of capital, the anticipated impact of boosting the price of BTC has not yet been realized.

On Monday, January 15, the price of BTC dropped below the support level of $42,000 as traders turned to Ethereum and other tokens. The approval of ETFs might be a “sell the news” moment, as BTC had dropped by 16% since the announcement.

As of now, it is crucial to observe that the market is becoming less enthusiastic about Bitcoin ETFs. A lot of people are now discussing the potential for an Ethereum ETF.

Currently, Bitcoin is trading at $42,951, indicating a decline of over 7% in the past seven days. Its trading volume is up by 3.86% in the last 24 hours, while its market cap is up by 0.75%, according to CoinMarketCap.

Bitcoin

Spot Bitcoin ETFs Record Over $800 Million In Net Inflows in Debut Week – Details

On Wednesday, January 10, the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) finally approved the launch of spot Bitcoin ETFs, representing a remarkable event in US trading history. 

So far, market data on these investment funds have confirmed theories of increased institutional demand for Bitcoin, with over $800 million in total net inflows and $3.6 billion in trading volume recorded across the first two days of trading. 

Although these inflows are yet to be reflected in BTC’s price, as the premier cryptocurrency dipped by 2% in the last week, the spot Bitcoin ETFs have certainly kicked off with a blast which is indicative of potential gains for the world’s largest asset and the general crypto market. 

Spot Bitcoin ETFs Attract Over $1.4 Billion In Two Days – Bloomberg Data

In an X post on January 13, Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas shared some insight on the impressive performance of the spot Bitcoin ETFs in their debut trading week. 

Balchunas noted that of the 11 approved spot BTC ETFs, nine have recorded a total inflow of over $1.4 billion. Leading the lot is BlackRock’s IBIT, with an estimated asset inflow of $497.7 million, closely followed by Fidelity’s FBTC, which boasts about $422.3 million in investment. 

The BTC spot ETFs of Bitwise and ARK/21 Shares have also produced a significantly positive performance attracting $237.9 million and 105.2 million, respectively.  On the other hand, Grayscale’s GBTC has been the market outcast, recording a stunning $579 million in outflows over the first two days of trading. 

Bitcoin spot ETF

Following the SEC’s approval on Wednesday, investors cashed in heavily on GBTC, which was recently converted from a closed-end fund to a spot ETF. SkyBridge Capital founder Anthony Scaramucci has already commented on this trend describing it as one of the potential reasons behind Bitcoin’s dip in the last week. 

In total, the spot Bitcoin ETF market recorded an impressive net inflow of $818.9 million in its debut trading week. These figures are likely to improve in the next few weeks as selling volume eventually declines. Meanwhile, investors still anticipate the debut of Hashdex’s spot ETF – DEFI – which is undergoing fund conversion from the company’s Bitcoin futures ETF.

BTC Price Overview

At the time of writing, Bitcoin exchanges hands at $42,980 reflecting a 0.73% loss in the last day. Meanwhile, the token’s daily trading volume has plummeted by 62.33% and is now valued at $16.9 billion. However, with a market cap of $842.23 billion, Bitcoin remains the largest cryptocurrency in the world.

spot Bitcoin ETFs

Featured image from Yahoo Finance, chart from Tradingview

Analyst Pinpoints Crucial Support Level For Ethereum (ETH) Post-ETF Surge

According to data from CoinMarketCap, Ethereum (ETH) had dipped over 2% in the last 24 hours. This negative price movement comes after an initial price boost by the token which it gained by over 19% following news of the Bitcoin spot ETF approval in the US on Wednesday. 

Interestingly, popular crypto analyst Ali Martinez has offered more insight into ETH’s developing downtrend, highlighting the next possible support zones for crypto’s largest altcoin. 

Ethereum May Be Headed For $2,450 – Analyst

In an X post on January 11, Martinez shared that the TD Sequential indicator presented a sell signal on the Ethereum 4-hour chart, which could possibly result in the altcoin’s price falling to a support level of $2,530. 

For context, the Tom Demark Sequential indicator is a popular TA tool used to identify trend exhaustion and predict possible trend reversals. 

According to Martinez, this analysis tool showed that ETH was due for a price correction following a price surge in which the asset traded above $2,700 in reaction to the US Securities and Exchange greenlighting the launch of Bitcoin spot ETFs on US securities markets. 

Interestingly, in a second post on January 12, the renowned crypto analyst doubled down on this prediction stating that if the ETH bulls failed to keep the coin’s value above $2,530, there was a chance the token could trade as low as $2,450.

According to Martinez, ETH’s current negative price movement appears to be a mere correction which is likely true as the general investor sentiment around the altcoin remains bullish.

Earlier this week, NewsBTC reported that ETH investors are hyped with the expectation of an Ether spot ETF in the US following the SEC’s clearance of 11 Bitcoin spot ETF applications on Wednesday. Considering ETH’s rank as the second-largest cryptocurrency after Bitcoin, as well as the rising number of Ether spot ETF applications, investors believe the altcoin may be in line for the SEC’s favor. 

ETH’s Price Overview

At the time of writing, Ethereum was trading at $2,548 with a slight decline of 2.67% in the last day. However, the altcoin has shown an overall bullish performance in the last week, with a notable gain of 14.48%. Adding to this positive narrative, there is also an uptick in ETH’s daily volume by 22.25% which is currently now valued at $26.8 billion. 

Ethereum

Featured image from Forbes, chart from Tradingview

BNB’s Liquidity Fell In Q4 2023, Bitcoin, XRP, And Dogecoin Lead

Amidst regulatory scrutiny and leadership changes, Binance Coin (BNB) lost its footing in the liquidity race, slipping to 13th place in Q4 2023, according to Kaiko data on January 11. This surprising development contrasts BNB’s position as the third-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, raising questions about its general liquidity.

Dogecoin Flips BNB In Liquidity Rankings

Kaiko’s findings, based on spot trading data from multiple exchanges, revealed that Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), XRP, and Dogecoin (DOGE) emerged as the top four most liquid cryptocurrencies in Q4 2023. 

Q4 2023 token liquidity rankings | Source: Kaiko

Liquidity is a metric that shows how easily a given asset can be traded without significant price impacts. One of the biggest assumptions is that a crypto asset higher up the market cap ranking is more liquid. However, as Kaiko data shows, this is not usually the case, as factors such as exchange listing play a big role.

DOGE flipping BNB in liquidity dynamics may be attributed to a combination of factors, including regulatory concerns surrounding Binance, leadership changes within the company, and the status of Dogecoin. DOGE is the first meme coin, and over the years, it has continued to cement its place as the world’s largest meme coin by market cap despite heavy competition. To illustrate, despite the popularity of alternatives like PepeCoin (PEPE) or Bonk coin (BONK), none has managed to flip DOGE.

Binance Legal Battles, Price Recovers Steadily

In 2023, Binance grappled with legal battles and internal restructuring. In early June 2023, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filed charges against the exchange, alleging that it had violated securities laws by selling unregistered securities. Additionally, Binance founder and CEO Changpeng Zhao stepped down from his executive role in late Q4 2023, further adding to the exchange’s uncertainty.

Despite its legal troubles, Binance agreed to pay a $4.3 billion settlement with the SEC and other US agencies in late 2023. While this settlement may have eased some regulatory concerns, it is unclear whether it will be enough to restore BNB’s liquidity position. 

Related Reading: Ethereum Classic (ETC) Explodes Over 50% In Massive Price Jump – Here’s Why

So far, looking at the daily chart, BNB has been trending higher, quickly shaking off the weakness of late November 2023. After Changpeng Zhao, the founder, exited as the CEO, BNB prices sharply fell. However, without follow-through and the community remaining optimistic about the platform’s prospects, prices recovered as the broader crypto scene rose, hoping the SEC would approve the first spot Bitcoin ETF.

BNB price trending upward on the daily chart | Source: BNBUSDT on Binance, TradingView

BNB is up 37% from November 2023 lows and is stable, looking at the performance in the daily chart. As a bull flag forms, it is unclear whether the coin will break higher above $340, establishing new 2024 highs or contract following Bitcoin.

BNB’s Liquidity Fell In Q4 2023, Bitcoin, XRP, And Dogecoin Lead

Amidst regulatory scrutiny and leadership changes, Binance Coin (BNB) lost its footing in the liquidity race, slipping to 13th place in Q4 2023, according to Kaiko data on January 11. This surprising development contrasts BNB’s position as the third-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, raising questions about its general liquidity.

Dogecoin Flips BNB In Liquidity Rankings

Kaiko’s findings, based on spot trading data from multiple exchanges, revealed that Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), XRP, and Dogecoin (DOGE) emerged as the top four most liquid cryptocurrencies in Q4 2023. 

Q4 2023 token liquidity rankings | Source: Kaiko

Liquidity is a metric that shows how easily a given asset can be traded without significant price impacts. One of the biggest assumptions is that a crypto asset higher up the market cap ranking is more liquid. However, as Kaiko data shows, this is not usually the case, as factors such as exchange listing play a big role.

DOGE flipping BNB in liquidity dynamics may be attributed to a combination of factors, including regulatory concerns surrounding Binance, leadership changes within the company, and the status of Dogecoin. DOGE is the first meme coin, and over the years, it has continued to cement its place as the world’s largest meme coin by market cap despite heavy competition. To illustrate, despite the popularity of alternatives like PepeCoin (PEPE) or Bonk coin (BONK), none has managed to flip DOGE.

Binance Legal Battles, Price Recovers Steadily

In 2023, Binance grappled with legal battles and internal restructuring. In early June 2023, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filed charges against the exchange, alleging that it had violated securities laws by selling unregistered securities. Additionally, Binance founder and CEO Changpeng Zhao stepped down from his executive role in late Q4 2023, further adding to the exchange’s uncertainty.

Despite its legal troubles, Binance agreed to pay a $4.3 billion settlement with the SEC and other US agencies in late 2023. While this settlement may have eased some regulatory concerns, it is unclear whether it will be enough to restore BNB’s liquidity position. 

Related Reading: Ethereum Classic (ETC) Explodes Over 50% In Massive Price Jump – Here’s Why

So far, looking at the daily chart, BNB has been trending higher, quickly shaking off the weakness of late November 2023. After Changpeng Zhao, the founder, exited as the CEO, BNB prices sharply fell. However, without follow-through and the community remaining optimistic about the platform’s prospects, prices recovered as the broader crypto scene rose, hoping the SEC would approve the first spot Bitcoin ETF.

BNB price trending upward on the daily chart | Source: BNBUSDT on Binance, TradingView

BNB is up 37% from November 2023 lows and is stable, looking at the performance in the daily chart. As a bull flag forms, it is unclear whether the coin will break higher above $340, establishing new 2024 highs or contract following Bitcoin.