Bitcoin Drops to $25,000: Causes and Future Predictions
On August 17, Bitcoin hit a two-month low at $25,000. While many traders anticipated an end to the prolonged lull with a bullish surge, things took an unexpected turn. Let’s explore the probable reasons behind this.
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Low Volatility
Since the end of June, BTC has been trading within a tight price bracket, ranging between $29,000 and $31,500. During this period, market enthusiasm has slightly diminished, as indicated by volatility indicators dropping to remarkably low levels, similar to those seen in 2016. Such phases of tranquility often precede substantial market shifts, which is precisely what occurred on August 17.
90D volatility of BTC, ETH, and oil before the crypto market crash Source: Kaiko
Another Unexpected Downturn?
Based on data from CoinGlass, the majority of leading traders had expected the market to rally, given the ratio of long to short contracts on centralized exchanges. Specifically, on the OKX exchange, this ratio stood notably above 1.4 just before the downturn.
Top Traders' Long/Short Ratio on OKX Source: CoinGlass
Given that the market moved against these predictions, many traders were forced into closing their positions at a loss. Triggered sales from stop-loss orders and other liquidations significantly drove down BTC's price. This unexpected downturn in the leading cryptocurrency led to a massive liquidation of long positions, nearly amounting to $1 billion between August 16-18.
SpaceX's Bitcoin Offload
On March 17, The World Street Journal relayed that SpaceX, Elon Musk's space venture, offloaded $373 million worth of Bitcoin holdings over 2021 and 2022.
This disclosure ignited a flurry of speculations on social media, suggesting SpaceX's move might have been a trigger for the crypto market's stumble. However, such a claim seems tenuous, especially given that the sales were not in 2023.
China Evergrande Group's Collapse and Yuan Devaluation
The crypto world has recently been rocked, in part, by the financial troubles of China Evergrande Group, a dominant entity in the real estate domain.
To sidestep commitments to U.S. creditors, Evergrande opted for bankruptcy protection in New York while simultaneously plotting restructure strategies in various jurisdictions.
Adding complexity to the mix, there's been chatter that Tether, known for its USDT reserves, may have links to commercial papers issued by China Evergrande Group. Such affiliations could have contributed to the downward spiral in the crypto realm.
With the economic pulse of China deeply intertwined with cryptocurrency dynamics, the evident vulnerability of the Chinese yuan against the robust U.S. dollar raises eyebrows. An empowered dollar typically spells trouble for crypto assets.
Inflation, Interest Rates, and S&P 500
By August 10th, the news was out: U.S. inflation had surged to 3.3%, even as interest rates stood at their loftiest since 2001. There's a buzz about a possible rate leap, potentially reaching 5.75%, and set to linger.
This financial tremor threatens the bottom lines of companies listed on the S&P500, which likely precipitated its August nosedive. Hot on its heels was Bitcoin, exhibiting steeper falls as it embodies its high-risk nature.
S&P 500 chart Source: TradingView
Higher yields on government bonds usually signify decreased market liquidity, a concerning signal for various markets, including cryptocurrencies.
The Situation with Bitcoin ETFs
Bitcoin's recent price dip might be attributed to dashed hopes surrounding crypto ETFs. Speculation suggests that spot Bitcoin ETF applications might be delayed until early 2024.
Meanwhile, the financial community awaits an outcome between Grayscale and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The matter at hand is Grayscale's ambition to transition its GBTC fund into a spot Bitcoin ETF, a move not yet realized.
A noteworthy theory involves BlackRock, a global investment titan. Some speculate that they may have intentionally driven down the crypto market, positioning investors for a more favorable Bitcoin purchase rate when the spot Bitcoin ETF is greenlit.
What's Next for the Market?
Sharp downturns in the crypto market usually require new negative catalysts for a recurrence. Without such catalysts, a similar steep drop soon is less likely.
The anticipated interest rate hike might already be factored into Bitcoin's current price. But, if the spot Bitcoin ETF applications face outright rejection, that could be a major concern. Traders and investors should brace for this potential outcome.
Remember, 2024 will bring the next Bitcoin halving, often signaling a bullish phase. Furthermore, there's a high chance that by that year, interest rates might begin to drop, potentially boosting market liquidity.
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