Bitcoin has shown sluggish performance over the weekend, trading at $60,803.59 as of 09:54 UTC, marking a 3.67% decline. This dip coincides with recent statements from the US Federal Reserve indicating a reluctance to cut interest rates in 2024.
Fed Governor Signals High Rates For Longer
Federal Reserve Governor Michelle Bowman, in a Bloomberg News interview following a speech to bankers in Texas, emphasized the Fed’s stance on maintaining current interest rates in light of persistent inflation in the initial months of the year. Bowman advocated cautious and deliberate actions in pursuit of the Fed’s 2% inflation target.
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This development holds significant implications, potentially constraining disposable income for many individuals and limiting investment in high-risk assets like stocks and cryptocurrencies. While short-term market momentum for Bitcoin may face headwinds due to these factors, there are compelling reasons to anticipate a bullish trajectory for the cryptocurrency.
Bitcoin Yet To Show Post-Halving Gains
One key factor is Bitcoin’s yet-to-be-realized post-halving price rally. Demand for Bitcoin now surpasses its supply by a wider margin than in previous halving cycles, suggesting a favorable environment for price appreciation. Analysts echo this sentiment, with some highlighting historical precedents to support the inevitability of a post-halving rally. Despite short-term fluctuations, the consensus among experts is optimistic about Bitcoin’s upward trajectory.
Major Bank Discloses Bitcoin Holdings
Moreover, projections from chartists indicate the potential for Bitcoin to reach highs of $180k or more this year, driven primarily by demand and supply dynamics. Notable developments in the banking sector further bolster this bullish outlook, which is traditionally skeptical of cryptocurrencies.
In a recent SEC filing, America’s largest bank, JPMorgan Chase, disclosed its holdings in a spot Bitcoin ETF, signaling a notable shift in attitude towards Bitcoin. This move is particularly noteworthy given JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon’s historical criticism of Bitcoin, previously dismissing it as “worthless.” The bank’s decision to invest in Bitcoin underscores a growing recognition of its value as a strategic asset for corporate balance sheets.
BREAKING: 🇺🇸 America’s largest bank JPMorgan Chase discloses spot #Bitcoin ETF holdings in new SEC filing. pic.twitter.com/KlS9NObqpI
— Bitcoin Magazine (@BitcoinMagazine) May 10, 2024
Outlook Looks Bright
Despite the Federal Reserve’s indication of maintaining higher interest rates in the foreseeable future, the prevailing sentiment suggests that Bitcoin’s upward trajectory will likely persist. While short-term market fluctuations may occur, the long-term outlook remains bullish, fueled by increasing institutional adoption and favorable supply-demand dynamics. As Bitcoin continues to assert itself as a mainstream asset class, its resilience in macroeconomic headwinds reinforces its status as a viable investment option for individuals and institutions.
Related: The future of Bitcoin: predictions for the next decade
Bitcoin Breaches Key Support A Signal That It Could Be Headed Lower
Bitcoin had a bearish day yesterday and closed below the $61,165.50 support. Today, it continues trading below this support level, albeit with low trading volumes. This indicates that Bitcoin bears are in control but are not strong enough to drive Bitcoin at a significantly lower level than it is today. If the current price action and low volumes continue, Bitcoin could hit a max low of $60,000 flat within the day or at some point on the weekend.
However, two scenarios could play out today if bears lose control within the day. One is a possible consolidation between $61,165, now an intra-day resistance and $59,000.
If bulls regain control and push Bitcoin back above $61,165, it would be a volume game. They could see Bitcoin test the $64,124.22 resistance in the day if the volumes are high enough. If bulls can push Bitcoin through the $64,124.22 resistance, Bitcoin could easily hit a high of $70k or more within the weekend.
Why Bitcoin Could Consolidate For Most Of The Weekend
Being a weekend, it means that volumes are likely to remain low. This means even bears are unlikely to sustain momentum despite breaching critical support. It makes the case for a possible consolidation between $61,165 and $59,000 for the rest of the day and the rest of the weekend.
While negative news is coming into the market, such as possible high interest rates for longer, lots of good news is also making headlines. For instance, it is a big deal that the banking sector, which has long been anti-Bitcoin, is starting to embrace BTC. This inspires confidence in investors that Bitcoin is a safe investment to buy and hold long-term.
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