Bitcoin (BTC) Faces Potential Volatility as Interest Rate Cut Looms
Darius Baruo Sep 18, 2024 09:57
Bitcoin (BTC) may see increased volatility with a potential 25 basis point rate cut by the Fed, according to Bitfinex Alpha.
Bitcoin (BTC) is on the cusp of potential volatility as the Federal Reserve considers a 25 basis point interest rate cut, according to Bitfinex Alpha. The cryptocurrency recently rebounded impressively, rising more than 15% from its low of $52,756, driven primarily by a surge in Bitcoin ETF inflows. Over the past week, Bitcoin ETFs recorded net inflows of $403.9 million, reversing a prolonged period of outflows and signaling renewed investor confidence.
Market Dynamics and Investor Activity
This price increase is largely attributed to significant spot market purchases by so-called “whales,” while futures and perpetual markets remained sluggish. This suggests that the current rally is underpinned by real capital rather than speculative leverage, providing a more solid foundation.
Despite this, Bitcoin faces stiff resistance between $60,500 and $61,000, a critical barrier since early March. While ETF inflows remain robust, they have shown signs of plateauing, as evidenced by the flatlining of the Spot Cumulative Volume Delta (CVD), a measure of the difference between buy and sell orders.
Impact of Federal Reserve's Decision
This week, market participants are eagerly awaiting the Federal Reserve’s decision on interest rates. Whether the Fed opts for a 25 or 50 basis point cut, the outcome could significantly impact market sentiment. The correlation between Bitcoin and traditional equities is also increasing, indicating that fluctuations in traditional financial markets could have a growing influence on Bitcoin’s price. Interestingly, Bitcoin has decoupled from gold, which recently hit an all-time high, suggesting that investors are shifting towards traditional safe-haven assets amid rising risk aversion.
Broader Economic Indicators
Overall asset prices continue to be influenced by inflation expectations, which have moderated. In August, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose by only 0.2% month-over-month and 2.5% year-over-year, largely due to significant declines in energy, used car, and gasoline prices. However, inflation remains somewhat “sticky,” which could make the Federal Reserve more cautious in its rate cut decision. Bitfinex Alpha anticipates a 25 basis point cut, contrary to the 50 basis point cut many had expected.
This scenario unfolds against a backdrop of a cooling labor market, evidenced by stable jobless claims, indicating a slowing economy but not to an alarming extent. This moderate inflation and stable labor market context reinforce the need for the Federal Reserve to act preemptively with a cautious easing of policy. Consumer sentiment has also improved, with the University of Michigan’s Consumer Sentiment Index reaching a four-month high, reflecting optimism due to lower inflation and increased purchasing power.
Global Crypto and Regulatory Developments
In other notable crypto news, the United Kingdom has introduced a pioneering bill recognizing digital assets as personal property under UK law, further solidifying its leadership in global crypto regulation. Conversely, the recent U.S. presidential candidate debates have left the crypto community disappointed, as they failed to address any issues related to crypto taxation or market regulation.
For more detailed insights, you can read the full report on Bitfinex Alpha.
Image source: Shutterstock