Bitcoin's Enduring Strength Amid Price Fluctuations
Despite recent price drops, the foundational strength of Bitcoin (BTC) continues to be unshakably secure, according to Bitfinex Alpha. The network recently celebrated its billionth transaction, emphasizing Bitcoin's robustness as a store of value and a hedge against monetary policy inflation. It remains a fast and affordable means to transfer assets from one peer to another, bypassing the need for intermediaries, banks, or governments to act as centralized authorities.
Market Reactions and Investor Sentiments
In the past week, Bitcoin experienced selling pressure, causing a price drop from about $65,000 earlier in the week to $60,000. The primary sellers appear to be short-term holders, who have held onto their assets for 155 days or less. However, long-term investors have not joined this selling spree. The previously observed distribution by long-term holders seen in April seems to have waned. On-chain data indicates that they are not participating in the latest sell-down, suggesting that the bottom is likely in place and the potential for upside growth has increased.
The recent volatility in daily net flows into the US Bitcoin Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) suggests mixed investor sentiment, indicating a near-term floor for the price may have been reached. The ongoing ebb and flow of capital into BTC ETFs, with no clear direction either way, supports this view.
Macroeconomic Factors and Regulatory Developments
In the broader economy, the market appears to be turning cautious as it waits for a clear direction to emerge. The Fed's hawkish approach to inflation has led to a tightening in lending and a decline in US wholesale inventories, implying that businesses are bracing for a slowdown, adjusting their operational strategies in anticipation of softer economic conditions.
Meanwhile, the US House of Representatives passed a resolution against the SEC's requirement for banks to account for customer-held crypto on their balance sheets. While seen as a positive development, President Biden has opposed the resolution, advocating for the necessity of regulatory guardrails to ensure the stability and integrity of the crypto industry.
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