After a spectacular ascent to record highs, Bitcoin (BTC) is facing a reality check. The past week has seen a dramatic price correction, leaving investors wondering if this is a temporary setback or a sign of a more bearish future.
The world’s most popular cryptocurrency reached an intraday low of $64,620 on March 17th, a significant drop from its recent peak above $73,000. This pullback has triggered a wave of pessimism, with analysts pointing to declining profitability and a drop in daily active addresses on the network.
Bitcoin down in the last week. Source: Coingecko
A Bearish Shadow Looms
According to analysts, investor sentiment has been hurt by a series of descending peaks and failed upturns, while selling pressure remains rampant as we approach the “weekly candle close.” This sentiment is echoed by data from IntoTheBlock, which shows a sharp decline in the number of addresses “In the Money,” signifying a decrease in overall profitability within the Bitcoin network.
Source: IntoTheBlock
Finding Support: A Beacon of Hope?
However, not everyone is hitting the panic button. Technical analysis suggests a potential support zone for buyers between $60,000 and $67,000. Popular trader Skew highlights this area as a possible turning point, while also acknowledging significant spot selling from major exchanges like Coinbase and Binance.
$BTC Spot Market Data Thread, in partnership @_WOO_X $BTC Binance Spot
Weekend spot buyer hereSpot Supply ($72K – $74K)
Spot Demand ($60K)Interestingly last bounce which was sold into also resulted in a stack of limit bids being quoted lower.
~ Keep an eye on those bids… pic.twitter.com/3PKHyddNlv— Skew Δ (@52kskew) March 17, 2024
Bulls On The Horizon: Are The Giants Awakening?
While the immediate future appears uncertain, some analysts remain bullish on Bitcoin’s long-term prospects. They view the current correction as a natural and healthy part of any bull run, pointing to historical data where similar pullbacks paved the way for further growth.
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Adding fuel to the fire of optimism is the potential return of institutional capital. The recent resumption of buying from US Bitcoin ETFs and the prospect of a significant influx of funds from hedge funds and investment advisors in the coming months are seen as potential catalysts for a rebound.
BTCUSD trading at $68,087 on the weekly chart: TradingView.com
Thomas Fahrer, CEO of Apollo, a decentralized online cryptocurrency platform renowned for its comprehensive crypto reviews and analysis of ETF inflows, echoes sentiments regarding X.
Fahrer characterizes the current state as a “Bear Trap” and pinpoints the resumption of buying from US Bitcoin ETFs on March 18 as a potential catalyst for an upward surge in X’s value.
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Emphasizing the significance of increased institutional acceptance, Fahrer anticipates a surge in liquidity within Bitcoin ETFs, suggesting that substantial capital inflows from institutional investors have yet to materialize.
The Verdict: Brace For A Volatile Week
This week will be crucial for Bitcoin. The coming days will be a test of the cryptocurrency’s resilience and its ability to overcome the current selling pressure. If bulls can regain control and positive sentiment prevails, a return to record highs remains a possibility. However, if the downtrend continues, Bitcoin could face a more extended period of correction.
Featured image from Pexels, chart from TradingView