As The Digital Dust Settles, Where Will Crypto Markets Go Next?
As the digital dust begins to settle from the Bitfinex and Tether fiasco analysts are looking for clues as to where Bitcoin prices could be heading next. Many have viewed the recent events as bearish and the instant reaction of crypto markets on Friday coupled with the media FUD storm appear to have confirmed it.
After hitting a new 2019 high on Wednesday of $5,650 many were hopeful of a push past the 50 week moving average and on to $6,000. By the end of the week Bitcoin had dumped to $5,180 losing around 8 percent. BTC has recovered marginally however and held above $5,250 for the past 24 hours.
A return to the monthly support zone of around $4,500 has been predicted by a number of crypto traders and analysts.
Others have observed similarities with the current market structure and that of December last year. Full time crypto trader ‘Financial Survivalism’ sees more consolidation ahead for Bitcoin, even if it does fall back once again.
“This tells me that could be in for another prolonged period of consolidation. If it happens between $4,200 – $5,800 then be weary of the golden cross. Price needs to support above the EMA’s or else a false signal is likely. If we support > $4.7K then golden cross is likely valid.”
Bitcoin has maintained most of its recent gains which is a strong sign for further consolidation rather than another big dump. Short term movements and reaction to news is just the result of day traders making rash decisions. The long term picture for Bitcoin is still very positive though there will always be a few bumps in the road now and then.
What About Ethereum?
A similar scenario has played out for Ethereum which dumped harder and faster than Bitcoin as the week came to a close. From a seven day high of $176 ETH slid over 13 percent all the way back to just above $150. At the moment Ethereum is trading at around $155 which is its lowest level since the beginning of April before the big rally started.
Analysts have noted critical support at $143 where a roll over could cause a major dump back to $115. $200 Ethereum is starting to look a long way off again as it hasn’t been at this level since mid-November.
Crypto markets in general are still trading within their range bound channel above $170 billion. Last week’s dip was not as severe as expected and most gains from the early April rally have been maintained. Further losses however could see market capitalization tumble back to $140 billion pretty rapidly.
More consolidation appears to be the most likely outcome for crypto markets over the next few weeks. Daily volume is still high, almost $50 billion, and the fallout from the recent news appears to have been limited.