- Bitcoin price has consolidated below the $52,768 roadblock for almost a week amid buyer momentum exhaustion.
- BTC could drop 10% to the most critical Fibonacci level, 61.8% at $47,445, a formidable blockade between January 8 -12.
- Invalidation of the bearish thesis will occur if the price records a new local top above the $52,816 range high.
Bitcoin (BTC) price continues to trade horizontally, stepping into the week when the US market is in holiday spirits, commemorating some of the country's founding fathers.
Also Read: Bitcoin price bullish outlook inspires IntoTheBlock’s 85% forecast of BTC at a new ATH by August
Bitcoin stalls as US markets remember President Washington
Presidents’ Day, which celebrates first President George Washington’s birthday, gives many Americans the day off on February 19. He is remarked upon as the first leader of a new republic — not a tyrant.
Banks and stock market are closed today, so spot Bitcoin ETFs are not trading.
— Bitcoin Magazine (@BitcoinMagazine) February 19, 2024
But #Bitcoin never closes. pic.twitter.com/opeHZtq25r
The celebration has become a consumerism bonanza with certain states making it a public holiday. The actual birthday is on February 22, but Congress voted to move the holiday to Monday. In doing so, lawmakers noted clear benefits to the economy, including enhanced retail sales and travel on three-day weekends.
The holiday colloquially known as Presidents’ Day officially celebrates only George Washington’s birthday. The story of how it became a three-day weekend is steeped in differing calendars, inconsistent punctuation, labor issues — and, of course, politics.https://t.co/RQxztUZesg
— The New York Times (@nytimes) February 19, 2024
Bitcoin price outlook amid Presidents’ Day lull
After a week of consolidation, Bitcoin price is likely to drop, as markets tend not to wait so long. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) at 78 also shows BTC is already overbought. This status often precipitates a pullback.
In addition, Bitcoin price’s current Spent Output Profit Ratio (SOPR) indicates a possible correction. This is because it has increased above 1 as a 30-day Simple Moving Average (SMA). For the layperson, this ratio suggests that BTC holders who are sitting on unrealized profits at current Bitcoin prices may soon cash in on their gains.
With the possibility of a correction as suggested by the RSI and the SOPR indicators, investors should not succumb to the fear of missing out (FOMO) after a striking surge in Bitcoin price. Instead, they should consider waiting for the SOPR rate to fall below 1 before they can enter the market.
If sellers pull the trigger, Bitcoin price could make a 5% fall to the 78.6% Fibonacci level, or in a dire case, retrace the 61.8% Fibonacci level of $47,445, which barred BTC upside potential between January 8 and 12.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) is also showing fading histogram bars, suggesting a waning bullish cycle.
BTC/USDT 1-day chart
On the other hand, if the bulls fasten their grip on BTC, Bitcoin price could extend north, shattering the $52,768 roadblock to record a new local top. A higher high above this level would invalidate the bearish thesis, bringing $55,000 into focus. In a highly bullish case, the gains could extrapolate to the $60,000 psychological level, 15% above current levels.
Also Read: Week Ahead: AI Coins take center stage ahead of Nvidia earnings
Bitcoin, altcoins, stablecoins FAQs
What is Bitcoin?
Bitcoin is the largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, a virtual currency designed to serve as money. This form of payment cannot be controlled by any one person, group, or entity, which eliminates the need for third-party participation during financial transactions.
What are altcoins?
Altcoins are any cryptocurrency apart from Bitcoin, but some also regard Ethereum as a non-altcoin because it is from these two cryptocurrencies that forking happens. If this is true, then Litecoin is the first altcoin, forked from the Bitcoin protocol and, therefore, an “improved” version of it.
What are stablecoins?
Stablecoins are cryptocurrencies designed to have a stable price, with their value backed by a reserve of the asset it represents. To achieve this, the value of any one stablecoin is pegged to a commodity or financial instrument, such as the US Dollar (USD), with its supply regulated by an algorithm or demand. The main goal of stablecoins is to provide an on/off-ramp for investors willing to trade and invest in cryptocurrencies. Stablecoins also allow investors to store value since cryptocurrencies, in general, are subject to volatility.
What is Bitcoin Dominance?
Bitcoin dominance is the ratio of Bitcoin's market capitalization to the total market capitalization of all cryptocurrencies combined. It provides a clear picture of Bitcoin’s interest among investors. A high BTC dominance typically happens before and during a bull run, in which investors resort to investing in relatively stable and high market capitalization cryptocurrency like Bitcoin. A drop in BTC dominance usually means that investors are moving their capital and/or profits to altcoins in a quest for higher returns, which usually triggers an explosion of altcoin rallies.
Information on these pages contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Markets and instruments profiled on this page are for informational purposes only and should not in any way come across as a recommendation to buy or sell in these assets. You should do your own thorough research before making any investment decisions. FXStreet does not in any way guarantee that this information is free from mistakes, errors, or material misstatements. It also does not guarantee that this information is of a timely nature. Investing in Open Markets involves a great deal of risk, including the loss of all or a portion of your investment, as well as emotional distress. All risks, losses and costs associated with investing, including total loss of principal, are your responsibility. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of FXStreet nor its advertisers. The author will not be held responsible for information that is found at the end of links posted on this page.
If not otherwise explicitly mentioned in the body of the article, at the time of writing, the author has no position in any stock mentioned in this article and no business relationship with any company mentioned. The author has not received compensation for writing this article, other than from FXStreet.
FXStreet and the author do not provide personalized recommendations. The author makes no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of this information. FXStreet and the author will not be liable for any errors, omissions or any losses, injuries or damages arising from this information and its display or use. Errors and omissions excepted.
The author and FXStreet are not registered investment advisors and nothing in this article is intended to be investment advice.
Recommended Content
Editors’ Picks
IRS says crypto staking should be taxed in response to lawsuit
The IRS stated that rewards from cryptocurrency staking are taxable upon receipt, according to a Bloomberg report on Monday, which stated the agency rejected a legal argument that sought to delay taxation until such rewards are sold or exchanged.
Solana dominates Bitcoin, Ethereum in price performance and trading volume: Glassnode
Solana is up 6% on Monday following a Glassnode report indicating that SOL has seen more capital increase than Bitcoin and Ethereum. Despite the large gains suggesting a relatively heated market, SOL could still stretch its growth before establishing a top for the cycle.
Ethereum Price Forecast: ETH risks a decline to $3,000 as investors realize increased profits and losses
Ethereum is up 4% on Monday despite increased selling pressure across long-term and short-term holders in the past two days. If whales fail to maintain their recent buy-the-dip attitude, ETH risks a decline below $3,000.
Crypto Today: BTC hits new Trump-era low as Chainlink, HBAR and AAVE lead market recovery
The global cryptocurrency market cap shrank by $500 billion after the Federal Reserve's hawkish statements on December 17. Amid the market crash, Bitcoin price declined 7.2% last week, recording its first weekly timeframe loss since Donald Trump’s re-election.
Bitcoin: 2025 outlook brightens on expectations of US pro-crypto policy
Bitcoin price has surged more than 140% in 2024, reaching the $100K milestone in early December. The rally was driven by the launch of Bitcoin Spot ETFs in January and the reduced supply following the fourth halving event in April.
Best Forex Brokers with Low Spreads
VERIFIED Low spreads are crucial for reducing trading costs. Explore top Forex brokers offering competitive spreads and high leverage. Compare options for EUR/USD, GBP/USD, USD/JPY, and Gold.