Top 3 Price Prediction Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple: Mayhem ahead of US election as cryptocurrency market bleeds


  • Bitcoin downtrend stretched towards $13,000 amid widespread losses in the market.
  • Ethereum revisited the crucial support at $370 after losing the anchor at the 200 SMA.
  • Ripple has bounced off the support provided by the x-axis of a descending triangle.

The cryptocurrency market succumbed to another unexpected selloff on Tuesday during the Asian session. These losses that saw major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum and Ripple drop sharply are likely triggered by regulation news from Hong Kong. The Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) said it would require all cryptocurrency trading platforms to be regulated.

The selloff extended to other crypto assets, wiping off approximately $17 billion from the total market capitalization. Currently, the entire market value stands at $384 billion, down from $404 billion, as recorded by CoinMarketCap on Tuesday. An increase in the 24-hour trading volume from $64 billion to $86 billion highlights the selling pressure's magnitude. US presidential elections are looming, bringing more caution and risk aversion to the cryptocurrency market.

Crypto market cap

Crypto market capitalization chart

Bitcoin bears regain control

The flagship cryptocurrency recently made a gigantic spike past $14,000, when it reached a new yearly high of $14,100. However, a reversal quickly occurred, which sent the king of crypto assets under the same $14,000 level. Instability due to news regarding the regulation of exchanges in Hong Kong extended the lower leg below $13,500. BTC/USD also crossed beneath the 50 Simple Moving Average in the 4-hour range, opening the road to losses eyeing $13,000.

The ongoing declines are likely to retest $13,000, especially if the short-term buyer congestion zone at $13,200 breaks down. Glancing lower, the 100 SMA is in line to provide anchorage under $13,000, while the 200 SMA will cushion BTC from plunging to levels below $12,000. According to the Relative Strength Index (RSI), the path of least resistance is downwards, at least for now.

BTC/USD price chart

BTC/USD 4-hour chart

On the flip side, the bearish outlook will be invalidated if Bitcoin closes the day above the 50 SMA. Such a price action will encourage investors to hold still and stop panic selling. An increase in buy orders might create enough volume to support gains beyond $13,500. Besides, the TD Sequential indicator recently presented a buy signal in the form of a red nine candlestick on the 4-hour chart.

Ethereum holds firmly to the critical support at $370

Ethereum's correction from $400 sent the price back into a descending parallel channel formed on the 4-hour chart. The losses also stretched below $380 and the 200 SMA. On the bright side, the buyer congestion at $370 remained intact.

According to the Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD), the path with the least hurdles is still downwards. Moreover, the broken support at the 200 SMA is now hindering the price movement. If Ethereum slipped below $370, losses to $360 would become apparent and bring the picture the lower support area of $340.

ETH/USD price chart

ETH/USD 4-hour chart

The expected downtrend would be thrown out of the picture if Ethereum closed the day above the 200 SMA. Additional price action past $380 might call for more buy orders, hence creating enough volume for a reversal to $400. However, buyers must be aware of potential delays in the recovery due to the resistance highlighted by the 50 SMA. Another hurdle to keep in mind is 100 SMA above $390.

Ripple extends the breakdown to $0.23

Ripple traded underneath a descending trendline since the rejection suffered marginally above $0.26. Several tentative support levels, including $0.25 and $0.24, tried but failed to stop the losses. The broad-based declines in the market on Tuesday refreshed support at $0.23.

The RSI shows signs of recovery after hitting oversold levels. XRP price action above $0.23 is expected to kick start a rally. The reversal's magnitude will depend on whether enough volume will be created from the current price level. On the upside, resistance is expected at $0.24, the 50 SMA and the confluence formed by the 100 SMA and 200 SMA.

XRP/USD price chart

XRP/USD 4-hour chart

On the downside, the descending triangle's support must hold to reinforce the buyer congestion area at $0.26. Traders should have it in mind that action under the x-axis might bring panic to the market, resulting in more selling pressure and more significant losses under $0.20.


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


Recommended Content

Editors’ Picks

IRS says crypto staking should be taxed in response to lawsuit

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.

More Cryptocurrencies News
Solana dominates Bitcoin, Ethereum in price performance and trading volume: Glassnode

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.

More Solana News
Ethereum Price Forecast: ETH risks a decline to $3,000 as investors realize increased profits and losses

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.

More Ethereum News
Crypto Today: BTC hits new Trump-era low as Chainlink, HBAR and AAVE lead market recovery

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. 

More Cryptocurrencies News
Bitcoin: 2025 outlook brightens on expectations of US pro-crypto policy

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.

Read full analysis
Best Forex Brokers with Low Spreads

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.

Read More

BTC

ETH

XRP