Bitcoin Climbs Back as Traders Anticipate Federal Reserve's Next Move

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ICARO Media Group
Politics
10/09/2024 17h42

Bitcoin has rebounded by +1.5% following a recent price crash, aligning its upward trajectory with the overall stock market as traders await a significant announcement from the Federal Reserve. After experiencing a dip towards $50,000 due to mounting "extreme fear" in the market, the cryptocurrency has managed to edge closer to $60,000 per bitcoin. Market observers are now anxiously searching for indications of a potential recovery. However, analysts from BlackRock, the world's largest asset manager and issuer of a bitcoin spot exchange-traded fund (ETF), have cautioned that more volatility could lie ahead. They predict that the Federal Reserve will not cut rates as rapidly as expected by the markets.

As economic data suggests a resurgent recession and investors brace for the upcoming US elections, BlackRock Investment Institute strategists, led by Jean Boivin, have identified multiple factors that may contribute to market volatility. In a note, they wrote, "We see resurgent recession fears due to some softer economic data, pre-U.S. election jitters, and profit-taking as investors make room for new stock issues." Furthermore, they stated that the Federal Reserve is unlikely to reduce policy rates as swiftly as anticipated. The bitcoin price experienced a surge alongside the stock market yesterday, as traders eagerly await inflation data, which is expected to play a pivotal role in determining whether the Federal Reserve will implement a 25 basis point or 50 basis point interest rate cut next week.

The market widely anticipates that the Federal Reserve will initiate an interest rate cut during its two-day policy meeting set to occur on September 17. This cut would mark the first post-pandemic era reduction, potentially initiating a new phase of cheaper borrowing costs and enhanced liquidity. A significant drop in the US jobs report last week triggered a bitcoin price crash, intensifying concerns that the Federal Reserve had delayed interest rate cuts for too long, possibly pushing the economy into a recession. Boivin highlighted inflation as a limiting factor for the Federal Reserve, stating, "Even as inflation is falling toward the Fed's target in the near term, higher inflation over the medium term will limit how far the Fed can cut rates."

In a separate analysis, Bernstein analysts warned that if Kamala Harris were to win the position of vice president and become the Democratic Party nominee in 2024, the bitcoin price could plummet by nearly 50% to around $30,000. Conversely, they suggested that a victory for former US president and Republican nominee Donald Trump could propel the bitcoin price to $90,000, given Trump's recent endorsement of the technology. Analysts led by Gautam Chhugani emphasized the potential positive impact of favorable regulatory policies on the blockchain industry. They stated, "After the last three years of regulatory purge, a positive crypto regulatory policy can spur innovation again and bring the users back to financial products on the blockchain."

As the US presidential election approaches, the outcome remains uncertain. However, the Polymarket prediction platform currently favors Trump's re-election, with 52% of users placing their bets on him. Yongjin Kim, the CEO of the crypto trading platform Flipster, points out that broader factors such as changes in the Federal Reserve's monetary policy and ETF flows will continue to influence market sentiment leading up to the election.

In conclusion, Bitcoin has shown signs of recovery, rebounding from a recent price crash. However, analysts remain cautious about potential volatility in the market. With careful monitoring of economic data, traders eagerly await the Federal Reserve's decision on interest rate cuts. As the US election draws closer, the outcome holds significant implications for the future of cryptocurrencies, with potential scenarios ranging from a drastic market decline to surging prices based on regulatory policies and the candidates' positions on cryptocurrency technology.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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