The broader crypto market is currently navigating a phase of uncertainty, with concerns mounting over the possibility of a new bear market. A recent analysis by Barchart analyst Rob Isbitts highlights three significant signals suggesting that a deeper retreat in crypto prices may be on the horizon.
Emerging Correlations Among Crypto Prices
The report points to notable trends observed in April of last year, when a 50% increase followed the launch of several spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs_. Specifically, BlackRock’s IBIT fund which boasts over $85 billion in assets under management, subsequently experienced a decline of approximately 25%.
A similar pattern was evident in the early months of this year, where fluctuations were mirrored in the market as increased outflows in these investment vehicles began to rise.
Currently, the Percentage Price Oscillator (PPO)—a key indicator used by Isbitts—signals increasing chances of a decline in Bitcoin’s price as the weeks progress.
Ethereum (ETH) appears to be following a comparable trajectory. Isbitts notes that while Bitcoin remains the leading cryptocurrency, the correlation among various coins is strengthening over time. This heightened correlation implies that Ethereum may also experience declines in tandem with Bitcoin.
However, for cryptocurrencies that are further removed from the Bitcoin core, such as Solana (SOL), additional risks emerge. In these cases, not only does correlation impact prices, but a higher “beta” can lead to even steeper declines, reflecting increased volatility.
For instance, when Bitcoin recently dropped about 15% from its peak, the futures -based Solana ETF (SOLZ), which has attracted over $220 million in assets in less than seven months, fell by double that percentage.
Has Gold Regained Its Safe Haven Status Against Bitcoin?
A common thread among the charts shared by Isbitts, is the recent formation of lower lows, indicating a pressing need for a rebound. If this does not occur soon, the expert highlights that the likelihood of further declines in crypto prices increases.
The report also discusses a shift in the perception of gold, which has traditionally been viewed as an “anti-US dollar asset.” The expert asserts that as global central banks increase their gold reserves, the dynamics of the market may be changing.
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Recently, gold has exhibited price movements akin to those seen in cryptos, suggesting a potential resurgence in its role as a safe haven. This shift has impacted crypto stocks and ETFs, with certain funds showing signs of vulnerability as indicated by the PPO nearing a one-year high.
A longer-term analysis of Bitcoin by Isbitts illustrates its inherent volatility, yet it has consistently managed to achieve higher highs over time. While this trend may continue, the current market conditions suggest that any future rallies are likely to start from lower price levels.
As of this writing, however, Bitcoin, the market’s leading crypto, has regained the $112,900 mark, rising 3% in the last hour of Tuesday morning’s trading session.
Featured image from DALL-E, chart from TradingView.com
