Bitcoin Faces Correction as Fear Dominates Market Sentiment
Bitcoin (BTC) experienced a 4.9% correction after failing to break the $28,000 resistance on Oct. 8. The market is currently dominated by fear, but will it be enough to shake Bitcoin from its current range?
When looking at the bigger picture, Bitcoin has held up well compared to other assets. Gold has fallen 5% since June, while Treasury Inflation-Protected bonds (TIP) have dropped 4.2% during the same period. Despite this, Bitcoin has maintained its position at $27,700 and outperformed these traditional assets.
Following the rejection at $28,000, it’s important for investors to analyze BTC derivatives metrics to determine if bears are in control.
$27,600 Bitcoin is Not Necessarily a Bad Thing
Bitcoin enthusiasts may not be entirely satisfied with its current $520 billion market capitalization, even though it surpasses global payment processor Visa and Exxon Mobil’s market capitalizations. This expectation is based on Bitcoin’s previous all-time high of $1.3 trillion in November 2021.
The DXY index, which measures the U.S. dollar against foreign currencies, is near its highest level in 10 months. This indicates confidence in the U.S. economy and justifies reduced interest in alternative hedge instruments like Bitcoin.
The gains in the S&P 500 index also contradict the idea of investors seeking cash positions. However, top companies hold a combined $4.2 trillion in cash and equivalents, making stocks a hedge rather than a risk-seeking venture.
Bitcoin Derivatives Show Declining Demand from Bulls
Bitcoin’s future contract premium reached its lowest level in four months. Futures contracts in healthy markets should trade at an annualized premium of 5% to 10%, but the current 3.2% premium indicates reduced appetite for leverage buyers.
Bitcoin options markets also indicate decreased optimism among investors. The 25% delta skew, a telling indicator, shows that protective put options are trading at a 13% premium compared to similar call options.
Traders’ confidence has decreased due to the multiple postponements of the Bitcoin spot ETF decisions and concerns about exchanges’ exposure to terrorist organizations. From a derivatives perspective, it seems unlikely that Bitcoin will break above $28,000 in the short term.
Hot Take: Bitcoin Faces Challenges Amidst Fear Dominated Market
Bitcoin is currently facing challenges as fear dominates the market sentiment. While it has performed well compared to traditional assets, its derivatives metrics suggest declining demand from bulls. The recent rejection at $28,000 and concerns about regulatory decisions and exchange exposure have led to decreased investor confidence.
Despite this, Bitcoin’s market capitalization remains impressive, surpassing major players like Visa and Exxon Mobil. However, the strong performance of the U.S. economy and alternative hedge instruments like stocks have reduced interest in Bitcoin as a hedge.
In conclusion, while Bitcoin’s performance may not be disappointing overall, its short-term outlook is uncertain due to the prevailing fear in the market and declining bullish sentiment indicated by derivatives metrics.