Bitcoin CME Futures BTC1 front month continuous contract price action closes over the weekend, making Friday evening the closing bell for the week. This Friday’s close saw price recover above a crucial level that in the past led to a bullish impulse in crypto. Here is a closer look at why bulls could be ready to charge in the coming weeks.
Using BTC CME Futures As A Crypto Crystal Ball
Large institutional traders don’t just trade spot BTCUSD, nor do they trade on Binance, ByBit, or another crypto platform. When they want to speculate and trade using derivatives contracts, they look to the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, better known as CME Group.
Unlike the 24/7, always-on crypto market, CME Group charts close down for the weekend and holidays much like stocks. Due to this behavior, the chart often features gaps that don’t appear on standard BTCUSD price charts. Discrepancies between BTC CME Futures charts and BTCUSD charts can lead to fakeouts and shakeouts.
Because Bitcoin CME Futures does stop on Friday for the weekend, it also can provide earlyclues as to how spot price charts might close on Sunday night. In this case, BTC Futures has reclaimed the Bollinger Band basis line, often referred to as the “mid-BB”.
Bitcoin Price Recovers Above The Bollinger Band Basis Line
The basis line on the Bollinger Bands is a 20-period simple moving average. The tool’s creator, John Bollinger, then adds an upper and lower band set at two standard deviations of the SMA. This causes the bands to expand and contract with market volatility.
Like any moving average, it can act as dynamic support and resistance, holding up price action or preventing it from pushing along further. Following this Friday’s BTC Futures weekly close, Bitcoin has made it back above the mid-BB, possibly confirming it as support.
In the upper portion of the chart above, Bitcoin goes on an impulsive uptrend after holding above the basis line in 2019 and 2020. The lower portion depicts a closer look at this latest weekly close. Unless there is a massive collapse before Sunday night, BTCUSD technicals should follow suit. And if history repeats, a bull run could follow.
Is Bitcoin ready for a strong rally higher after reclaiming the key level as support? This chart was featured in issue #8 of CoinChartist (VIP) alongside a dozen other exclusive crypto charts. Click here to learn more.
On-chain data shows the supply of stablecoins has been going up recently, a sign that could potentially be bullish for Bitcoin.
Stablecoins Have Registered An Increase In Their Supply Recently
As pointed out by an analyst in a CryptoQuant post, every increase in stablecoins’ supply since late 2022 has been accompanied by a rise in the price of Bitcoin. The metric of interest here is naturally the combined circulating supply of all stablecoins.
When the value of this indicator rises, it means that capital is entering into the stables currently as more of their tokens are being minted. On the other hand, a decline implies investors are either redeeming these fiat-tied tokens for currencies like the dollar or shifting them into other cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.
Generally, investors use stables whenever they want to avoid the volatility associated with most of the coins in the sector. Thus, whenever the supply of these tokens is going up, it can also be a sign that investors are possibly retreating from the volatile markets.
When such investors eventually feel like the prices are right to jump back into the other assets, they simply exchange their stablecoins for their desired coins. Naturally, this can provide bullish pressure on the price of the cryptocurrency that they are shifting into.
Now, here is a chart that shows the trend in the combined circulating supply of the stablecoins over the past year and a half:
The value of the metric seems to have been going up in recent days | Source: CryptoQuant
As displayed in the above graph, the combined circulating supply of the stablecoins had started moving on an overall downtrend back when Bitcoin hit the bull market top. This decrease in the supply of these tokens implied the exit of capital from the market, as BTC and other coins also went down in value alongside this downtrend.
In late 2022, however, the indicator finally showed a brief deviation from the downward trajectory as its value registered a sharp increase. Interestingly, not too long after this spike appeared, the price of Bitcoin started observing its rally.
This increase in the supply of the stablecoins could have been a sign that a capital injection into the market took place, and as these freshly piled up stables were converted to the other coins, the market obtained its fuel for the rally.
In March of this year, when the rally had paused and the Bitcoin price had been going down, the metric had once again spiked, implying that investors may have possibly been withdrawing their BTC into the stables.
After the bottom below $20,000, however, the supply of the stablecoins once more dropped, suggesting that holders were potentially exchanging back into Bitcoin. Naturally, the price of the asset observed a bullish boost from this, as the rally kicked back on.
From the chart, it’s visible that the indicator has been rising again recently. Given that all such rises in the metric have been bullish for BTC during recent months, it’s possible that this fresh influx of capital can provide fuel for the asset this time as well.
BTC Price
At the time of writing, Bitcoin is trading around $26,400, up 2% in the last week.
The value of the asset has gone up over the weekend | Source: BTCUSD on TradingView
Featured image from CoinWire Japan on Unsplash.com, charts from TradingView.com, CryptoQuant.com
The bears lost an opportunity when they failed to sustain Bitcoin (BTC) below the $25,000 level this week. That may have attracted buying from the bulls who are attempting to start a recovery in Bitcoin and select altcoins.
Additionally, BlackRock’s application to launch a Bitcoin spot price exchange-traded fund and the sustained strength in the United States equities markets may have helped improve crypto sentiment. Bitcoin is on track to finish the week with a minor gain of 2% and institutional buying in the Grayscale Bitcoin Trust reduced its discount to Bitcoin spot from 44% on June 13 to 36.6%, according to CoinGlass data.
Although Bitcoin and select altcoins are trying to start a relief rally, the overall trend remains bearish. Therefore, short-term traders who buy for a pullback should consider booking profits or tightening their stops when the price struggles to break above stiff resistance levels.
The strategy may be different for long-term investors who may use the dips to strong support levels to acquire the cryptocurrencies of their choice. It is prudent to adopt a staggered buying approach as a runaway rally is unlikely.
Let’s look at the top-5 cryptocurrencies that are trying to start a recovery in the short term.
Bitcoin price analysis
Bitcoin turned up sharply on June 15, trapping the aggressive bears who may have gone short on a break below $25,250. That may have caused a short squeeze in the near term, which propelled the price to the 20-day exponential moving average ($26,403).
BTC/USDT daily chart. Source: TradingView
The bears are trying to limit the relief rally at the 20-day EMA but a positive sign is that the bulls have not given up much ground. This suggests that the buyers are holding on to their positions in anticipation of a move higher.
However, the bears are likely to have other plans as they will try to offer stiff resistance in the zone between the 20-day EMA and the resistance line of the descending channel. If the price turns down from this zone, the BTC/USDT pair may remain inside the channel for a while longer.
But if bulls drive the price above the channel, the pair will signal a potential trend change in the near term. The pair could then surge toward $31,000.
BTC/USDT 4-hour chart. Source: TradingView
The 20-EMA on the 4-hour chart has turned up and the relative strength index (RSI) is in the positive area, indicating that bulls have the upper hand in the near term. There is a minor resistance at $26,850 but if that is crossed, the pair may reach the resistance line of the channel near $27,600. This level may prove to be a difficult hurdle for the bulls to cross but if they manage to do that, the pair could rally to $28,500.
This positive view will invalidate in the short term if the price turns down and breaks below the 20-EMA. That could pull the price down to the 50-simple moving average and eventually to the strong support zone between $25,250 and $24,800. A break below this zone may intensify selling.
BNB price analysis
BNB (BNB) has been in the thick of things for the past few days but a positive sign is that the bulls did not allow the price to break the $220 support. This indicates demands at lower levels.
BNB/USDT daily chart. Source: TradingView
The first resistance on the upside is the 38.2% Fibonacci retracement level of $252.50. If this level is scaled, the BNB/USDT pair may reach the 20-day EMA ($261). The bears will try to halt the recovery at this level. If they succeed, the pair may turn down toward $220.
On the contrary, if bulls propel the price above the 20-day EMA, the pair could reach the 61.8% Fibonacci retracement level of $272.50. This is a crucial level for the bears to defend because if it gives way, the pair may soar toward $305.
BNB/USDT 4-hour chart. Source: TradingView
The 4-hour chart shows that the moving averages have completed a bullish crossover and the RSI has risen into the positive zone. This indicates that buyers are attempting a comeback. The bulls will have to overcome the barrier at $252.50 to gain strength. The pair could then rally to $265.
On the downside, the first support is at the 20-EMA. If this level breaks down, the pair could slip to the uptrend line. A break and close below this level will indicate that the bulls have given up. The pair could then retest the critical support at $220.
Litecoin price analysis
Litecoin (LTC) plunged below the symmetrical triangle pattern on June 10, indicating that bears have the upper hand. The sellers pulled the price below the immediate support at $75 on June 14 but could not build upon this move.
LTC/USDT daily chart. Source: TradingView
The sharp recovery in the past few days has pushed the LTC/USDT pair back above $75. This shows strong buying at lower levels. The bulls will next try to push the price to the 20-day EMA ($82), which is an important level to keep an eye on. If buyers clear this hurdle, the pair may rise to the 50-day SMA ($86).
Contrary to this assumption, if the price turns down from the current level or the 20-day EMA and breaks below $70, it will signal the start of the downtrend. The first stop is likely to be $65 and then $60.
LTC/USDT 4-hour chart. Source: TradingView
The strong recovery pushed the price above the 20-EMA on the 4-hour chart, suggesting that the selling pressure is reducing. The moving averages are on the verge of completing a bullish crossover and the RSI has jumped into the positive territory, indicating that buyers are attempting a comeback.
There is a minor resistance at $80 but if bulls overcome this obstacle, the pair may accelerate to $85 and thereafter to $90. If bears want to prevent the up-move, they will have to quickly yank the price back below $75.
Related: Binance sends cease and desist notice to fraudulent Nigerian entity
OKB price analysis
OKB (OKB) broke below the symmetrical triangle pattern on June 10, signaling the start of a deeper correction. A minor positive for the bulls is that they successfully defended the support at $30.50, indicating demand at lower levels.
OKB/USDT daily chart. Source: TradingView
The price has reached the 20-day EMA ($42.73), which is an important level to watch out for. If the price turns down from the current level, it will suggest that the sentiment remains negative and traders are selling on rallies. That could pose a serious threat to the $38.50 support. If this level gives way, the OKB/USDT pair may skid to $35 and eventually to $30.
Contrarily, if buyers thrust the price above the 20-day EMA, it will suggest that the bears may be losing their grip. The pair could then rise to the support line, which is likely to act as a formidable resistance. Buyers will have to kick the price above $48 to gain the upper hand.
OKB/USDT 4-hour chart. Source: TradingView
The pair bounced off $38.50 with vigor but is facing resistance near $42.39. A minor positive in favor of the buyers is that the moving averages have completed a bullish crossover and the RSI is in the positive territory.
If buyers thrust the price above $42.39, the pair may pick up momentum and soar to $46 where the bears are again expected to mount a strong defense.
Another possibility is that the price turns down and tumbles below the 20-EMA. That may indicate a possible range-bound action between $38.50 and $42.39 for some time.
Quant price analysis
Quant (QNT) rebounded off the $95 level with strength on June 16, indicating aggressive buying at the support.
QNT/USDT daily chart. Source: TradingView
However, the bears have not yet given up and they are fiercely defending the downtrend line. Sellers will try to sink the price below $95 while the bulls will try to maintain the QNT/USDT pair above it.
If the price turns up from $95 once again, it will enhance the prospects of a rally above the downtrend line. If that happens, the pair may start a strong recovery that could catapult the price to $135.
This positive view could invalidate in the near term if the price continues lower and plummets below $95. The pair may then slip to $87 and subsequently to $80.
QNT/USDT 4-hour chart. Source: TradingView
The 4-hour chart shows that the pair quickly gave back a major portion of its gains, indicating that bears are active at higher levels. They pulled the price below the 61.8% Fibonacci retracement level of $103.90, which is a negative sign.
Buyers will have to quickly drive the price back above the moving averages if they want to have another shot at the downtrend line. Alternatively, if the price sustains below the 50-SMA, the likelihood of a drop to $95 increases.
This article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision.
This article is for general information purposes and is not intended to be and should not be taken as legal or investment advice. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed here are the author’s alone and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions of Cointelegraph.
On-chain data shows that Bitcoin retail buyers have been loading up the recent dip, a move that also coincided with price gains above $26,000, relieving traders and holders. Early this week, BTC prices crashed to as low as $24,820 before recovering to spot rates, adding 8% in four days.
Retail Investors Are Buying The Dip
Following a turbulent week in the crypto space, which involved the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, Binance and “crypto” securities-related drama, the price of Bitcoin dipped below $25,000 after the Federal Reserve paused their rate hikes and keeping the US fund rate within the 5% and 5.25% zone, increasing the uncertainty within the market.
However, the crypto market has since rebounded, with retail bitcoin investors, characterized by those holding 0.01 to 1 BTC, stepping in to buy up the dip.
Interestingly, the dip-buying behavior exhibited by retail investors is similar in level to that observed during the Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) collapse earlier in the year, but less than that of the post FTX collapse crash which saw Bitcoin’s price tank below $16,000.
With retailers loading up, it could indicate that traders and holders are confident of what lies ahead despite recent unfavorable fundamentals.
Bitcoin Whales On The Move
Meanwhile, with active Bitcoin retail buyers ramping up, “whales” have also been on the move. Crypto whales are addresses holding large amount of coins.
A Twitter user also noted that a user with 50 BTC worth around $1.2 million recently moved his coins after being dormant since 2010.
The batch of coins was originally mined in June 2010 and had remained untouched since then before being moved.
Following the trend, another previously dormant Bitcoin wallet, that has been dormant for a decade, transferred $7.8 million worth of BTC to a new wallet. Another long-term holder moved $11 million worth of BTC after more than 11 years of inactivity.
At the pivotal moment of BTC’s price and the crypto space, speculators are raising questions about the motives behind such massive movements of BTC. It is known that the trading activities resulting from the transfers can impact the coin’s supply and demand dynamics of Bitcoin, potentially exerting short-term influence on prices.
As of writing on June 18, Bitcoin is firm above $26,500, and has reversed losses of June 14. With retailers appearing to be buying the dip, prices may recover in the days ahead, even rallying to $30,000.
Even so, Bitcoin remains under pressure and traders should watch how fundamental events, including the SEC lawsuits against Binance and Coinbase, would shape price action.