Published on: 28/03/2024
The cryptocurrency market is abuzz with activity, and all eyes are focused on Bitcoin. In particular, the impending halving in April and a host of other macroeconomic factors are setting the stage for significant gains in the cryptocurrencys value this year.
The halving - which decreases Bitcoins daily production by approximately 450 BTC from the current average of 900 BTC - is predicted to have more of a psychological than a practical impact on the market. Investment researcher Lyn Alden believes that impending supply changes will be eclipsed by the daily ebb and flow of fiat currencies in and out of cryptocurrency exchanges and Bitcoin ETFs.
Alden suggests that overall demand for Bitcoin, coupled with global liquidity measures such as the global broad money supply, are the real game-changers, outweighing any supply tightening from the halvering. After all, as history has shown, Bitcoins value is typically more closely correlated with global liquidity than its own supply availability.
Predictions are bullish for the next two years. This optimism stems from a combination of the upcoming halving, improved global liquidity expectations, and a favourable rotation of coins to stronger market players during the recent bear market.
Markus Thielen, CEO and head analyst of 10x Research, agrees with this bullish sentiment, suggesting that this rally mirrors the bull markets of 2020 and 2021. Provided Bitcoin maintains its multi-year highs, 10x Research is predicting a Bitcoin value of $77,000 by April and an impressive $99,000 by May 2024.
Simon Peters, eToro crypto analyst, also contributes a unique perspective about the current Bitcoin rally. He argues that this is the first time Bitcoin has hit a new all-time high prior to a block reward halving, crediting this unprecedented event to the launch of the USs spot Bitcoin ETFs in January 2024. Peters believes this has created a shift in demand thats not just retail-based but more institutionally focused, offering a fresh twist on the markets dynamics.
In contrast, Li Xing, financial market strategist at Exness, sees macroeconomic developments as the driving force behind Bitcoins value. Softer monetary policies, lower interest rates, geopolitical uncertainties, and the US elections could all bolster Bitcoins appeal as a robust store of value.
And lets not forget the halvings. Since Bitcoins launch in 2009, there have been three halving events. Each of these halvings have resulted in post-halving valuation surges. For instance, Bitcoin skyrocketed approximately 3,000% in 17 months after 2016’s halving, reaching an historic high of $20,000 in December 2017.
These indicators undoubtedly carry weight for the future prospects of Bitcoin, and for investors keeping a keen eye on the cryptocurrency market. They consider both recent changes and market movements, shaping market sentiment and providing insight into potential future movements.
Ultimately, what were witnessing - and will continue to see - is a tug-of-war between demand, supply, and external economic factors. Its a playing field that savvy Bitcoin investors will continue to navigate in their quest for profits, driven by an undeniably compelling mix of market dynamics and global economic factors.