3 min read

01/19 - Macro for Humans

Market Overview


Headline

Bitcoin Flirts with $95K as Dollar Shows Signs of Life

Summary

Bitcoin is testing key resistance levels while the broader crypto market consolidates. The US dollar is showing mild strength after a prolonged downtrend, potentially impacting crypto momentum.

Mood

Cautiously optimistic, like a hiker nearing the summit but watching the weather

What Changed Recently

Bitcoin pushed above its 20-day moving average, signaling short-term bullish momentum. The US dollar has stabilized, hinting at a potential shift in the macro environment.

Comparative Market Analysis


Vs 7 Days Ago

Stocks

The S&P 500 has continued its upward climb, providing a supportive backdrop for risk assets like crypto. This risk-on sentiment is helping fuel Bitcoin's recent push.

Dollar

The US dollar has found some footing after weeks of decline. This stabilization could act as a headwind for crypto if it develops into a stronger uptrend.

Interest Rates

US 10-year yields have ticked higher, forming an ascending triangle pattern. This suggests markets are adjusting to potentially higher rates for longer, which could create some resistance for crypto assets.

Bitcoin Dominance

Bitcoin dominance has remained relatively stable, indicating no major rotation between Bitcoin and altcoins over the past week.

Vs 14 Days Ago

Stocks

The S&P 500 is up nearly 1% over two weeks, maintaining a bullish trend. This continued strength in equities has provided a favorable environment for crypto growth.

Dollar

The dollar has made modest gains after a prolonged downtrend. While not yet a major reversal, this shift suggests changing dynamics in global liquidity that crypto traders should monitor.

Interest Rates

Bond yields have been gradually rising, reflecting evolving expectations about monetary policy. This trend is worth watching as sustained higher rates could eventually pressure crypto valuations.

Bitcoin Dominance

Bitcoin dominance has been consolidating around 59.5%, showing no significant shift in capital allocation within the crypto space over the past two weeks.


Current State

Bitcoin Vs Alts

Money is currently favoring Bitcoin as it tests key resistance levels. Traders seem to be betting on a potential breakout rather than rotating heavily into altcoins.

Hot Sectors

Layer-1 alternatives and AI-related tokens are seeing increased interest as Bitcoin's momentum attracts attention to the broader crypto market.

Volume And Activity

Trading volume for Bitcoin is decreasing as it approaches resistance, suggesting some caution. This could indicate a period of consolidation before the next major move.

Key Shifts

Week Over Week

Bitcoin has shifted from consolidation to testing upper resistance, while altcoins have largely moved sideways. This suggests a focus on Bitcoin's potential breakout.

Two Week Trend

Over the past 14 days, we've seen a gradual improvement in crypto market sentiment, moving from oversold conditions to a more neutral stance with bullish undertones.

Notable Reversals

The most significant shift has been Bitcoin's move above its 20-day EMA, transitioning from a short-term bearish to bullish stance.

What This Means For Traders


If Youre Bullish

  • Look for breakout setups on Bitcoin as it tests the $95,000 and $97,500 resistance levels
  • Wait for a high-volume push above $95,000 before entering new long positions
  • Consider trailing stops to protect gains, as the decreasing volume suggests potential for a pullback

If Youre Bearish

  • Watch for rejection at the $95,000 or $97,500 levels as potential short entry points
  • Look for divergences between price and RSI at these resistance levels to confirm bearish setups
  • Keep an eye on the US dollar – further strengthening could support a bearish case for crypto

If Youre Uncertain

  • Focus on range-trading strategies between support at $90,000 and resistance at $95,000
  • Pay close attention to Bitcoin's interaction with its 50-day EMA as a key indicator of medium-term direction
  • Watch for a clear break above $97,500 or below $90,000 to signal the next significant move

Evolving Trading Guidance


What Changed

From 7d Ago

The optimal approach has shifted from cautious accumulation to breakout-watching as Bitcoin tests key resistance levels.

From 14d Ago

Two weeks ago, oversold conditions favored bottom-fishing. Now, the focus is on momentum and potential trend continuation.

Current Best Opportunities

Look for high-probability setups around Bitcoin's key resistance levels and potential breakouts in strong altcoin projects.

Approaches To Avoid

Avoid chasing pumps in low-volume altcoins, as capital is currently focused on Bitcoin's movements.

Timing Considerations

Short-term traders should be active around the $95,000 and $97,500 levels. Longer-term investors might wait for a clear break and retest of these levels before adding to positions.

Key Levels To Watch


Critical Thresholds

Bitcoin's $97,500 resistance and the US 10-year yield at 4.30% are crucial for overall market direction

Recent Breakouts

Bitcoin breaking above its 20-day EMA is the most significant recent development

Approaching Tests

Watch for Bitcoin to test $95,000 and potentially $97,500 in the coming days

Final Advice


Main Takeaway

Stay alert but patient as Bitcoin approaches critical resistance levels that could determine the next major move

Biggest Change

The shift from oversold conditions two weeks ago to testing key resistance levels now represents a significant improvement in market structure

Risk Reminder

While the short-term trend is bullish, decreasing volume near resistance suggests caution. Always use stop-losses and avoid overexposure as we approach these critical levels.