3 min read

09/28 - Macro for Humans

Market Overview


Headline

Bitcoin Wobbles as Stock Market Climbs: A Tale of Two Trends

Summary

Bitcoin is showing weakness while the S&P 500 continues its upward march. The dollar and bond yields are consolidating, creating a mixed bag for crypto traders.

Mood

The market feels like a tug-of-war between optimistic stock investors and cautious crypto holders.

What Changed Recently

Bitcoin has slipped below key moving averages, signaling a potential shift in short-term sentiment.

Comparative Market Analysis


Vs 7 Days Ago

Stocks

The S&P 500 has continued its climb, up about 0.5% from last week. This risk-on attitude hasn't translated to crypto, suggesting a decoupling of sentiment.

Dollar

The USD has strengthened slightly but remains range-bound. This stability isn't providing a clear directional cue for crypto.

Interest Rates

Bond yields have stabilized around 4.17%, down slightly from a week ago. This easing of rates hasn't boosted crypto as it sometimes does.

Bitcoin Dominance

Bitcoin dominance has dipped, indicating money is cautiously moving towards altcoins despite BTC's price weakness.

Vs 14 Days Ago

Stocks

The S&P 500's two-week gain of roughly 1% reflects steady bullish sentiment in traditional markets, contrasting sharply with crypto's struggles.

Dollar

The dollar has been largely flat over two weeks, maintaining a neutral impact on crypto valuations.

Interest Rates

Yields have come down from recent highs two weeks ago, which would typically support crypto. The lack of positive response is notable.

Bitcoin Dominance

BTC dominance has trended down over two weeks, suggesting a slow but steady rotation into altcoins.


Current State

Bitcoin Vs Alts

Money is cautiously flowing to altcoins as Bitcoin struggles. It's like shoppers browsing other stores while the main attraction is under renovation.

Hot Sectors

DeFi and gaming tokens are seeing increased interest, possibly as traders seek alternatives to BTC's uncertainty.

Volume And Activity

Trading volume is below average, indicating a lack of conviction. It's as if traders are tip-toeing rather than diving in.

Key Shifts

Week Over Week

Bitcoin has shifted from consolidation to a bearish bias, while altcoins are showing surprising resilience.

Two Week Trend

There's an emerging divergence between crypto and traditional markets, with stocks climbing while Bitcoin falters.

Notable Reversals

Bitcoin's fall below key moving averages marks a significant bearish shift from its previous sideways pattern.

What This Means For Traders


If Youre Bullish

  • Look for oversold bounces in Bitcoin, especially near support at $105,000 or $107,500
  • Wait for a daily close above the 20 EMA (around $111,000) before considering longer-term longs
  • Set tight stop-losses, as the overall trend has shifted bearish in the short term

If Youre Bearish

  • Short-term shorts could target the support levels at $107,500 and $105,000
  • Look for failed rallies that don't reclaim the 20 EMA as potential entry points
  • Be cautious of potential bounces at support levels, and consider taking profits quickly

If Youre Uncertain

  • Focus on range-bound strategies between $107,500 and $112,500
  • Watch for a break above $112,500 or below $105,000 for clearer direction
  • Consider allocating more to stable altcoins that are showing strength against BTC

Evolving Trading Guidance


What Changed

From 7d Ago

A week ago, sideways consolidation strategies were optimal. Now, trend-following bearish setups are favored for Bitcoin.

From 14d Ago

Two weeks ago, there was more optimism around Bitcoin. Now, caution is warranted, and altcoin opportunities may be more attractive.

Current Best Opportunities

Look for oversold bounces in Bitcoin near support, while also exploring strength in select altcoins, especially in DeFi and gaming sectors.

Approaches To Avoid

Avoid aggressive long positions in Bitcoin until it reclaims key moving averages. Chasing rallies that don't break resistance is risky.

Timing Considerations

Short-term trades (1-3 days) are favored in this uncertain environment. Be ready to act quickly if key levels break.

Key Levels To Watch


Critical Thresholds

For Bitcoin, $105,000 is crucial support. A break below could accelerate selling. For the S&P 500, watch $6,700 as a potential breakout level.

Recent Breakouts

Bitcoin breaking below its 20 and 50 EMAs is significant and suggests further downside is possible.

Approaching Tests

The $107,500 support for Bitcoin and $6,700 resistance for the S&P 500 are likely to be tested soon based on recent price action.

Final Advice


Main Takeaway

Stay nimble and be prepared for both scenarios – further Bitcoin weakness or a potential oversold bounce.

Biggest Change

The decoupling of crypto sentiment from the rising stock market is the most significant shift from two weeks ago.

Risk Reminder

In this mixed market, position sizing is crucial. Don't let the stock market's strength lure you into overleveraged crypto positions.