4 min read

10/29 - Macro for Humans

Market Overview


Headline

Bitcoin Consolidates Near $113K as Treasury Yields Tumble

Summary

Bitcoin is holding steady above $110K while US Treasury yields drop sharply, signaling changing interest rate expectations. The S&P 500 continues its upward march, creating a mixed backdrop for crypto.

Mood

Cautiously optimistic, like a hiker who sees clearer skies ahead but knows there's still some tricky terrain to navigate.

What Changed Recently

The most significant shift is the sharp drop in US Treasury yields, suggesting markets are increasingly betting on Fed rate cuts in 2024.

Comparative Market Analysis


Vs 7 Days Ago

Stocks

The S&P 500 has continued its upward trend, maintaining a bullish backdrop for risk assets like crypto. This sustained stock market strength is providing underlying support for Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.

Dollar

The US Dollar Index (DXY) is consolidating, showing little change from a week ago. This stability in the dollar is allowing crypto to trade on its own merits without strong currency headwinds.

Interest Rates

Treasury yields have fallen significantly, breaking below key support levels. This shift towards lower interest rate expectations is generally positive for crypto, as it increases the relative attractiveness of non-yielding assets like Bitcoin.

Bitcoin Dominance

Bitcoin dominance remains neutral around 60%, suggesting a balanced market between Bitcoin and altcoins. This stability indicates no major rotation of funds within the crypto space over the past week.

Vs 14 Days Ago

Stocks

The S&P 500 has maintained its upward trajectory over the past two weeks, providing a consistently positive backdrop for risk assets. This steady climb in stocks has helped create a favorable environment for crypto growth.

Dollar

The DXY has seen a slight uptick over two weeks but remains in a consolidation pattern. This muted dollar action has allowed crypto to operate without significant currency pressure, a change from periods of strong dollar rallies.

Interest Rates

The drop in Treasury yields represents a significant shift in market expectations over the past two weeks. This evolving outlook on interest rates is creating a more crypto-friendly macro environment compared to two weeks ago.

Bitcoin Dominance

Bitcoin dominance has remained relatively stable over the past two weeks, indicating no major shift in investor preference between Bitcoin and altcoins. This stability suggests a market that's not currently favoring one crypto segment over another.


Current State

Bitcoin Vs Alts

The market is currently balanced between Bitcoin and altcoins, with no strong preference for either. It's like a see-saw that's perfectly level, waiting for a catalyst to tip it one way or the other.

Hot Sectors

With the neutral Bitcoin dominance, we're not seeing any particular crypto sectors significantly outperforming. The market appears to be in a 'wait and see' mode.

Volume And Activity

Trading volume is decreasing, suggesting a period of consolidation. It's like the market is taking a deep breath before its next big move.

Key Shifts

Week Over Week

The most notable change is Bitcoin's ability to hold above $110K despite decreasing volume, showing resilience in the face of potential profit-taking.

Two Week Trend

Over the past two weeks, we've seen Bitcoin climb and then consolidate, forming a potential base for future moves. This pattern often precedes larger price swings.

Notable Reversals

The sharp reversal in Treasury yields is the most significant shift, potentially changing the macro backdrop for crypto in a positive way.

What This Means For Traders


If Youre Bullish

  • Look for breakouts above $115K on increasing volume as a sign of renewed upward momentum
  • Consider accumulating during this consolidation phase, especially if support at $110K holds
  • Set stop losses below $110K to protect against unexpected downside moves

If Youre Bearish

  • Watch for a break below $110K as a potential sign of weakness
  • Consider short positions only if the S&P 500 shows signs of reversing its uptrend
  • Be cautious of potential short squeezes if yields continue to fall and boost crypto sentiment

If Youre Uncertain

  • Use this consolidation period to study key support and resistance levels
  • Consider trading smaller position sizes until a clearer trend emerges
  • Watch for a decisive move above $115K or below $110K to signal the next likely direction

Evolving Trading Guidance


What Changed

From 7d Ago

The falling yields have created a more supportive macro environment for crypto compared to a week ago, potentially favoring longer-term positions.

From 14d Ago

The market has shifted from a clear uptrend two weeks ago to a consolidation phase, requiring more patience and precision in entries and exits.

Current Best Opportunities

Range-trading strategies between $110K and $115K may be effective in the current consolidation. Also, watch for breakout opportunities if these levels are breached with strong volume.

Approaches To Avoid

Avoid over-leveraging in this choppy environment. The decreasing volume suggests caution is warranted for large position sizes.

Timing Considerations

Short-term traders might find the best opportunities around the $110K and $115K levels. Longer-term investors could use this consolidation to accumulate, betting on the improving macro picture.

Key Levels To Watch


Critical Thresholds

The $115K resistance and $110K support for Bitcoin are the most important levels to watch. A break of either could signal the next major move.

Recent Breakouts

The breakdown in Treasury yields is the most significant recent move, potentially setting up a more bullish longer-term environment for crypto.

Approaching Tests

Bitcoin is approaching a test of the $115K resistance. The S&P 500 is nearing the psychologically important 7000 level.

Final Advice


Main Takeaway

Use this consolidation phase to prepare for Bitcoin's next big move, which could be catalyzed by further shifts in interest rate expectations.

Biggest Change

The sharp drop in Treasury yields is the most significant shift, potentially improving the longer-term outlook for crypto assets.

Risk Reminder

Despite the improving macro picture, remember that crypto remains highly volatile. Always size your positions appropriately and never risk more than you can afford to lose.