4 min read

11/16 - Macro for Humans

Market Overview


Headline

Bitcoin's Sudden Plunge Shakes Crypto Confidence as Global Markets Hold Steady

Summary

Bitcoin has taken a sharp dive over the past two weeks, dropping from $116,000 to $95,630, while traditional markets remain relatively stable. This divergence is creating both uncertainty and potential opportunities in the crypto space.

Mood

Cautious and uncertain. It feels like walking on eggshells, with traders unsure if Bitcoin's drop is a healthy correction or the start of a larger downturn.

What Changed Recently

Bitcoin's price fell below all major moving averages, shifting from a clear uptrend to a bearish short-term outlook. This sudden change has caught many traders off guard.

Comparative Market Analysis


Vs 7 Days Ago

Stocks

The S&P 500 remains near all-time highs but is showing signs of consolidation. This stability in stocks hasn't provided much support for crypto, suggesting a decoupling of risk appetites between traditional and digital assets.

Dollar

The US Dollar Index (DXY) has been consolidating, providing a neutral backdrop for crypto. This stability in the dollar isn't driving Bitcoin's moves, indicating internal crypto market dynamics are at play.

Interest Rates

The 10-year Treasury yield has ticked up slightly but remains in a downtrend. This suggests a relatively stable interest rate environment, which typically supports risk assets. Bitcoin's drop despite this favorable backdrop is concerning.

Bitcoin Dominance

Bitcoin dominance has remained relatively stable at 59.49%, indicating the recent price drop has affected the broader crypto market, not just Bitcoin. This suggests market-wide risk-off sentiment rather than rotation into altcoins.

Vs 14 Days Ago

Stocks

Two weeks ago, stocks were also near highs but showed more momentum. The recent consolidation in equities, while mild, may be contributing to a more cautious atmosphere in crypto.

Dollar

The dollar has shown little net change over two weeks, maintaining a neutral impact on crypto. This stability means Bitcoin's drop is likely due to crypto-specific factors rather than currency market influences.

Interest Rates

Bond yields have continued their gradual decline from two weeks ago, theoretically creating a supportive environment for crypto. Bitcoin's failure to benefit from this tailwind is a red flag.

Bitcoin Dominance

Bitcoin dominance has increased slightly over two weeks, suggesting that despite Bitcoin's price drop, it's still seen as a relative safe haven within the crypto space during uncertain times.


Current State

Bitcoin Vs Alts

Money appears to be leaving both Bitcoin and altcoins, with Bitcoin holding up slightly better. This suggests a broader exit from crypto rather than rotation between assets.

Hot Sectors

Defensive crypto assets and stablecoins are seeing increased interest as traders seek to preserve capital in the current uncertain environment.

Volume And Activity

Trading volume has increased, particularly during Bitcoin's recent drop. This suggests conviction in the selling pressure, which could lead to further downside in the short term.

Key Shifts

Week Over Week

The most significant change is the break below key moving averages for Bitcoin, shifting the technical picture from bullish to bearish in just a week.

Two Week Trend

We've seen a complete reversal from the optimism of two weeks ago. The market has shifted from euphoria and new highs to fear and technical breakdowns.

Notable Reversals

Bitcoin's RSI has swung from overbought to oversold in just two weeks, indicating a rapid shift in momentum that has caught many traders off guard.

What This Means For Traders


If Youre Bullish

  • Look for signs of selling exhaustion, such as a bullish divergence on the 4-hour RSI
  • Wait for a clear break and hold above the 20-day EMA before considering new long positions
  • Use smaller position sizes and tighter stop-losses to account for the increased volatility

If Youre Bearish

  • Consider short entries on rallies that fail at previous support levels, now likely to act as resistance
  • Watch for a break below $95,000 as confirmation of continued downside momentum
  • Be prepared for potential sharp bounces, as oversold conditions could lead to quick relief rallies

If Youre Uncertain

  • Focus on range-bound strategies between $95,000 and $100,000 until a clearer trend emerges
  • Pay close attention to the $100,000 psychological level for clues about market direction
  • Watch for a return of volume and a break in Bitcoin dominance to signal the start of a new trend

Evolving Trading Guidance


What Changed

From 7d Ago

A week ago, buying dips was favored. Now, selling rallies or waiting for clearer bottoming signals is more prudent.

From 14d Ago

Two weeks ago, the focus was on riding the uptrend and managing FOMO. Today, capital preservation and cautious positioning are key.

Current Best Opportunities

Short-term traders might find opportunities in quick scalps of oversold bounces. Longer-term investors could start slowly accumulating if they believe in the broader bull market.

Approaches To Avoid

Avoid large, directional bets given the current uncertainty. This isn't the time for 'hero trades' trying to catch the exact bottom.

Timing Considerations

Shorter timeframes (1-4 hours) may offer cleaner setups in this choppy environment. Be prepared for increased weekend volatility.

Key Levels To Watch


Critical Thresholds

The $100,000 level for Bitcoin is crucial. A strong reclaim could signal the correction is over, while failure to recapture it keeps pressure on.

Recent Breakouts

Bitcoin breaking below its 50-day EMA around $105,000 was significant, turning this level into key resistance.

Approaching Tests

Watch for a test of the 100-day EMA near $92,000. How price reacts here could determine if this is a correction or a larger trend change.

Final Advice


Main Takeaway

Stay defensive and be patient. This correction needs time to play out before clear opportunities emerge.

Biggest Change

The shift from a clear uptrend to an uncertain, potentially bearish short-term outlook for Bitcoin is the most significant change.

Risk Reminder

Remember, corrections are normal even in bull markets. Don't let emotions drive your decisions – stick to your risk management rules and be prepared for increased volatility.