Bitcoin edges lower as global crypto market sentiment decreases

Cryptocurrencies struggled to rebound last week, with Bitcoin and Ethereum testing key psychological support levels. Bulls tried to push cryptocurrency prices higher but failed to overcome strong crypto market bearish tendencies, triggered by stock market uncertainty. This week, cryptocurrency prices failed to gain strength, with Bitcoin and Ethereum struggling to hold on to key support levels. 

On Thursday, major cryptocurrency prices fell even lower, as a negative sentiment prevailed in crypto markets. Crypto markets have been known to mirror stock markets, but on Thursday global stock markets edged higher, while crypto markets followed bearish tendencies.  

Bitcoin traded below the $30,000 level support on Thursday, trading as low as $28,000. If Bitcoin price declines, support may be found near $26,700, while resistance may be found at $40,000 and further up near $48,200. 

Ethereum traded below its $2,000 level support on Thursday, falling as low as $1,800. If the Ethereum price declines, further support may be found near $1,700, while resistance may be encountered near $3,174.

The shift of major central banks towards a more hawkish fiscal policy has been putting pressure on cryptocurrencies over the past few months. Most major Central Banks are turning towards a tighter policy and a return to pre-pandemic interest rates, driving cryptocurrency prices down. 

The Fed has raised its benchmark interest rate by 50 base points, its highest rate hike in 22 years and the BOE also increased its interest rate by 25 bp. On Monday, ECB President Lagarde posted an uncharacteristically hawkish statement, pointing to rate hikes in Q3 of this year, which would bring the ECB’s interest rate at least to zero and possibly to positive territory. 

In addition, a strong risk-off sentiment has prevailed over the past few months, driving investors to safer assets and dampening the appeal of cryptocurrencies. In the past six months, the cryptocurrency market has lost almost $2 trillion. 

BTC/USD 1h Chart

ETH/USD 1h Chart

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Written by:
Myrsini Giannouli

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