Bitcoin dips as risk-off sentiment prevails

Bitcoin weakened on Monday, dropping below the $96,000 level as a risk-off sentiment prevailed. If BTC price declines, support can be found at $94,000, while resistance may be encountered at $98,700. 

Ethereum price edged higher on Monday, rising from $2,670 to $2,740. If Ethereum's price declines, it may encounter support near $2,540, while if it increases, resistance may be encountered near $2,900.

Bitcoin price registered a new all-time high of $109,880 in January but has since been under pressure by increased risk aversion sentiment. Most major cryptocurrencies are under pressure on concerns that US President Donald Trump’s trade policies may start global trading wars. 

Trump has been using threats of imposing trade tariffs as a negotiation tool to further his agenda with other countries. The uncertainty over Trump’s future policies and trade tariffs is generating a risk aversion sentiment, putting pressure on crypto markets.

Trump has threatened that he will announce reciprocal tariffs on many countries, which would raise US import taxes to match those imposed by the country’s other trading partners. If Trump goes through with these heavy tariffs, global inflation is likely to rise and the economic outlook will worsen, thus promoting a risk aversion sentiment, which puts pressure on crypto markets.

Trump’s proposed plans for building a Bitcoin strategic reserve have been boosting Bitcoin price. Growing expectations that the US government will adopt a pro-crypto regulatory and fiscal policy are boosting crypto markets. 

Cryptocurrency prices are also affected by central banks’ interest rates. High interest rates stifle economic growth, putting pressure on crypto markets. The US Federal Reserve held interest rates steady at its January meeting, after delivering three consecutive rate cuts in 2024. FOMC policymakers voted unanimously to maintain the federal funds range to a target range of 4.25% to 4.50. 

Fed Chair Jerome Powell delivered a mildly hawkish message after the policy meeting. Powell stated that the Fed’s approach will remain data-driven and stressed that the central bank needs to consider potential policy changes under Trump’s administration.

BTC/USD 1h Chart

ETH/USD 1h Chart

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Written by:
Myrsini Giannouli

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