Crypto
Bitcoin: The Market Needs Catalysts Beyond Legal Wins (Cryptocurrency:BTC-USD)
Thesis
Following the recent Court of Appeals for the D.C Circuit ruling in favor of Grayscale Investments LLC in its lawsuit pertaining to the application to convert its Bitcoin Trust (GBTC) into a spot Bitcoin ETF, the price of Bitcoin (BTC-USD) quickly moved towards the previous $28,000 trading range. However, BTC retraced the price surge of the Grayscale-vs-SEC news in just 2 days, making the bullishness fade quickly. Ripple (XRP-USD) saw a similar surge in its coin price following a ruling in favor of Ripple in its long-drawn brawl with the SEC. XRP gained 74% to trade at $0.82 following the news of the ruling; but has, however, retraced the gains (just like Bitcoin) and is back at the $0.5 price range.
This is why I feel it is essential to separate the bullish headlines from the true catalysts that can propel Bitcoin and the broader crypto market into a new bull season. While recent events, such as Grayscale’s legal victory and XRP’s courtroom triumph, may have caused temporary price surges, they are not the drivers needed for long-term and sustainable price gains. In this article, we’ll delve into some catalysts that could usher Bitcoin into a new wave of value appreciation, based on recent developments in the Bitcoin network and its expanding ecosystem.
Potential Catalysts for Bitcoin Moving Forward
While some headline-making events can cause sudden bullishness, there are a few ongoing developments that investors must understand and identify, in this current cycle, as the catalysts that could sustainably elevate Bitcoin’s value.
Spot ETF Approval
We already witnessed some bullishness that the news of the favorable Grayscale ETF ruling propelled. That was the very tip of the iceberg, compared to how the market will react when a BTC spot ETF gets approved by the SEC. The anticipation of a spot Bitcoin ETF approval has been a lingering hope in the crypto community. It will mark a significant milestone if and when the SEC greenlights an ETF. Unlike the recent legal ruling that merely caused short-lived excitement, a spot ETF will open the doors for institutional investors to flow substantial capital into Bitcoin. The impact of institutional participation cannot be understated, as it has the potential to provide stability and drive long-term growth.
Liquid Staking on the Lightning Network
Beyond the ecosystem expansion and adoption, the Bitcoin network is undergoing transformative changes. New capabilities are being added to Bitcoin. Layer-2 solutions like the Lightning Network have given Bitcoin the chance to go through transformation and upgrades without sparking the usual debates which often lead to hard forks. We witnessed the Taproot upgrade to Bitcoin late last year, and how it gave the Bitcoin network the capability to host NFTs and Bitcoin tokens (BRC-20) through the Ordinal Protocol. BRC-20 has grown rapidly and is considered a top crypto narrative for the coming years.
There are recent reports of the introduction of liquid staking capabilities on Bitcoin through the Lightning Network. Liquid staking has been a top and booming crypto narrative since Ethereum (ETH-USD) completed the Shapella upgrade. A crypto liquid project focused on developing liquid staking capabilities on Bitcoin reportedly raised $3.5 million in a seed funding round. This shows how bringing DeFi capabilities to Bitcoin has begun to take serious shape.
The Halving Event
Bitcoin’s scheduled halving events have historically led to a crypto bull market. Though it is strongly advised not to predict the future direction of the crypto market based on historical outcomes, I still see Bitcoin’s halving as a notable event that cannot be overlooked. The upcoming halving event in Q2 2024 is already on the radar of investors, and it is much talked about by seasoned crypto investors as the countdown to the halving event has already begun. A search of hashtags related to Bitcoin halving on the X (Twitter) app confirms this. Halving is a natural, built-in mechanism that can sustainably drive Bitcoin’s price upward.
I’m Bullish on Bitcoin
As a crypto investor who has witnessed two market cycles, my outlook on Bitcoin is bullish, and I maintain a HOLD rating as we closely monitor unfolding events. The SEC has delayed its decision on all Bitcoin ETF applications till October, as the current deadline elapses. The second deadline for spot ETF applications in mid-October is a crucial date to watch. A successful spot ETF approval would be a significant catalyst for Bitcoin, aligning with the broader trend of institutional adoption.
Conclusion
While recent legal developments have created short-term excitement, focusing on the true catalysts that can sustain Bitcoin’s price surge is essential. A potential Bitcoin Spot ETF approval, liquid staking, and other DeFi and NFT capabilities on the Bitcoin network, coupled with the upcoming halving event in Q2 2024; represent the core drivers that can drive Bitcoin and the crypto market into full bull mode. As we navigate this stage of the market cycle, let’s keep a keen eye on these potential factors that can propel Bitcoin’s value to new all-time highs.
Let’s keep in mind that financial markets are complex and influenced by a broad range of factors that sometimes feel like a labyrinth. Investors should monitor unfolding macroeconomic events that could influence investor sentiment and the crypto market regardless of the potential catalysts highlighted in this article.
Editor’s Note: This article discusses one or more securities that do not trade on a major U.S. exchange. Please be aware of the risks associated with these stocks.
Crypto
Coinbase Investigates ‘Delayed Sends’ for XRP on Its Platform | PYMNTS.com
Cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase said Tuesday (Jan. 14) that it is investigating a problem with delayed sends of Ripple (XRP) on its platform.
“We are aware that some users may be experiencing delayed sends for Ripple (XRP),” Coinbase said in an incident report on its status page. “Buys, Sells and Fiat withdrawals/deposits are not affected. We are investigating this issue and will provide an update shortly.”
In an earlier, separate report on its status page, Coinbase said some users experienced delayed sends and receives for Stellar (XLM) on Friday (Jan. 10). That incident was resolved within 90 minutes.
On Thursday (Jan. 9), some users experienced latency or degraded performance with buys, sells, sends, Coinbase Onramp and Advanced Trade. That issue was resolved within two hours, according to the page.
In other, separate news about the company, it was reported Thursday (Jan. 9) that Coinbase told customers that it may have to share data demanded by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).
The regulator sent a subpoena to the firm that seeks information about Coinbase customers’ interactions with prediction market firm Polymarket, and Coinbase emailed some customers saying it may have to share that data with the CFTC.
“When we receive requests for information from a government, each request is carefully reviewed by a team of trained experts using established procedures to determine its legal sufficiency,” a Coinbase spokesperson told CoinDesk.
On Dec. 9, cryptocurrency payments solution firm Triple-A announced an integration with Coinbase that it said it designed to let Coinbase users make payments to select merchants in the Triple-A network.
“Triple-A’s integration with Coinbase Commerce will empower merchants to offer a Coinbase-specific payment option, enhancing the convenience for Coinbase users and allowing Coinbase to connect with a wider network of merchants, to drive the broader adoption of cryptocurrency payments,” the company said in a press release.
Coinbase upgraded its Coinbase One subscription program and launched a new tier called Coinbase One Premium on Dec. 4, saying that with these new offerings, “Coinbase One now truly benefits all types of traders.”
Coinbase One membership has reached 600,000 across 42 countries, the company added.
Crypto
Credissential Inc. Adopts Cryptocurrency Policy, Plans XRP and XLM Purchases – TipRanks.com
Stay Ahead of the Market:
An update from Axiom Capital Advisors, Inc. ( (TSE:WHIP) ) is now available.
Credissential Inc. announced a new Cryptocurrency Acquisition Policy aimed at enhancing shareholder value by purchasing digital assets like XRP and XLM. This move aligns with the company’s cryptocurrency initiatives and allows investors exposure to the growing digital asset market. The policy is also seen as a strategy to navigate inflationary pressures while diversifying the company’s treasury holdings, indicating a proactive approach to adapting to market trends and delivering long-term shareholder value.
More about Axiom Capital Advisors, Inc.
Credissential Inc. is a vertically integrated AI software development company focusing on advancing financial technology solutions. The company is committed to developing innovative products such as Antenna, a payment platform enhanced with AI and quantum encryption technologies, and DealerFlow, an AI-driven dealer management system designed to streamline operations and enhance efficiency.
YTD Price Performance: -6.45%
Average Trading Volume: 298,973
Technical Sentiment Consensus Rating: Buy
Current Market Cap: C$6.17M
Find detailed analytics on WHIP stock on TipRanks’ Stock Analysis page.
Crypto
Why Is Bitcoin Price Going Up? BTC Prediction After Bullish Buy Signal
Bitcoin’s
price (BTC) is making significant gains on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, adding
over $2,000 to its value. However, Monday saw the market shaken, with the price
briefly dropping to a two-month low below the critical $90,000 psychological
level.
In this
article, I review what triggered the sudden drop, why the Bitcoin price is
going up today, and how to interpret the bullish pin bar above the 50-day
exponential moving average—a potentially strong buy signal.
On Tuesday,
Bitcoin is trading above $97,000 on Binance, marking its highest value in a
week. The cryptocurrency is currently up 2.7%, with altcoins following suit.
Ethereum (ETH) has gained 4.9% over the past 24 hours, reaching
$3,200, while XRP, the third-largest cryptocurrency by market cap, has
risen 7% to $2.56.
As shown in
the chart below, Bitcoin’s price remains in a consolidation phase that has been
in place since November, with the lower boundary near $92,000 and the upper
limit at its previous high of $98,000.
However,
Monday painted a less optimistic picture as
Bitcoin briefly dipped to just $89,398, causing significant panic and
confusion among retail investors.
The
temporary panic was also evident in the derivatives market: within four days,
investors pulled $1.6 billion from cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds (ETFs),
marking one of the longest selling streaks in recent times.
Over the
past 24 hours, both bulls and bears have incurred losses. Approximately $500
million in leveraged positions were liquidated across the market, with nearly
equal distribution between long and short positions. Bitcoin accounted for over
20% of this activity, with $44 million liquidated from long positions and $72
million from shorts.
Analysts
attribute the recent decline in Bitcoin and the broader cryptocurrency market
to two primary factors: so-called “Trump Trade” and monetary policy.
Why Bitcoin Fell? Fed
Policy and Market Uncertainty Shake BTC Price
The
cryptocurrency market’s downturn is primarily driven by shifting expectations
about Federal Reserve (Fed) interest rate policies. Strong economic indicators
have led investors to anticipate a longer period of higher interest rates. The
robust U.S. job market, with 256,000 new nonfarm payrolls and a 4.1%
unemployment rate, has particularly influenced this outlook.
According
to the CME’s FedWatch tool, the probability of a rate cut at the next meeting,
scheduled for January 29, is just 2.7%. The market is currently pricing in a
stronger likelihood (around 40%) of a cut to the 4.00–4.25% range in the second
half of the year. Earlier expectations were for a more aggressive path of rate
cuts, which was expected to fuel risk assets such as cryptocurrencies and
stocks.
Moreover, the
initial euphoria surrounding Trump’s pro-crypto stance has given way to more
cautious market sentiment. While Trump’s upcoming presidency promised to make
the U.S. the “crypto capital of the world,” investors are now
focusing on immediate economic realities rather than future policy promises.
The
cryptocurrency decline isn’t occurring in isolation. The selloff in Treasury
markets has created a ripple effect across various asset classes, affecting
both crypto and traditional markets. This broader market reaction demonstrates
Bitcoin’s increasing correlation with conventional risk assets.
Will Bitcoin Keep Going
Up? BTC Price Prediction and Technical Analysis
The
candlestick I want to highlight in the technical analysis of Bitcoin ‘s price
chart may seem modest and even barely noticeable. However, in my view, it
carries significant strength and buying potential. This is a bullish pin bar
(or doji candle) with an almost invisible body and a very long lower wick,
indicating that bears were in control but had to concede to bulls by the
session’s close.
What
does the chart show?
- The bullish
pin bar tested the 50 EMA and two critical support levels: $92,000 and $90,000. - All three
levels held, and the price responded with an immediate increase the following
day. - This strong
bullish signal confirmed the lower boundary of the consolidation range,
signaling that buyers are likely to actively defend the green-marked support
zone.
While
Bitcoin remains in consolidation, this reaction suggests, from a purely
technical standpoint, the potential for a move towards $103,000 (the 2025
highs) and ultimately $108,000, the all-time high (ATH) to date.
Bitcoin Price Key Support
and Resistance Levels
Support |
Resistance |
$90,000 – psychological round |
$100,000 – psychological round |
$92,000 – local lows tested in |
$103,000 – highs from 2025 |
50 EMA – currently at $94,482 |
$108,000 – current ATH |
Breaking
above the current all-time high is a necessary condition for considering
ambitious forecasts for 2025 and beyond. Some of these projections are
truly bold.
Bitcoin Price Prediction:
Will BTC Reach $1 Million?
Late last
year, I explored the question, “Will
Bitcoin hit $1 million?” According to Jeff Park, Head of Alpha
Strategies at Bitwise Asset Management, this could be possible if the U.S.
government were to adopt a Bitcoin reserve strategy. However, he currently
assigns only a 10% probability to this scenario.
Arthur
Hayes, the Founder of the cryptocurrency exchange BitMEX, has frequently
mentioned such ambitious levels as $1 million. Last week, he appeared as a guest on
Tom Bilyeu’s show, where he discussed the current state of the
cryptocurrency market during a nearly two-hour interview. Hayes suggested that
Bitcoin is gradually heading toward seven-figure valuations and could
potentially reach them within the next five years.
“It’s the bull market. When the music is playing you gotta $DANCE.” ~ Arthur Hayes x Tom Bilyeu#crypto #dance #memecoin #solana #bullrun pic.twitter.com/g9MdkEtIZe
— DANCE MEMECOIN 🤩 (@dancememecoin) January 7, 2025
“Bitcoin
has already survived for 15 years. This makes investors start to believe that
it can last for decades to come.” – Hayes commented. “BTC will be here for
the next 15, 20, 100 years. I think it will be a store of value. I can use it
to pay for things I need, so I’m going to take 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 10% of my
retirement income or savings and start buying that asset now.”
Other
experts, including VanEck analysts, predict more down to earth numbers. Month
ago, they
forecasted that Bitcoin price could reach $180,000 in 2025.
JUST IN: $118 billion VanEck predicts $180,000 #Bitcoin and the U.S. will embrace a Strategic BTC Reserve in 2025 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/s7lnNgkyhn
— Bitcoin Magazine (@BitcoinMagazine) December 13, 2024
Bitcoin Price, FAQ
Why Is the Price of
Bitcoin Going Up?
Bitcoin’s
price is rising due to a strong bullish pin bar forming above critical support
levels, signaling strong buying activity. Market sentiment improved as Bitcoin
rebounded from a two-month low of $89,398 to trade above $97,000. This movement
reflects consolidation within the $92,000–$98,000 range, supported by technical
indicators and broader market optimism.
Will Bitcoin Rise Again?
Bitcoin’s
price is expected to rise further based on technical analysis. If it breaks
through key resistance at $103,000, it could test the all-time high of
$108,000. Long-term projections remain optimistic, with some experts predicting
significant gains by 2025, assuming market conditions remain favorable.
Why Is Bitcoin So Valuable
Today?
Bitcoin’s
value stems from its status as a decentralized digital asset with limited
supply, serving as a hedge against inflation and a potential store of value.
Its increasing adoption, network security, and potential as a global reserve
asset contribute to its high valuation.
Why Did Bitcoin Fall
Recently?
Bitcoin’s
recent decline was driven by market reactions to expectations of prolonged
higher interest rates from the Federal Reserve. Strong U.S. economic data
reduced the likelihood of rate cuts, pressuring risk assets like
cryptocurrencies. Additionally, shifting sentiment around pro-crypto policies
under the upcoming U.S. administration added to market uncertainty.
How Much Will Bitcoin Cost
in 2025?
Bitcoin’s
2025 price predictions vary widely. Analysts forecast potential highs ranging
from $180,000 (VanEck) to over $1 million (Arthur Hayes), depending on adoption
trends, macroeconomic conditions, and regulatory developments. A more
conservative estimate places Bitcoin at $180,000, reflecting steady growth
without speculative excess.
Bitcoin’s
price (BTC) is making significant gains on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, adding
over $2,000 to its value. However, Monday saw the market shaken, with the price
briefly dropping to a two-month low below the critical $90,000 psychological
level.
In this
article, I review what triggered the sudden drop, why the Bitcoin price is
going up today, and how to interpret the bullish pin bar above the 50-day
exponential moving average—a potentially strong buy signal.
On Tuesday,
Bitcoin is trading above $97,000 on Binance, marking its highest value in a
week. The cryptocurrency is currently up 2.7%, with altcoins following suit.
Ethereum (ETH) has gained 4.9% over the past 24 hours, reaching
$3,200, while XRP, the third-largest cryptocurrency by market cap, has
risen 7% to $2.56.
As shown in
the chart below, Bitcoin’s price remains in a consolidation phase that has been
in place since November, with the lower boundary near $92,000 and the upper
limit at its previous high of $98,000.
However,
Monday painted a less optimistic picture as
Bitcoin briefly dipped to just $89,398, causing significant panic and
confusion among retail investors.
The
temporary panic was also evident in the derivatives market: within four days,
investors pulled $1.6 billion from cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds (ETFs),
marking one of the longest selling streaks in recent times.
Over the
past 24 hours, both bulls and bears have incurred losses. Approximately $500
million in leveraged positions were liquidated across the market, with nearly
equal distribution between long and short positions. Bitcoin accounted for over
20% of this activity, with $44 million liquidated from long positions and $72
million from shorts.
Analysts
attribute the recent decline in Bitcoin and the broader cryptocurrency market
to two primary factors: so-called “Trump Trade” and monetary policy.
Why Bitcoin Fell? Fed
Policy and Market Uncertainty Shake BTC Price
The
cryptocurrency market’s downturn is primarily driven by shifting expectations
about Federal Reserve (Fed) interest rate policies. Strong economic indicators
have led investors to anticipate a longer period of higher interest rates. The
robust U.S. job market, with 256,000 new nonfarm payrolls and a 4.1%
unemployment rate, has particularly influenced this outlook.
According
to the CME’s FedWatch tool, the probability of a rate cut at the next meeting,
scheduled for January 29, is just 2.7%. The market is currently pricing in a
stronger likelihood (around 40%) of a cut to the 4.00–4.25% range in the second
half of the year. Earlier expectations were for a more aggressive path of rate
cuts, which was expected to fuel risk assets such as cryptocurrencies and
stocks.
Moreover, the
initial euphoria surrounding Trump’s pro-crypto stance has given way to more
cautious market sentiment. While Trump’s upcoming presidency promised to make
the U.S. the “crypto capital of the world,” investors are now
focusing on immediate economic realities rather than future policy promises.
The
cryptocurrency decline isn’t occurring in isolation. The selloff in Treasury
markets has created a ripple effect across various asset classes, affecting
both crypto and traditional markets. This broader market reaction demonstrates
Bitcoin’s increasing correlation with conventional risk assets.
Will Bitcoin Keep Going
Up? BTC Price Prediction and Technical Analysis
The
candlestick I want to highlight in the technical analysis of Bitcoin ‘s price
chart may seem modest and even barely noticeable. However, in my view, it
carries significant strength and buying potential. This is a bullish pin bar
(or doji candle) with an almost invisible body and a very long lower wick,
indicating that bears were in control but had to concede to bulls by the
session’s close.
What
does the chart show?
- The bullish
pin bar tested the 50 EMA and two critical support levels: $92,000 and $90,000. - All three
levels held, and the price responded with an immediate increase the following
day. - This strong
bullish signal confirmed the lower boundary of the consolidation range,
signaling that buyers are likely to actively defend the green-marked support
zone.
While
Bitcoin remains in consolidation, this reaction suggests, from a purely
technical standpoint, the potential for a move towards $103,000 (the 2025
highs) and ultimately $108,000, the all-time high (ATH) to date.
Bitcoin Price Key Support
and Resistance Levels
Support |
Resistance |
$90,000 – psychological round |
$100,000 – psychological round |
$92,000 – local lows tested in |
$103,000 – highs from 2025 |
50 EMA – currently at $94,482 |
$108,000 – current ATH |
Breaking
above the current all-time high is a necessary condition for considering
ambitious forecasts for 2025 and beyond. Some of these projections are
truly bold.
Bitcoin Price Prediction:
Will BTC Reach $1 Million?
Late last
year, I explored the question, “Will
Bitcoin hit $1 million?” According to Jeff Park, Head of Alpha
Strategies at Bitwise Asset Management, this could be possible if the U.S.
government were to adopt a Bitcoin reserve strategy. However, he currently
assigns only a 10% probability to this scenario.
Arthur
Hayes, the Founder of the cryptocurrency exchange BitMEX, has frequently
mentioned such ambitious levels as $1 million. Last week, he appeared as a guest on
Tom Bilyeu’s show, where he discussed the current state of the
cryptocurrency market during a nearly two-hour interview. Hayes suggested that
Bitcoin is gradually heading toward seven-figure valuations and could
potentially reach them within the next five years.
“It’s the bull market. When the music is playing you gotta $DANCE.” ~ Arthur Hayes x Tom Bilyeu#crypto #dance #memecoin #solana #bullrun pic.twitter.com/g9MdkEtIZe
— DANCE MEMECOIN 🤩 (@dancememecoin) January 7, 2025
“Bitcoin
has already survived for 15 years. This makes investors start to believe that
it can last for decades to come.” – Hayes commented. “BTC will be here for
the next 15, 20, 100 years. I think it will be a store of value. I can use it
to pay for things I need, so I’m going to take 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 10% of my
retirement income or savings and start buying that asset now.”
Other
experts, including VanEck analysts, predict more down to earth numbers. Month
ago, they
forecasted that Bitcoin price could reach $180,000 in 2025.
JUST IN: $118 billion VanEck predicts $180,000 #Bitcoin and the U.S. will embrace a Strategic BTC Reserve in 2025 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/s7lnNgkyhn
— Bitcoin Magazine (@BitcoinMagazine) December 13, 2024
Bitcoin Price, FAQ
Why Is the Price of
Bitcoin Going Up?
Bitcoin’s
price is rising due to a strong bullish pin bar forming above critical support
levels, signaling strong buying activity. Market sentiment improved as Bitcoin
rebounded from a two-month low of $89,398 to trade above $97,000. This movement
reflects consolidation within the $92,000–$98,000 range, supported by technical
indicators and broader market optimism.
Will Bitcoin Rise Again?
Bitcoin’s
price is expected to rise further based on technical analysis. If it breaks
through key resistance at $103,000, it could test the all-time high of
$108,000. Long-term projections remain optimistic, with some experts predicting
significant gains by 2025, assuming market conditions remain favorable.
Why Is Bitcoin So Valuable
Today?
Bitcoin’s
value stems from its status as a decentralized digital asset with limited
supply, serving as a hedge against inflation and a potential store of value.
Its increasing adoption, network security, and potential as a global reserve
asset contribute to its high valuation.
Why Did Bitcoin Fall
Recently?
Bitcoin’s
recent decline was driven by market reactions to expectations of prolonged
higher interest rates from the Federal Reserve. Strong U.S. economic data
reduced the likelihood of rate cuts, pressuring risk assets like
cryptocurrencies. Additionally, shifting sentiment around pro-crypto policies
under the upcoming U.S. administration added to market uncertainty.
How Much Will Bitcoin Cost
in 2025?
Bitcoin’s
2025 price predictions vary widely. Analysts forecast potential highs ranging
from $180,000 (VanEck) to over $1 million (Arthur Hayes), depending on adoption
trends, macroeconomic conditions, and regulatory developments. A more
conservative estimate places Bitcoin at $180,000, reflecting steady growth
without speculative excess.
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