Key Insights
- Bitcoin falls below $58,000, reaching its lowest level since early May
- Mt. Gox repayments and U.S. economic uncertainty contribute to market pressure
- Analysts divided on potential for July rebound amid low liquidity and lack of new narratives
NEW YORK (MarketsXplora) – Bitcoin fell below $58,000 on Thursday, reaching its lowest level since early May, as investors grapple with looming Mt. Gox repayments and uncertain U.S. economic policies.
The world’s largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization was trading at $57,408, down 5.14% in the last 24 hours, according to data from Coinmarketcap.
“The fall below the $60,000 resistance line is significant as it marks a psychological barrier for many investors,” Rachael Lucas, crypto analyst at Australia’s BTC Markets exchange, told MarketsXplora. “If bitcoin remains below this level, we could see increased volatility in the short term.”
The imminent payout to creditors of the collapsed Mt. Gox exchange, expected to begin in July, is adding pressure to the market. Approximately 142,000 BTC, valued at about $9 billion, is set to be distributed, potentially increasing selling pressure.
Investor sentiment is further dampened by uncertainty surrounding U.S. inflation and interest rates. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell recently indicated that more work is needed to control inflation, despite acknowledging progress.
The Fed’s projection of only one interest rate cut this year, contrary to market expectations of multiple reductions, has contributed to a risk-averse environment.
Despite previous analyst predictions of a July rebound based on historical trends, some market observers remain skeptical. “Due to the lack of market liquidity and the absence of new narratives in the crypto sector, it is difficult to see a notable increase without the major benefit of interest rate cuts,” Toya Zhang, Chief Marketing Officer at Bit.com, explained to MarketsXplora.
Zhang also noted that over-the-counter desks are receiving large sell orders, suggesting profit-taking by family offices and high net-worth individuals from the last bull cycle.
Adding to market concerns, trading volumes for U.S. spot bitcoin exchange-traded funds have recently declined, dropping to around $800 million on Wednesday.
Looking ahead, Lucas predicted continued volatility for bitcoin in the coming week as the market processes the Mt. Gox repayments and responds to broader economic indicators.
“If market liquidity remains strong, we might see bitcoin rebound as it has in the past after significant selloffs,” she added.
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