BTC Rally Pauses for Now

Following the breakout move we saw in Bitcoin last week, the market has yet to follow through with bullish momentum stalling for now. Indeed, Bitcoin futures posted a large bearish reversal candle on the daily timeframe yesterday, signalling risks of a fresh turn lower following the rally. BTC printed highs this week of mid $106 before sellers stepped in. Price is holding just below those weekly highs for now, keeping the focus on further upside. However, if we slip back below the $100k mark this near-term outlook will turn bearish.

US Trade Optimism

The driver behind the move higher was optimism over the recent shift in tone from the US on its trade agenda. A trade deal between the US and UK last week, boosted risk sentiment ahead of the planned US/China talks which took place over the weekend. BTC rallied again in response to news that the US sand China agreed a 90-day tariff reduction window before the move stalled and reversed. The fading of this bullish reaction suggests the market is waiting on something more permanent before we see a fresh leg higher.

News-Flow Risks

As such, traders will be monitoring incoming news-flow on the US/China front with positive headlines likely to spur fresh buying in BTC while any negative headlines will see crypto assets come under pressure. Looking further out, if the US and China do agree a trade deal on the back of this negotiations window this should pave the way for a breakout move in BTC ands and much higher prices by year end. Similarly, if talks break down, BTC is vulnerable to a heavy reversal.

Technical Views

BTC

The rally in BTC has stalled for now ahead of the YTD resistance around $108.85. However, with momentum studies bullish, focus is on a continuation higher while price holds above the $100k mark. Below there, focus turns to $91,750 as deeper support to watch.