Bitcoin (BTC) Fundamental Outlook: Neutral
- Bitcoin resilience holds after another big week of economic data
- BTC/USD boosted by positive Michigan Sentiment report
- USD remains a safe-haven favorite
Bitcoin Holds Steady Despite Recession Risks
Recession risks remain elevated after US CPI (Consumer Price Index) data for June surpassed expectations once again, reaching another four-decade high of 9.1% (YoY). With market participants now pricing in a Fed rate hike of at least 75 (or a possible 100) basis point rate hike later this month, the current geopolitical backdrop does not bode well for speculative assets.
Visit DailyFX Education to Learn About the Relationship Between Interest Rates & FX
That being said, after the release of the May US CPI print, Bitcoin prices fell sharply, with the downtrend gaining traction throughout last month. However, after this week’s release, Bitcoin prices pulled back slightly before bulls were able to drive price action back above the $20,000 psychological level.
Bitcoin (BTC/USD) Daily Chart
Chart prepared by Tammy Da Costa using TradingView
With BTC/USD still trading within the same range that has encapsulated price action over the past month, positive retail sales data and an optimistic Michigan Sentiment report provided some reprieve for cryptocurrency and equities, capping the downward move.
DailyFX Economic Calendar
For the week ahead, the economic docket shifts focus to Europe with the core inflation rate, ECB (European Central Bank) rate decision and the press conference expected to provide clarity on Europe’s economic outlook.
DailyFX Economic Calendar
If recession fears intensify, Bitcoin and its peers remain vulnerable to further declines with the technical levels forming additional zones of support and resistance.
As long as the $20,000 mark holds, bulls have an opportunity to drive prices higher with bears gaining favor if prices fall back below $18,000.
--- Written by Tammy Da Costa, Analyst for DailyFX.com
Contact and follow Tammy on Twitter: @Tams707
