Bitcoin price rallies above $71,000, driven by ETF narrative

Bitcoin’s recent price action has sent ripples through the cryptocurrency market, breaking out of its previous trading range of $60,000 to $70,000 and surging to an intraday high of $71,671. While the cryptocurrency has retraced slightly to hover around $70,900, the breach of the significant psychological barrier of $70,000 signals a bullish sentiment among investors. With options traders foreseeing further upside potential, speculation is rife that Bitcoin could reach $80,000 before the month concludes, fueled by its proximity to its all-time high.

The enthusiasm surrounding Bitcoin’s ascent has spilled over to other cryptocurrencies, with altcoins like Ethereum, Dogecoin, Ripple, Solana, and Litecoin (LTC) all experiencing gains. This widespread optimism is reflected in the Market Fear & Greed Index, which has soared to an extreme level of 78 out of 100, indicating widespread greed among investors. Moreover, the global crypto market cap has swelled to $2.64 trillion, registering a 24-hour gain of 0.40%.

The surge in Bitcoin prices can be attributed to several factors. Notably, there has been a notable influx of funds into Bitcoin spot ETFs, signaling growing institutional interest in the cryptocurrency. Additionally, the futures market has witnessed a surge in open interest, indicating heightened speculative activity and investor confidence in Bitcoin’s future prospects. Furthermore, expectations of imminent rate cuts by the Federal Reserve have exerted downward pressure on US bond yields, prompting investors to seek alternative stores of value like Bitcoin.

The weakening of the US dollar, driven by market anticipation of Fed intervention to stimulate the economy amid signs of a slowdown, has further bolstered Bitcoin prices. With US Treasury bond yields plummeting to their lowest levels in over two months, investors are increasingly turning to Bitcoin as a hedge against currency devaluation and inflationary pressures. Weak US macroeconomic data, such as the ADP’s report of lackluster job growth in May and softer-than-expected PCE Price Index data, have reinforced expectations of Fed rate cuts, amplifying Bitcoin’s appeal as a safe-haven asset.

Renowned investor Robert Kiyosaki’s bold prediction that Bitcoin could skyrocket to $350,000 by August 2024 has ignited excitement within the cryptocurrency community. While some experts view this forecast as overly optimistic, the ongoing accumulation of Bitcoin by long-term holders and institutional investors, who now control over 40% of the total supply, suggests sustained bullish sentiment.

Technical analysis indicates a bullish breakout from a symmetrical triangle formation, supported by key indicators such as the 50-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA) and Relative Strength Index (RSI), which signal strong buying interest. While a double-top pattern near the $71,800 resistance level poses a temporary obstacle, sustained buying pressure could propel Bitcoin towards $80,000.

Traders are advised to monitor Bitcoin’s price action closely, considering potential entry points above the $70,600 pivot level and targeting resistance levels at $71,800 and $72,500. However, caution is warranted, as a drop below $70,600 could signal a shift to a bearish trajectory.