TLDR
- Bitcoin price rebounded to $64,000 after September’s record 7.3% monthly gain
- Analysts predict further upside, with some targeting $200,000 in the next 18 months
- Post-halving period and potential Fed rate cuts seen as catalysts for price appreciation
- Short-term volatility expected due to increased open interest in derivatives
- US presidential election outcome may reduce uncertainty and boost investor confidence
Bitcoin’s price rebounded to $64,000 on October 1st, following a record-setting September that saw the cryptocurrency gain 7.3%.
This performance marks Bitcoin’s strongest showing for the ninth month of the year, defying the typical “Rektember” trend of poor performance.
The recent price action has kept Bitcoin above key technical indicators, including the 21-week simple moving average (SMA). Traders and analysts view this as a positive sign, with many predicting further upside in the coming months.
Zach Bradford, CEO of Bitcoin mining firm CleanSpark, shared his bullish outlook in an interview with Bernstein. Bradford believes Bitcoin could peak just under $200,000 within the next 18 months, citing historical post-halving trends as a key factor.
Less than 2 hours to go before Bitcoin’s Monthly/Quarterly close.
If BTC bulls can’t muster the momentum to push back above the 2021 Mid-Cycle Top. If they can’t do that, they at least need to hold onto the 21-Week MA. Failure to do so opens the door for a retest of the lows. pic.twitter.com/m6z1qWmDWJ
— Keith Alan (@KAProductions) September 30, 2024
The recent Bitcoin halving in April 2024 reduced block rewards from 6.25 BTC to 3.125 BTC, potentially setting the stage for price appreciation.
Bradford also pointed to macroeconomic factors that could support Bitcoin’s growth. He expects the U.S. Federal Reserve to cut interest rates more aggressively in the coming 15 to 16 months, which could drive investors towards risk-on assets like Bitcoin.
Additionally, Bradford believes the conclusion of the U.S. presidential election in November 2024 will reduce uncertainty and boost investor confidence, regardless of the outcome.
Short-term price action remains volatile, with Bitcoin experiencing a brief dip below $63,000 before recovering. Traders are closely watching key support and resistance levels, with liquidity pools forming around $62,700 and $67,000 respectively.
While many analysts remain optimistic about Bitcoin’s prospects, some caution is warranted.
The recent rally has been accompanied by a rapid increase in open interest in the derivatives market, which could lead to increased price volatility in the near term.
Despite these potential hurdles, the overall sentiment in the Bitcoin market remains positive. Traders are viewing price dips as buying opportunities, anticipating further gains in the coming months.
The cryptocurrency’s ability to hold above key moving averages and technical indicators is seen as a sign of strength by many market participants.