Trader and Investor Enthusiasm for Cryptocurrencies This Week

Traders reduced their leverage amount as BTC prices stabilized. Holders remained unprofitable despite price appreciation. Grayscale Bitcoin ETF records first inflows after $1.6 billion losses in 4 months.

Holders and traders have become hopeful about BTC, as its price reached to $64,000 over the past 24 hours, staying close to such level without fluctuating much.

This stability is accompanied by good news from the derivatives market, which is showing signs of health.

In other news, investors have become more enthusiastic about GBTC and Bitcoin ETF’ recent change from outflows to inflows. Investors feel that Bitcoin will probably hit new all-time highs. Whether this trend will be so remains to be seen, as there are uncertainties in regards to capital markets and regulations.

Decreasing Leverage

The reset in funding rates, which came after the recent price drop, suggests that leverage in the market may be declining, analysts say.

Adding to the positive sentiment is the fact that open interest as a percentage of market capitalization has fallen below 2%. This has not happened since February and is another indicator of lower leverage in the market, which can be seen as a sign of reduced risk, which is generally positive for the long-term health of BTC.

However, traders leaned more towards the skeptical side when it came to BTC. Data from Coinglass indicated that the percentage of short positions taken against BTC was much higher than that of long positions taken.

How Holders Are Faring

Recently, BTC was trading at 64,232.57, having risen in price by 1.37% in the last 24 hours. However, BTC trading volume decreased by 11.18% during this period.

Despite the recent rise in BTC price, holders remained unprofitable.

AMBCrypto’s examination of Santiment data revealed that BTC’s MVRV ratio had fallen, implying that most holders were waiting for their holdings to turn green.

This may be positive for BTC in the short term as these addresses are likely to hold onto their BTC until prices rise above a certain price point.

The short-term holders are expected to exhibit what is known as “paper hands,” which means the tendency to sell their holdings amid market volatility and without believing in their holdings.

The outlook and conviction of these short-term holders will play a huge role in determining BTC price movement in the future.

Grayscale Remains Hopeful about Ethereum ETF

Grayscale believes that the SEC will approve its Ethereum ETFs this month, even though there have been recent concerns about the SEC’s level of commitment to the applicants as well as their ongoing research on Ethereum.

Legal director at Grayscale Craig Salm explained that there are similarities as of how Bitcoin and Ethereum spot ETFs have been considered for approval. Salm noted that the core operations are fundamentally the same, with the key difference being the underlying asset being analyzed. Such consistency should make the SEC’s review process easier, contributing to Grayscale’s optimism for a positive outcome.

Based on parallels between the processes for both Bitcoin Spot ETFs and theirs, Grayscale is positive that the SEC will approve Ethereum Spot ETFs.

In other words, Greyscale believes that the key issues the SEC, addressed during the approval process for Bitcoin ETFs, are largely the same for Ethereum ETFs. Thus, the regulator’s experience with Bitcoin may help Ethereum’s case.

However, Grayscale’s viewpoint contrasts with that of Bloomberg ETF analysts Eric Balchunas and James Seyffart. Both observers have lowered their expectations for Ethereum ETF spot approval in May to just 25%.

By Leonardo Perez

Bitcoin Mining Industry Top News

A new week closes in the busy world of cryptocurrencies. The conditions represent a notable trend towards volatility, and the first effects of the halving are already being felt.

This past week, earnings season was remarkably active for mining firms. The network’s hashrate is already experiencing a perceptible decline that could become more complicated in the coming days. The shares of companies in the sector on the stock market show a strong selling inclination. In short, investors remain cautious in the face of a situation that could cause new setbacks.

Bitcoin Hashrate Retracement: Deeper Drop Expected

This week, the hash power retreat, one of the most expected consequences of the halving in the short term. This is because the cut causes thousands of teams to become unproductive, which leads companies to massively disconnect older machines, leading to a rapid decline in computing power.

The capitulation of the miners is a fact that represents the reorganization of the sector for the next four years. After reaching highs of almost 700 EH/s (without touching that barrier) the global hashrate is located at 594 EH/s.

It is expected that this downward trend in the hashrate will intensify in the coming days. Likewise, it should be noted that this trend is temporary and that the arrival of new batches of equipment will cause recovery.

Marathon Digital Increases Its Bitcoin Production by 21% YoY

This week, major American companies such as Marathon Digital, released their respective quarterly earnings reports. The report points out that the reason for the increase was the equivalent increase in the company’s hash power during recent months. Currently, the company’s computing power amounts to more than 21 EH/s.

Elizabeth Warren Warns on the Dangers of Digital Mining in Iran

Elizabeth Warren, the US senator who most militates against the mining sector, ventured beyond US borders on this occasion.

In that sense, she pointed to what she describes as “great dangers” of digital mining in Iran. Together with Senator Angus King, he sent a letter to various federal institutions such as the Treasury and Defense departments, warning that mining was helping the Persian country evade sanctions.

On other occasions, politicians have expressed concern about Tehran’s record in money laundering and the role of Bitcoin in committing various crimes.

Bitfarms Profits Plunge After Halving

The company, of Argentine origin, showed its numbers and highlighted the drop in production after the halving. As expected, this decline is not exclusive to this company, but is a generalized factor.

According to the company’s update, April was the month with the lowest production in the last two years. Until now, the company has injected about $240 million dollars into the purchase of equipment to improve its production and balance the losses represented by the halving.

One of the positive aspects that the firm highlighted is the increase in its use of clean energy by 9%, which translates into a new contribution of 31 watts per terahash.

Riot Platforms Misses Estimates in Q1

Riot Platforms is one of the giants in the sector, and unfortunately, it did not meet Wall Street estimates.

In their first quarter report, they announced the entry of $211.8 million dollars, which represents an increase of 1,000% year-on-year. Despite this impressive increase, production revenues fell short of Wall Street analysts’ estimates.

The increase in the company’s revenue and profits was related to the good performance of the Bitcoin price. On the other hand, it should be noted that this is one of the largest players in the crypto market and its pending batches are made up of thousands of new ASICs. This means that the increase in production will be notable in the future.

By Audy Castaneda

This Week’s Bitcoin Highlights

Among other news, Bitcoin’s price recovery took it to a multi-day high of $64,500 yesterday, although the asset failed to continue its ascent, retreating more than a thousand dollars since then.

This month has started with difficulties for Bitcoin bulls, as the cryptocurrency failed to surpass $65,000. The massive correction took the asset to its lowest price, $56,500, in more than two months.

Greater volatility was also generated, due to the Federal Reserve’s refusal to continue raising interest rates, due to BTC pumping and dumping $2,000 in minutes on Wednesday afternoon. Only then did the gradual price recovery begin as Bitcoin jumped to $59,000 on Friday.

The bulls initiated another move that took the asset to $62,000 and beyond. This rise reached a multi-day high of $64,500 yesterday.

Despite this, Bitcoin failed to surpass that level and has retreated more than $1,000 since then. Still, it is trading above $63,000 and its dominance over alts has approached 51%. On the contrary, its market capitalization has decreased to $1.244 trillion in CG.

FOMC Member Speeches to Boost BTC Price Trends

This week ending May 3, a report from the CME FedWatch tool reveal a drop from 42.6% to 32.6% of the probabilities that the Federal Reserve will leave interest rates unchanged in September.

The influence on the US market of BTC-spot ETFs became evident. The US market for this ETF recorded net inflows ($378.3 million) for the first time in eight sessions.

Furthermore, Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC) recorded very significant net inflows ($63 million) for the first time since the launch of the BTC spot ETF market on January 11.

The economic calendar in the US is expected to continue to gain attention next week. Investor expectations for a Fed rate cut in September could be affected by U.S. jobless claims and consumer sentiment numbers from Michigan. Likewise, a more dovish Fed rate path could boost demand from BTC and BTC spot ETF buyers.

However, FOMC members’ speeches could further affect price trends. Investors would be wise to consider views on inflation, the economic outlook, and the timing of a Fed interest rate cut. Inflation remains an issue, even though the Employment Report raised expectations of a rate cut in September.

Some Experts Believe Bitcoin Will Go Higher

“I think we are being misled by the April turmoil and I think that is why it is a buying opportunity for both Bitcoin and stocks now.”

He added that “It doesn’t mean it’s going to change today, but I don’t think it’s a ceiling.”

The executive claims the most recent decline was a healthy correction, possibly driven by profit-taking.

However, another analyst, @el_crypto_prof, taking to X (formerly Twitter) to draw a parallel with a historical market trend, claimed that history does not replicate and that BTC has followed a significant trend since early 2023.

Shedding light on the future prospects of Bitcoin, he added that “The thing will be sent higher. It’s only a matter of time, imo.”

Most analysts agree that current market conditions do not imply the end of the bull cycle, but rather are a temporary setback.

As for the metrics and what they point to, it is necessary to consider the analysis that AMBCrypto did. Since April 3, there has been minimal activity, suggesting no indication that prices have bottomed.

Furthermore, the Bitcoin network’s realized profit/loss (NPL) data, which measures the difference between the last price moved and the current market price, also showed no signs of a price bottom.

By Leonardo Perez

Bitcoin at $150,000 in 2025? An Expert’s Opinion

Crypto market expert Peter Brandt believes that BTC will hit a value of six digits in 2025, as Bitcoin bulls will possibly start a new run.

Last week, Bitcoin experienced a lot of resistance. BTC bounced above the $60,000 zone after a significant drop below the $57,000 price zone.

On May 3, Brandt share some thoughts some thoughts on Bitcoin on a blog, in celebration of his 50th anniversary in futures market trading.

To provide some context, Peter Brandt is a well-known investor and trader, acknowledged for his experience in the financial markets. He has earned a prominent reputation in the financial community, as he has focused on technical analysis and has shown an ability to identify market patterns.

Brandt: “No Other Market Like Bitcoin”

In the blog, the veteran analyst described his experience with the inaugural cryptocurrency as a “once-in-a-lifetime trade, never to be equaled.” Likewise, he posted the following on X:

“Bitcoin — the trade of a lifetime. There has never been and never again will be another asset like Bitcoin $BTC.”

Brandt claims that Bitcoin is a unique asset compared to commodities such as gold, cattle, iron ore, copper, and even other cryptocurrencies such as altcoins and meme coins. He adds that BTC owes this uniqueness to its operational nature as well as its price behavior.

Analyzing BTC’s price history, Brandt notes that the coin has repeatedly produced exponential gains in the past that have not been seen with any other trading asset. Additionally, while these gains are followed by significant corrections, the overall price performance sets BTC apart from other assets.

Another aspect of Bitcoin’s uniqueness, as highlighted by Brandt, is that the asset’s volatility is also evident in its declines, resulting in a drop of over 50% and even 75%. Thus, Bitcoin exerts a special ability to generate substantial profits and at the same time cause significant losses.

Brandt predicts that BTC is on track to reach $150,000 by 2025, and adds that if the bulls keep control of the market, Bitcoin could rise as high as $300,000 beyond that. of 2026.

BTC Price Outlook

Recently, Bitcoin is trading at $63,303 after facing a serious resistance at the $64,000 price zone. The cryptocurrency seems to aim at consolidation, and it is possibly preparing for another breakout.

According to CryptoPredictions, Bitcoin may be worth on average $54,822,583 by the beginning of 2025. In the years that follow up to 2028, the BTC price is predicted to be in January worth on average $54,717.491, $54,018.373, $52,495.556, respectively.

Should Bitcoin embark on a bull run, investors would expect to return to its all-time high value of $73,750. Conversely, in case there is more selling pressure in the future, BTC could fall back below $60,000.

Despite these difficulties, Bitcoin remains the diamond of the cryptocurrency bull season and several analysts predict that the digital asset will trade above $100,000 in the next 12 to 15 months.

By Audy Castaneda

Grayscale Spot Bitcoin ETF Turns Positive After $17.5 Billion in Outflows and Sees Inflows for the First Time

After almost three months with negative flows, without generating returns, GBTC finally breaks the bad streak. This event takes place alongside the growth of the entire ETF market, which had recorded 7 continuous days of capital outflows.

On May 3, Grayscale’s Spot Bitcoin EFT ended its 82-day streak of outflows since January 11 this year. Farside, an investment management firm provided data showing that the EFT had accumulated inflows of nearly $63 million, along with other Bitcoin ETFs such as BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), which had inflows of $12.7 million.

Grayscale Bitcoin ETF Witnesses Over $60 Million in Inflows

On that single day, total inflows reached approximately $378.3 million, with Franklin Templeton’s Spot Bitcoin ETF, EZBC, with the highest inflows of $102.6 million. Eric Balchunas, Bloomberg senior analyst and ETF expert, expressed disbelief at Grayscale’s move, claiming that he had to conduct extensive checks to confirm the unexpected development.

Furthermore, the surprising influx comes after a recent development in which 10 US spot Bitcoin ETFs, including BlackRock’s IBIT, collectively recorded huge outflows worth over $563.7 million in a single day These outflows were possibly triggered by the Federal Reserve’s (FED) decision to keep rates unchanged, resulting in a broader slowdown in the cryptocurrency market.

Grayscale’s Spot Bitcoin EFT was on the verge of losing its place as the top Bitcoin ETF, but now that’s all changing as it made its first day of inflows. The reasons for this change are not entirely clear, although there is speculation that the recent entries could be due to Grayscale having heavily promoted its GBTC.

BTC had also seen significant drops around the same time, although the cryptocurrency is up 6.36% in the last 24 hours, jumping above the $60,000 support levels to trade at $63,175, according to CoinMarketCap.

Factors Behind Massive GBTC Outflows

Grayscale experienced its first recorded inflow after experiencing daily outflows worth hundreds of millions since its inception. The asset management company’s Spot Bitcoin ETF also saw its largest outflow of approximately $589.9 million on February 29.

Several factors have contributed to GBTC’s daily outflows, including its exorbitant 1.5% annual management fee. Compared to the 12 Bitcoin Spot ETFs in the United States (US), Grayscale has the most expensive Bitcoin Spot ETF fee, surpassing even BlackRock, the second largest BTC ETF provider, which has an average annual management of 0.25%.

Some of Grayscale’s exits were also the result of a reported selling connection with an insolvent cryptocurrency exchange, FTX and other defunct cryptocurrency companies. FTX had sold GBTC worth around $1 billion, while Genesis, a cryptocurrency brokerage for institutional investors, had sold nearly 36 million GBTC shares to buy 32,041 BTC worth over $2.1 billion.

BTC Forecast

According to CryptoPredictions, Bitcoin started in May 2024 at $135,300 and is predicted to end the month at $64,369,384. During May, the maximum forecasted BTC price is $68,302,039 and the minimum price is $135,300.

The BTC Price is forecast for today (05.05.2024) to be in the $56,609.085 – $83,248.655 price range. Bitcoin is predicted to end today at $66,598,924.

By Leonardo Perez

Cardano Founder Defends Cardano, Replying to Michael Saylor’s Criticism, and other News

Charles Hoskinson expressed his opposing view in regards to MicroStrategy president and Bitcoin maximalist Michael Saylor’s most recent criticism of ADA, XRP, Ether and other altcoins.

The debate continues between leaders of the crypto community, as Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson aimed to defend his cryptocurrency after MicroStrategy CEO Michael Saylor’s recent criticisms.

Saylor asserts that Bitcoin will be the only long-term institutional asset, and that other cryptocurrencies such as Cardano, Ethereum, BNB, Solana and Ripple would be considered as securities, not as serious investments.

According to Saylor, Wall Street will accept only Bitcoin, and this crypto will be the only one enjoying support from large financial institutions. Regarding this, Hoskinson argues that Saylor’s opinion reflects too narrow a view. He added that the Bitcoin maximalist community considers “Literally everything but Bitcoin [to be] illegal and a scam.”

Saylor is not the only industry expert to be skeptical about the approval of Spot Ether ETFs in the foreseeable future. Justin Sun, founder of Tron, for instance, does not believe in the SEC’s approval of ETH-based investment products sometime soon.

Hoskinson, in contrast, believes diversity is important, and that multiple cryptocurrencies may promote innovation in the sector.

Partnership between Yuga Labs and Somnia to Enhance Interoperability in the Metaverse

Yuga Labs announced the start of a partnership with Somnia, a blockchain technology startup that focusses on the Metaverse. The aims of such alliance is to significantly improve interoperability within Otherside, Yuga Labs’ Metaverse.

Somnia, known for its high-performance L1 blockchain and omnichain protocols, is able to support hundreds of millions of transactions per second, which represents a big step forward for the Metaverse and for connectivity between different gaming ecosystems.

Yuga Labs aims to improve the experience for NFT holders by offering greater incentives. The Somnia Protocol in Otherside will also improve functionality and add new events within the Metaverse, so that users can enjoy a more dynamic and fulfilling experience.

LayerZero Labs Announces Measures to Combat Sybil Activity in the Crypto World

LayerZero Labs, which developed the cross-chain communication protocol, has announced measures to prevent excessive cultivation of airdrops and Sybil activity. The team turned to X to explain that their goal is to reward long-term users, not those who seek to gain advantages through fraudulent behavior.

As part of the solutions implemented, LayerZero Labs is offering an incentive to users who may have been involved in Sybil activities, under the following terms:

“If you are a Sybil, you have two options:

– Self-report Sybil addresses for 15% of your intended allocation. No questions asked. The deadline to do so is May 17th.

– Do not report and receive nothing when an address is flagged by our internal Sybil report or by bounty hunters.”

Bloomberg: Kraken Index Provider Anticipates $1 Billion in Assets Under Management in Hong Kong ETFs by End of 2024

The CEO of CF Benchmarks, a unit of cryptocurrency exchange Kraken, Sui Chung, predicts Hong Kong Crypto ETFs will reach $1 billion in assets under management (AUM) by the end of 2024, report says from Bloomberg last Friday. Sui Chung further noted that he sees South Korea and Israel as the next major financial markets to offer cryptocurrency ETFs. “South Korea is a market where ETFs have become the preferred wrapper for long-term savings,” he added.

By Audy Castaneda