Bitcoin and the broader cryptocurrency market have been on an exceptional bull run, surpassing critical resistance levels and reaching new yearly highs. As we approach the end of 2023, Bitcoin is edging closer to the significant milestone of $50,000. This surge is primarily attributed to two major bullish factors that continue to shape the market dynamics.
As of the time of writing, Bitcoin (BTC) is trading at $41,800, marking a 6% profit in the last 24 hours alone. Over the past week, BTC has recorded an impressive 13% rally, igniting optimism among analysts and the crypto community about the start of a new bull cycle.
One of the key driving forces behind Bitcoin’s current price action is the support from Bitcoin whales, as highlighted by data provided by Ki Young Ju, the CEO of CryptoQuant. These whales have been actively accumulating Bitcoin since August, when the cryptocurrency regained the $20,000 level and broke through the critical resistance at $30,000. The whales strategically took on “giga long positions,” which may have been in anticipation of the ongoing rally.
The increasing buying orders from US-based investors have further propelled the market activity. In October 2023, the price of Bitcoin surged on Coinbase, indicating heightened demand from American investors. This surge in buying can be attributed to their preparation for the potential approval of a spot BTC Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) and the upcoming Halving event. The Halving event involves a reduction in mining rewards for Bitcoin and is seen as a significant catalyst for the market.
Despite the significant price surge and institutional support, retail investors have yet to fully participate in the rally, according to Ki Young Ju. BTC’s Realized Cap, which represents the total value of coins when they were last moved, remains below 0.1, indicating relatively low liquidity from retail investors. This suggests that retail investors have not fully entered the crypto market and may still have the potential to join the ongoing uptrend.
Further data provided by Material Indicators supports the notion of increasing buying pressure from whales. Analyst Keith Alan suggests that whales strategically attract liquidity to the market by initiating buying activity. Once sufficient liquidity, primarily from retail investors, enters the market, the whales can then sell their coins or take profits from their positions. This strategy helps facilitate upward price movement while allowing the whales to optimize their returns.
Given the considerable bid liquidity of approximately $86 million in the near range, there is growing speculation among market participants that Bitcoin still has room for further upside. Analysts, such as Keith Alan, are considering buying the potential pullback, suggesting that the current bull run might not be over yet.
Bitcoin’s ongoing bull run has been fueled by institutional support from Bitcoin whales, increased buying orders from US investors, and the anticipation of key events such as the potential approval of a BTC ETF and the Halving. Despite the absence of significant participation from retail investors so far, there is still potential for further upside in Bitcoin’s price. As the market dynamics evolve, it will be interesting to see how these catalysts shape the future of Bitcoin and the broader cryptocurrency market.