Crypto investors have had a lot to celebrate lately. Bitcoin prices reached an all-time high last March, and Dogecoin more than doubled its value—not bad for a memecoin. The positive performance of some of the most important cryptocurrencies has fuelled optimism in this market.
How long should this moment last? Keep reading and find out.
Explaining the Bulls and Bears
For those new to this market, the mood swings of the crypto world are described as “bull phases” and “bear phases.” Digital assets are highly volatile, which means this market’s landscape can quickly change. However, sometimes, we identify recurring patterns in those “mood swings,” signalling an upward trend (bull) or a downward trend (bear).
We can earn high profits if we distinguish bulls from bears. These patterns give us valuable information for future decisions, such as when to invest in an undervalued niche or which cryptos to sell. The market for digital assets is vast, and not all swings are visible to the naked eye. That’s why we must use AI and advanced software to follow each move of the line in real-time.
Legal Affairs
I am also optimistic about the regulatory environment surrounding cryptocurrencies. Recently, anti-money laundering laws have been approved by European regulators. Meanwhile, Ethereum is only a few steps away from being classified as a security by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
Ownership of digital assets is also on the rise. Statistics from November 2023 show that there were about 575 million crypto users worldwide, following a sharp upward trend since 2016. Not all of them are investors, though. Many people use cryptos for e-commerce and online entertainment, for instance. So, clear regulations surrounding cryptocurrencies are great news for everybody.
So Far, So Good
Crypto investors seem optimistic about 2024, and they’re backed up by numbers. Bitcoin’s strong 2023 saw its price go up by 150%. Last March, the most famous crypto peaked at USD 73,750, an all-time high. Ethereum prices also went up by 5.8% during the same period after gaining 85% in 2023. From January until now, ETH has increased its value by 55.6%. Meanwhile, Dogecoin prices rose above 133% in one month.
Market players also seem happy about recent changes made by the SEC. In January, it approved 11 spot bitcoin ETFs. Until then, investors could only hold crypto derivative products when investing in cryptocurrency funds. Now, it’s possible to invest in those funds directly. As a result, trade volumes spiked in most spot bitcoin ETFs, consequently driving BTC prices to an all-time high in March.
Meanwhile, I’m eagerly waiting to see Ethereum spot ETFs. Companies like VanEck and BlackRock have pending applications with the SEC, which means that expectations regarding their approval are high. I believe that spot Ethereum ETFs have even more potential than their Bitcoin counterparts. Ethereum’s competitive edge would be its unique proof of consensus. This mechanism allows investors to earn via staking, a feature lacking in spot Bitcoin ETFs.
Bulls and Red Flags
I see as many reasons to be hopeful as there are to remain cautious, though. According to statistics from Coinglass, nearly USD 780 million worth of bullish crypto wagers were liquidated in 24 hours in mid-April; it’s the biggest drop in history. The evasive movement is likely due to current geopolitical tensions, leading investors to look for less volatile options, such as bonds or the US dollar.
The string of liquidations caused BTC to drop 7.5% during this period. Even Dogecoin lost part of its initial success, dropping 13%. However, market experts don’t see a reason for panic. Instead, they see this momentaneous downturn as an opportunity to invest ahead of the next upward movement. The next Bitcoin halving is expected to take place by the end of April.