Bitcoin (BTC) experienced a drop to its lowest price since June 21 on August 17, as United States inflation concerns began to affect cryptocurrency markets. The BTC/USD pair reached the $28,300 mark, which signaled a potential exit from the months-long trading corridor.
The decline in price was triggered by the publication of the minutes from the July meeting of the United States Federal Reserve. The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) expressed concerns about the possibility of elevated inflation in the future, potentially requiring further interest rate hikes.
The FOMC stated, “With inflation still well above the Committee’s longer-run goal and the labor market remaining tight, most participants continued to see significant upside risks to inflation, which could require further tightening of monetary policy.” This language fueled bearish sentiment among Bitcoin and altcoin traders, leading to a drop in BTC/USD below key support levels such as the 21-week and 100-day simple moving averages at $28,600 and $28,570, respectively.
Bitcoin also challenged the lower boundary of the multi-month trading range, catching the attention of popular traders Daan Crypto Trades and Crypto Tony. Crypto Tony shared with subscribers, ” $28,800 has now been lost on Bitcoin so i will be looking to short this down now while we remain below $28,800,” and set his initial target at $28,000.
However, not everyone believes that the next FOMC meeting in September will result in higher interest rates. According to CME Group’s FedWatch Tool, the odds of the current rate being maintained remained at around 90% after the release of the minutes. Analysts also differ in their views, with Caleb Franzen, a senior analyst at Cubic Analytics, arguing that disinflation, rather than inflation, is exhibiting “sticky” behavior. He stated, “While these conditions could change in the future, I don’t see any evidence that it’s changed yet.”
The uncertainty in the market and the impact of inflation concerns on Bitcoin’s price highlight the ongoing volatility and sensitivity of the cryptocurrency market to external factors. Traders and investors are advised to conduct their own research and exercise caution when making investment decisions in this highly unpredictable market.
In conclusion, Bitcoin reached its lowest price in two months on August 17 due to concerns over United States inflation. The release of the Federal Reserve’s meeting minutes sparked uncertainty among traders, leading to a drop in BTC/USD below key support levels and a potential exit from the months-long trading corridor. However, there are differing views on the future direction of interest rates, with some suggesting that disinflation is a more persistent trend. As always, investors are urged to conduct thorough research and exercise caution in this volatile market.
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