Bitcoin’s Bullish July Faces Three Potential Headwinds
Bitcoin (BTC) is currently battling to stay above $60,000, a crucial support level, and may face additional challenges in July. While some analysts remain optimistic, several factors could trigger increased selling pressure and derail a potential price surge.
Mt. Gox Repayment Woes
The long-awaited repayment of 140,000 BTC (around $9 billion) by defunct exchange Mt. Gox starting in July looms large. This influx of coins could flood the market, with creditors potentially selling to lock in profits, especially considering Bitcoin’s astronomical rise since the 2014 hack. Analysts like Nikolaos Panigirtzoglou at JPMorgan point to recent behavior by Gemini creditors following a similar payout as evidence of this potential sell-off.
Bitcoin On-Chain Profit-Taking Signals
On-chain metrics like the Adjusted Spent Output Profit Ratio (aSOPR) suggest a growing number of investors are cashing in. This metric, which tracks the overall profit/loss on Bitcoin transactions, has risen from 1 to 1.03 in the last month, indicating more profitable selling. Historically, aSOPR readings above 1 have coincided with market peaks. Similarly, the Net Unrealized Profit and Loss (NUPL) metric, which measures overall investor profit, also suggests potential upside exhaustion. A 30-day NUPL above 0 signifies investor profitability, and the current reading of 0.54 could precede a market correction.
Technical Chart Breakdown Threat
The 4-hour Bitcoin price chart hints at a possible breakdown of a “bull pennant” pattern. This pattern forms during consolidation following a price drop and resolves with a break below the lower trendline. Applying technical analysis, this breakdown could send Bitcoin plummeting to around $56,000 in July.
A Bullish Reversal is Still Possible
However, there’s still hope for bulls. If Bitcoin can surge above the 50-4H exponential moving average (EMA) currently at $61,925, it could trigger a bullish reversal. This scenario would place the upside target for July closer to $64,770, near the 200-4H EMA.
Overall, July could be a pivotal month for Bitcoin. While headwinds exist, a decisive break above key resistance levels could propel prices higher. Investors should closely monitor on-chain metrics, Mt. Gox repayments, and technical indicators to navigate the upcoming market developments.
