Why Is Bitcoin Crashing? – Is The End In Sight Or Is It Just The Beginning?
Why Is Bitcoin Crashing? – Is The End In Sight Or Is It Just The Beginning?

Recent developments in the Bitcoin market have triggered a wave of uncertainty affecting both experienced investors and newcomers alike. The rapid upward movement, followed by abrupt corrections, has raised questions about the sustainability of this trend and the best strategies for navigating these volatile waters. In this context, the following analysis aims to shed light on recent market movements, examine the underlying factors that have led to the current situation and outline possible future scenarios. Combining technical indicators, historical patterns and strategic investment approaches, this review provides valuable insight and advice for investors looking to make informed decisions in these uncertain times.

The Correction Phase – A Detailed Look

The recent performance of the Bitcoin market has surprised many investors and analysts alike. After Bitcoin reached a peak of over USD 73,000, a period of uncertainty began, characterized by a sudden and steep decline in the price of Bitcoin. Within a short period of time, the price of Bitcoin fell from USD 73,000 to USD 66,000. This drop of USD 7,000 triggered a broad discussion in the market about the causes and possible long-term effects of this event.

The unpredictability of market movements

The abrupt price drop illustrates the volatility and unpredictability of the crypto assets market. Investors who had previously speculated that the bull market would continue and reach new highs were suddenly confronted with the reality of a potential market correction. This sudden turnaround left many wondering whether this was just a short-term price correction or whether it could be the start of a longer downtrend.

Analysis and speculation

During this phase, market participants and analysts began to intensively assess the possible causes and extent of the correction. Some saw the decline as a natural correction after a long period of significant price increases. Others, however, interpreted the price decline as a harbinger of a more profound market correction that could have far-reaching effects on the market as a whole.

The role of warning signals

Prior to the price decline, warning signals had already been identified that the market was overheating. These signals included a number of technical indicators and market patterns that historically have often occurred prior to major market corrections. Despite these warnings, many market participants were surprised by the speed and magnitude of the decline.

Market psychology and investor behavior

One key aspect that has been highlighted during this phase is market psychology. The transition from an extremely greedy market to an environment characterized by uncertainty illustrates the rapid change in investor sentiment. In times of extreme greed, investors tend to underestimate the potential risks, which can lead to overly optimistic market forecasts. The sudden price drop thus acted as a wake-up call, forcing a more realistic assessment of the market situation.

The correction phase in the Bitcoin market serves as a reminder of the inherent volatility and unpredictability of crypto assets. It emphasizes the need for investors to continually educate themselves on market conditions and potential risk factors. While such corrections present challenges for some market participants, they offer others the opportunity to rethink their positions and trade strategically. Analyzing this phase offers valuable insights into market behavior and the importance of a sound investment strategy.

Related article: The Current Bitcoin Market: Analysis and Outlook After the New All-Time High

Technical Indicators and their Importance

Technical indicators play a central role in analyzing and predicting crypto asset markets, especially in Bitcoin’s volatile environment. Particular attention is paid to the combination of different indicators, which together can provide deeper insights into the market. The importance of these technical tools, specifically the 13-SMA (Simple Moving Average) and a unique combined indicator, is discussed below.

The 13-SMA on the two-week chart

The 13-SMA (Simple Moving Average) is a moving average that calculates and smoothes the average closing prices of the last 13 periods. On the two-week chart of Bitcoin, the 13-SMA provides important insights into the price action above this critical average line. The positioning of the Bitcoin price in relation to the 13-SMA can indicate whether the market is trending bullish or bearish.

Combined indicator – The interplay of three key indicators

Another crucial approach in technical analysis is the use of a combined indicator, which brings together three of the most effective technical indicators. This comprehensive indicator integrates the strengths of individual tools to provide a more robust and reliable market analysis. The developer of this indicator describes it as “untouchable” as it brings together the three best indicators for trading Bitcoin and other altcoins into a single tool. This integration makes it possible to more precisely identify both the overbought zone above the yellow channel and the oversold zone below it.

Overbought conditions and historical parallels

The analysis shows that Bitcoin is currently extremely overbought, which is confirmed by the combined indicator and the comparison with the historical price action. In the 14-year history of Bitcoin, there have only been four other periods in which overbought conditions were similarly pronounced. These periods correlate significantly with the absolute market peaks of 2011, 2013, 2017 and 2021. The implication is clear: such high levels of overbought typically indicate an impending correction.

Buy and sell strategies based on the indicator

The indicator not only provides insights into market conditions, but also offers concrete recommendations for action. For example, it suggests that buying Bitcoin is advisable when the market reaches the lower yellow zone – which in the past has been near the lows of market movements. Conversely, it recommends taking profits when the market is in the upper yellow zone, which has historically corresponded to market peaks.

A detailed look at technical indicators, particularly the 13-SMA on the two-week chart and an innovative combined indicator, provides important insights for understanding Bitcoin’s current market situation. These tools highlight the extreme overbought nature of the market and historical patterns that point to a potential correction. Investors and traders can use these analyses to make informed decisions and adjust their strategies accordingly.

Related article: Bitcoin: A Detailed Analysis Of The Current Situation And A Guide To Future-Oriented Investment Strategies

Historical Parallels and Market Patterns

Analyzing historical data and market patterns provides valuable insights into the potential future movements of the Bitcoin price. By looking at the past, we can understand how certain patterns repeat themselves and what this could mean for the current market cycle.

The overbought phase in the context of Bitcoin history

The overbought situation that Bitcoin has recently found itself in is not unique. In its 14-year history, Bitcoin has been in a similarly strong overbought phase a total of five times. These phases were determined by the indicator on the two-week chart with the 13-SMA (Simple Moving Average). The fact that we were in the fifth strongest overbought phase in Bitcoin’s history is a strong signal that the market could be undergoing a correction.

Entering the overbought zone – A recurring pattern

An interesting and recurring pattern that emerges from historical analysis is that Bitcoin enters the overbought zone exactly twice in each market cycle. The first time Bitcoin enters this zone does not mark the peak of the market cycle, while the second time is often close to the cycle peak.

For example, in 2013, Bitcoin entered the overbought zone twice; the first time was not at the cycle peak, but the second time marked the peak. Similarly, in 2017 and 2021, the pattern repeated itself: a first entry into the overbought zone, followed by a second that signaled the market cycle peak.

The influence of external events

It is important to mention that despite historical patterns and technical indicators, external events and unexpected developments can influence the market. Events such as the COVID-19 pandemic have shown that unforeseen factors can quickly change market conditions and investor sentiment.

The importance of correction phases

Historically, the corrective phases that have followed entry into the overbought zone have been significant. One example is the correction in 2013, when Bitcoin corrected by around 75% after reaching an extremely overbought level before rising to new highs. These corrections are necessary to clear the market and create a solid base for the next growth phase.

The historical parallels and market patterns we observe are crucial to understanding Bitcoin’s current market situation. They show that although the market may be heavily overbought and a correction may be imminent, such phases are natural parts of the market cycle. They also provide opportunities for strategic investments. The challenge for investors is to learn from history, carefully analyze the current market conditions and act accordingly.

Related article: Bitcoin: A light amid global financial turmoil

The Importance of the Fear and Greed Index

The Fear and Greed Index plays a crucial role in assessing market sentiment in the crypto-asset space. It measures the emotional states of investors and can indicate whether greed or fear is dominating the market. Extreme greed often indicates that the market is overbought and a correction may be imminent, while extreme fear indicates a potentially undervalued market.

Crypto Fear and Greed Index


Crypto Fear and Greed Index March 19, 2024

The current state of the Fear and Greed Index

At the time of analysis, the Fear and Greed Index indicated extreme greed. This state is not only an indicator of the current market sentiment, but also a warning signal. Historical data shows that when the index reaches such extreme values, this often happens shortly before major market corrections

Historical comparisons and their implications

In the last six years, the index has only reached a comparable level of extreme greed twice. These moments correlated with significant market peaks, which were followed by corrections. One such moment was the peak at 14k (USD 14,000), another was when it reached its all-time high. These historical data points support the thesis that extreme greed in the market often signals an impending correction.

Analysis of the overbought situation

The current overbought situation, reinforced by the high level of the Fear and Greed Index, underlines the risk of a correction in the Bitcoin market. When the market is extremely greedy, this can be seen as a sign that many investors are already invested and the potential for further growth through new purchases is limited. This can lead to a self-correction as investors take profits and fewer buyers are willing to jump in when prices are high.

The psychological component of investing

As well as showing the current state of the market, the index also emphasizes the importance of psychology in trading. In times of extreme greed, it is particularly important for investors to remain disciplined and not follow the herd mentality. History has shown that it is often wise to act contrary to prevailing market sentiments – to be cautious when others are greedy and to be bold when others are fearful.

The Fear and Greed Index is a valuable tool for investors to understand market sentiment and identify potential turning points in the market cycle. The current extreme greed signals potential risks and the need for careful market analysis. Investors should use this information to make informed decisions and develop strategies to navigate through potentially turbulent market phases.

Future Market Forecasts

Forecasting future market developments is based on careful analysis of technical indicators and historical data. By understanding these factors, analysts and investors can make informed assumptions about the likely direction of the Bitcoin market.

The role of technical indicators

One of the key indicators used in the analysis is the 13-SMA (Simple Moving Average) on the two-week chart. Together with the Stochastic RSI (Relative Strength Index) on the monthly chart, this indicator provides important insights into current market sentiment and potential future movements.

Recognition of trend reversals

The analysis shows that once Bitcoin enters the overbought zone and the Stochastic RSI line begins to curve, this has historically been a reliable sign of an impending correction. At the time of analysis, the market is in such a potentially critical phase, with the first signs of a bend visible. This indicator has so far proven to be a reliable tool for predicting major corrections.

The importance of the Stochastic RSI

The Stochastic RSI on the monthly chart currently shows that the momentum indicator is at 100, indicating a strong overbought situation. Historically, such extreme values have been followed by significant corrections. It is particularly noteworthy that the indicator has remained at this high for 91 days, a historical maximum that underlines the urgency of a potential correction.

Historical correlations and future expectations

Analysis of historical data points shows that whenever the Stochastic RSI reached and subsequently crossed these high levels, significant market corrections followed. These patterns provide a basis for predicting that a similar development is also possible in the current market situation.

Strategies for future investments

Given the potential for market volatility, a strategic approach to investing is recommended. One method is to stagger investments based on the depth of the market correction. For example, an investor could invest 20% of their capital if the market corrects by 15-20% and make further investments if the market falls further. This strategy makes it possible to lower the average purchase price and profit from an eventual market recovery.

The future of the Bitcoin market remains uncertain, but by analyzing technical indicators and historical patterns, investors can be better prepared. Current signs suggest that caution is warranted, especially given the extreme overbought situation and high market sentiment. A strategic, well-thought-out investment strategy can help minimize risk and benefit from potential corrections.

Investment Strategies in Volatile Times

In times of high market volatility, it is crucial for investors to act strategically and thoughtfully. Understanding how to invest during such periods can make the difference between significant gains and losses. Valuable strategies can be derived from the current Bitcoin market.

Staggering investments

A tried and tested method in times of uncertainty is to stagger investments. This means that investors do not invest their capital all at once, but in predetermined steps based on certain market developments. An example illustrates this strategy:

With a market correction of 15-20%, it might be advisable to act cautiously and invest 20% of your available capital first. Assuming you have EUR 100 available for investment, you would invest EUR 20 in this scenario.

Should the correction deepen to 20-30%, you could consider investing a further 35% of the original capital. This means that having already committed €20, an additional €35 would now be invested to take advantage of lower prices.

If the market continues to fall and reaches a correction of 30-50%, it might be an option worth considering to invest the remaining capital. In our example, this would be the remaining 45 euros. This move could serve to reduce the average purchase price of the investment and thus better position yourself for a possible market recovery.

However, it is important to make such decisions carefully and in consideration of your own risk profile.

The logic behind the strategy

This investment strategy is based on the principle of dollar-cost averaging (DCA), which aims to minimize risk by spreading the timing of purchases. By investing at lower price levels, the average purchase price of the investment is reduced, allowing for potentially higher returns when the market recovers.

Risk management

A key aspect of this strategy is risk management. By allocating investments and waiting for certain price corrections before committing additional capital, investors can minimize the risk of significant loss. This method allows investors to react flexibly to market changes and benefit from lower prices without risking all their capital at once.

Preparation and discipline

Thorough preparation and discipline are crucial to the success of this strategy. Investors should plan in advance how much capital they want to invest in which market corrections. These plans should then be implemented consistently, regardless of short-term market fluctuations or emotional impulses.

The investment strategy presented here offers a pragmatic approach to investing in highly volatile markets such as Bitcoin. By staggering investments based on predefined market correction criteria, investors can spread their risk and improve their chances of long-term success. The key is to remain disciplined and not be led by the prevailing market sentiment or your own emotions.

Conclusion and Outlook

Analyzing the Bitcoin market based on recent developments and technical indicators provides a profound insight into potential future moves. We have seen that the overbought situation, reinforced by the extremely high Fear and Greed Index, points to an imminent correction. Historical data and patterns, such as the repeated entry into the overbought zone in each market cycle, reinforce this assumption and suggest that we may not yet have reached the peak of the current cycle.

Investors are now faced with the challenge of making strategic decisions in a market characterized by volatility and uncertainty. The proposed investment strategy of staggering investments based on the extent of the correction offers a pragmatic approach to minimize risk and benefit from potential market recoveries. However, this requires a disciplined approach and a willingness to trade against prevailing market sentiment, especially in times of extreme greed.

Outlook

Given the current market indicators and historical patterns, a cautious approach seems appropriate. Investors should closely monitor developments around the Bitcoin market, especially technical indicators such as the Stochastic RSI and the Fear and Greed Index, for early signs of a potential trend reversal. A willingness to trade strategically and stagger investments according to market conditions will be crucial to navigate through the expected turbulent times.

In the long term, these volatile periods could provide significant buying opportunities, provided the investment strategy is well thought out and based on sound analysis rather than impulsive decisions.

History has shown that every significant correction is followed by a recovery phase that can offer potential gains for long-term investors. The current market situation underlines the importance of patience, research and strategic planning in the investment process.

Author

Ed Prinz is co-founder and CEO of https://loob.io. The platform serves as a digital marketplace for digital assets that are secured using blockchain technology. On this platform, digital assets can be created, displayed in a gallery and traded on a marketplace. Everything is completely decentralized via smart contracts on the public blockchain. Usage rights are also secured on the blockchain, as is the entire trading history. He also serves as chairman of https://dltaustria.com, the most renowned non-profit organization in Austria specializing in blockchain technology. DLT Austria is actively involved in the education and promotion of the added value and possible applications of distributed ledger technology. This is done through educational events, meetups, workshops and open discussions, all in voluntary collaboration with leading industry players.

Telegram

Website

LinkedIn

Disclaimer

This is my personal opinion and not financial advice. For this reason, I cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this article. If you are unsure, you should consult a qualified advisor you trust. No guarantees or promises regarding profits are made in this article. All statements in this and other articles are my personal opinion.

By Ed Prinz

Managing Director DLT Austria/Germany | Helping with Crypto & Web3 Business since 2016

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *