Tag: hold

  • Battle for a green month: Can Bitcoin hold its gains as ‘Uptober’ comes to a close?

    Battle for a green month: Can Bitcoin hold its gains as ‘Uptober’ comes to a close?

    Battle for a green month: Can Bitcoin hold its gains as 'Uptober' comes to a close?

    • Bitcoin is fighting to close October in positive territory, a key historical signal.
    • The month has been highly volatile, with a 13% correction at one point.
    • A series of technical indicators are now pointing to a bullish short-term structure.

    It has been an up-and-down and often frustrating month for Bitcoin traders, a period of wild price swings that has put the seasonal promise of an “Uptober” rally to a severe test.

    Now, with just a few days left in the month, a tense battle is underway as the bulls fight to keep the world’s leading cryptocurrency in positive territory, a goal that could have significant implications for the rest of the year.

    Historically, October has been a powerful launchpad for Bitcoin, delivering average gains of more than 20%. But this year has been a different story.

    After spiking above $123,000 early in the month, the market was hit by a brutal 13% correction that saw prices plummet to $107,000.

    Since then, the bulls have been in a grinding, hard-fought recovery, with the price currently hovering around $115,000, a meager 1.14% gain for the month.

    A powerful macro tailwind provides support

    This fragile recovery is being supported by a powerful macroeconomic tailwind.

    Traditional markets are firing on all cylinders, with the S&P 500 hitting fresh record highs as investors confidently price in a quarter-point interest rate cut from the Federal Reserve this week.

    This dovish monetary policy, combined with an easing of US-China trade tensions, has propelled a “risk-on” sentiment that typically benefits assets like crypto.

    Adding another layer of support is a renewed wave of institutional interest.

    Spot Bitcoin ETFs have now recorded their third consecutive day of inflows, a clear signal of conviction from the market’s larger and more influential players.

    The view from the charts: a bullish structure takes shape

    A deep dive into the technical charts reveals a bullish short-term structure that suggests the path of least resistance is now to the upside.

    The Average Directional Index (ADX), a key measure of trend strength, is sitting at a strong 32.14, a reading that suggests the current upward momentum is likely to persist.

    At the same time, the Squeeze Momentum Indicator is flashing a “bullish Impulse,” a high-probability signal that directional movement to the upside is just beginning.

    The Ichimoku Cloud analysis also shows Bitcoin trading above the clouds, another classic indicator of trend continuation.

    The final hurdle: a pivotal Fed decision

    While the technical and macro pictures are aligning in favour of the bulls, a major and binary risk event looms on the horizon: the Federal Reserve’s policy announcement on Wednesday.

    While the market is pricing in a 25-basis-point cut, any hawkish language about the future path of interest rates could easily trigger a wave of short-term volatility.

    The key for the bulls will be whether Bitcoin can maintain its critical support above the $114,000 level through any Fed-related turbulence.

    If it can, then this “Uptober,” while not as explosive as many had hoped, may still end in the green, setting the stage for a potentially powerful final two months of the year.

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  • Bitcoin, Ethereum hold steady as crypto braces for a historically brutal September

    Bitcoin, Ethereum hold steady as crypto braces for a historically brutal September

    Bitcoin, Ethereum hold steady as crypto braces for a historically brutal September

    • The crypto market is bracing for “Red September,” its historically worst month.
    • The Crypto Fear and Greed Index has plummeted into the “fear” zone.
    • Bitcoin is holding critical support around the 108,000 dollar level for now.

    A fragile and deceptive calm has settled over the cryptocurrency market as September begins, a quiet start to what history warns is the cruelest and most unforgiving month of the year.

    While prices are holding steady for now, a powerful undercurrent of fear is gripping traders, as seasonal weakness collides with a high-stakes macroeconomic picture, setting the stage for a potentially volatile and brutal few weeks.

    The shift in sentiment has been swift and severe.

    The Crypto Fear and Greed Index, a key barometer of market psychology, has plummeted from a confident 75 out of 100 in mid-August to just 46 today, plunging the market from “neutral” territory deep into the “fear” zone.

    It is the worst reading since the dark days of mid-June.

    This growing anxiety is rooted in the hard data of market history. Since 2013, Bitcoin has dropped an average of 3.77 percent every September, a grim and consistent pattern that has earned the month its ominous nickname: “Red September.”

    The Battle for $108,000

    For now, a tense battle is being waged on the charts. Bitcoin is showing a flicker of resilience, holding above the psychologically critical $108,000 support level.

    But a deeper look at the technical indicators reveals a market on a knife’s edge, caught in a state of profound indecision.

    The Average Directional Index (ADX) is hovering at 20, a reading that suggests a choppy, directionless market.

    At the same time, the Relative Strength Index (RSI) at 40 is flashing a clear warning: the “Red September” effect is taking hold, with selling pressure beginning to dominate.

    The Squeeze Momentum Indicator confirms this, showing that while a big move may not be imminent, the underlying trend remains distinctly bearish.

    The most telling sign may be in the exponential moving averages (EMAs). While the broader configuration remains bullish, with the 50-day EMA above the 200-day EMA, the gap between the two is ominously starting to close.

    This signals a dangerous deceleration of the bullish trend and raises the specter of a “death cross,” a technical pattern that would confirm a deep and protracted bear market.

    The shadow of the Fed looms large

    This internal market struggle is playing out under the long shadow of the Federal Reserve.

    The central bank’s upcoming policy meeting on September 16-17 may well be one of the most contentious in years, a pivotal showdown that could determine the fate of all risk assets.

    With markets currently implying an 87 percent chance of a quarter-point rate cut, the crypto market is trapped between the rock of seasonal weakness and the hard place of potential monetary relief.

    Prediction markets are reflecting this bearish tilt.

    On Myriad, traders now give Bitcoin a 75 percent chance of dropping to 105,000 dollars in the near future, a stunning reversal from just two weeks ago when the same market was pricing in a 90 percent chance of a surge to 125,000 dollars.

    The storm clouds are gathering, and the calm of this early September morning may not last for long.

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  • Bitcoin ownership surpasses gold in the US as 50M Americans hold BTC

    Bitcoin ownership surpasses gold in the US as 50M Americans hold BTC

    Bitcoin ownership in the US

    • 50 million Americans now own Bitcoin, surpassing 37 million gold holders.
    • US firms hold 94.8% of publicly traded companies’ Bitcoin reserves.
    • US leads globally with 40% of all Bitcoin companies headquartered domestically.

    Bitcoin has officially outpaced gold in US ownership, marking a significant pivot in the country’s investment landscape.

    According to a new report released on 20 May by Bitcoin investment firm River, roughly 50 million Americans now own Bitcoin, compared to 37 million who own gold.

    This data underscores the rise of Bitcoin as a preferred store of value, reshaping traditional notions of economic security and reserve asset status.

    As Bitcoin ownership expands, it’s increasingly seen not just as a speculative instrument, but as a fundamental part of US financial infrastructure.

    US leads in global Bitcoin adoption and infrastructure

    The River report notes that the United States is the global leader in Bitcoin adoption, with 40 percent of all Bitcoin-related companies headquartered in the country.

    American firms also hold 94.8 percent of all Bitcoin owned by publicly traded companies worldwide, reflecting significant institutional backing.

    This dominance is supported by a robust ecosystem comprising crypto-focused startups, spot ETF launches, and policies promoting digital asset development.

    Regulatory momentum in Washington has further strengthened Bitcoin’s foundation in the financial system. Recent discussions around treating Bitcoin as a potential strategic reserve asset suggest growing political acceptance.

    Several politicians have floated the idea of the US government maintaining a Bitcoin reserve, signalling institutional confidence amid rising concerns over the US dollar’s long-term stability.

    Strategic demand rises amid economic uncertainty

    The shift toward Bitcoin is occurring alongside broader macroeconomic concerns. Moody’s recent downgrade of the US credit rating—ending over a century of top-tier ratings—has reinforced the appeal of decentralised alternatives.

    Investors increasingly view Bitcoin as a hedge against fiscal instability and inflation, particularly given its fixed supply and decentralised governance model.

    Bitcoin also offers practical advantages over gold in the digital age. The ease of storage, cross-border transfer, and liquidity make it an attractive option for both individual and institutional investors.

    This is particularly relevant in an era where digital finance is becoming the norm and where traditional safe-haven assets like gold face logistical and accessibility limitations.

    Rising ownership brings attention to volatility risks

    While Bitcoin is gaining legitimacy as a reserve asset, it remains a volatile asset class. Unlike gold, which has maintained relatively steady valuations over time, Bitcoin has experienced frequent price swings—something that may deter more risk-averse investors.

    Nonetheless, the market appears to be increasingly tolerant of this volatility, especially as long-term returns continue to outperform traditional assets.

    Institutional support also plays a key role in this shift. Major asset managers such as BlackRock are incorporating Bitcoin into their portfolios, further validating its status.

    Meanwhile, crypto ETFs and custodial services are helping to bridge the gap between traditional finance and the digital asset space, making it easier for Americans to gain exposure to Bitcoin without navigating complex self-custody solutions.

    As Bitcoin ownership grows, it reflects not just a shift in preference, but a broader transformation in how Americans perceive financial security and resilience.

    The trend is still developing, but the numbers now place Bitcoin squarely ahead of gold—at least in terms of how many Americans are betting on it.

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  • Bitcoin ETF investors hold strong despite a 25% BTC price drop: Here’s why

    Bitcoin ETF investors hold strong despite a 25% BTC price drop: Here’s why

    • US Bitcoin ETFs collectively manage $115 billion in assets
    • Since mid-February, Bitcoin ETFs have witnessed total outflows of nearly $5 billion
    • Bitcoin’s decline continues as selling pressure intensifies

    Even as Bitcoin’s price has tumbled 25% since the start of 2025, a staggering 95% of investors in US spot Bitcoin ETFs have held firm, resisting the urge to sell.

    Despite market volatility and macroeconomic uncertainties, Bloomberg data suggests that the overwhelming majority of ETF holders remain unfazed, showcasing strong conviction in Bitcoin’s long-term potential.

    Bitcoin ETFs show resilience 

    Bloomberg ETF strategist James Seyffart reported that inflows into Bitcoin ETFs have slightly declined to $35 billion, down from their $40 billion peak.

    However, this still represents over 95% of investor capital remaining in ETFs, even as Bitcoin’s price struggles.

    Institutional investors, including Goldman Sachs, continue to maintain significant exposure, with more than $1.5 billion invested in Bitcoin ETFs.

    As of now, US Bitcoin ETFs collectively manage $115 billion in assets, underscoring the staying power of both retail and institutional investors despite the crypto market downturn.

    Bitcoin ETF outflows persist

    Since mid-February, Bitcoin ETFs have witnessed total outflows of nearly $5 billion.

    On March 13 alone, outflows reached $135 million, according to Farside Investors.

    However, BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) remains an exception, attracting net inflows of $45.7 million amid the broader sell-off.

    Bitcoin price faces pressure 

    Bitcoin’s decline continues as selling pressure intensifies due to macroeconomic concerns, including the Trump administration’s ongoing tariff battle.

    While BTC briefly surged above $84,000 following the release of US CPI data on Wednesday, it failed to hold above key resistance levels.

    At press time, Bitcoin is trading at $81,953, down 1.56% on the day, with daily trading volume dropping 22% to under $30 billion.

    According to Coinglass data, 24-hour liquidations have spiked to $75 million, with $52 million in long positions being wiped out.

    CryptoQuant CEO Ki Young Ju noted that Bitcoin demand appears “stuck” at current levels but emphasized that it is still “too early to call it a bear market.”

    Long-term Bitcoin holders continue accumulating

    Despite Bitcoin ETF outflows, on-chain data reveals that long-term holders are accumulating more BTC.

    Crypto analyst Ali Martinez reported that these investors have added over 131,000 BTC to their wallets in the past month alone, signaling confidence in Bitcoin’s long-term trajectory.

    With Bitcoin’s price volatility and ETF outflows persisting, the coming weeks could be crucial in determining whether investors’ diamond hands will hold firm or if selling pressure will intensify.

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  • Amazon shareholders call for the company to hold 5% of its assets in Bitcoin

    Amazon shareholders call for the company to hold 5% of its assets in Bitcoin

    • MicroStrategy’s stock has outperformed Amazon’s stock by 537% in the past year
    • The proposal calls for Amazon to include some Bitcoin to maximize shareholder value without taking on too much risk
    • Last week, Michael Saylor, CEO of MicroStrategy called on Microsoft to adopt Bitcoin, calling it “digital capital”

    A group of Amazon shareholders has requested that the company allocate 5% of its assets in Bitcoin.

    The National Center for Public Policy Research, a free-market, independent conservative think tank, submitted the proposal to Amazon for consideration at its 2025 annual shareholder meeting.

    The proposal, shared by Tim Kotzman, a podcast host covering Bitcoin and MicroStrategy, recommends adding “assets to its treasury that appreciate more than bonds, even if those assets are more volatile short-term.”

    The proposal points to Bitcoin’s price, which has increased more than 131% over the past year, outperforming corporate bonds by more than 126%, on average.

    “MicroStrategy – which holds Bitcoin on its balance sheet – has had its stock outperform Amazon stock by 537% in the previous year,” the proposal said.

    “And they’re not alone. Institutional and corporate Bitcoin adoption is becoming more commonplace: more public companies such as Tesla and Block have added Bitcoin to their balance sheets; Amazon’s second and fourth largest institutional shareholders – BlackRock and Fidelity, respectively – offer their clients a Bitcoin ETF; and the US government may form a Bitcoin strategic reserve in 2025.”

    The proposal points out that while Bitcoin is a “volatile asset,” Amazon’s stock was the same in the past. Because of this, companies have “a responsibility to maximize shareholder value over the long-term as well as the short-term,” adding:

    “Diversifying the balance sheet by including some Bitcoin solves this problem without taking on too much volatility. At minimum, Amazon should evaluate the benefits of holding some, even just 5%, of its assets in Bitcoin.”

    Michael Saylor calls Bitcoin “digital capital”

    The shareholder proposal comes as Michael Saylor, CEO of MicroStrategy, said to Microsoft that Bitcoin is the best asset a company should own, claiming it represents the “greatest digital transformation of the 21st century.”

    In a three-minute video posted on X last week, Saylor said:

    “Microsoft can’t afford to miss the next technology wave, and Bitcoin is the next wave. Bitcoin represents the greatest digital transformation of the 21st century; it represents digital capital.”

    Talking about long-term capital, Saylor noted that risk – including general taxes, politics, recession, regulation, war, and the weather – is destroying over $10 trillion in capital each year.

    Because of this, investors are turning their attention to digital capital, such as Bitcoin, to avoid these risks. In Saylor’s view, “it makes sense” for Microsoft to buy and hold Bitcoin rather than buy back stock or hold bonds.

    “If you’re going to outperform, you’re going to need Bitcoin,” Saylor said. “You’ve surrendered hundreds of billions of dollars of capital over the past five years, and you’ve just amplified the risks that your own shareholders face. If you want to escape that vicious cycle, you’re going to need an asset without counterparty risk.”

    In Saylor’s opinion, that lies with Bitcoin.

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  • Nearly a million addresses hold more than 1 bitcoin, half the US median salary

    Nearly a million addresses hold more than 1 bitcoin, half the US median salary

    Key Takeaways

    • The distribution of Bitcoin can be analysed through the transparent nature of the blockchain
    • Nearly 1 million addresses now hold more than 1 Bitcoin, equivalent to $27,500, or half the US median annual salary
    • As Bitcoin collapsed in price last year, falling 77% from peak to trough, the 1 Bitcoin hurdle became far easier to achieve

    The funny thing about the blockchain is that, while it is impossible to know the identities of individuals or institutions behind a Bitcoin address, the distribution of the asset is readily available on the Internet for all to see. 

    This means that we can study the distribution of coins across the network. For example, the largest holder of Bitcoin is the anonymous creator, Satoshi Nakamoto, at approximately 1 million coins, or over 5% of the entire supply. 

    In digging deeper, however, we can assess how many people own certain thresholds of Bitcoin. Notably, one target is about to be hit: there will soon be 1 million addresses holding 1 Bitcoin or greater. 

    The current number, as of 8th May 2023, is at 997,919 addresses containing 1 Bitcoin or greater, equivalent to $27,500. With the median US salary at $56,400 per year, 1 Bitcoin thus equates to roughly half of that – and a lot more in most other countries. 

    To be clear, one Bitcoin address is not equal to one person, so this doesn’t necessarily mean 1 million people own 1 Bitcoin. Certain individuals are in control of multiple Bitcoin addresses, while some addresses may belong to institutions or groups of people. But it is the best approximation we have, as like we said above, it is impossible to know the identity behind these addresses. We just have an alphanumeric code on the blockchain, which is the beauty of it. 

    The one million addresses represent just over 2% of the total number of non-zero addresses on the Bitcoin network. 

    “For a long time, one Bitcoin was just a small amount of money. It was only ten years ago that it first crossed the $100 mark. Then in 2017, it passed $10,000 for the first time. It is remarkable to be sitting here now with nearly one million addresses containing at least one Bitcoin, despite how expensive it has become”, said Max Coupland, director of CoinJournal. 

    How does the distribution change as Bitcoin’s price moves?

    Obviously, Bitcoin’s price is incredibly volatile. Back in November 2021, the price of Bitcoin was nearly $69,000, well clear of the median wage in the US. Since then, the asset’s price has collapsed. Despite rising 66% thus far this year, it remains 60% off its peak. 

    Therefore, this has made owning certain amounts of Bitcoin a lot more achievable. In plotting the pattern of Bitcoin addresses holding more than 1 Bitcoin against the price of Bitcoin, there is a clear shift upward in trajectory from the spring of 2022, when the price of Bitcoin began to crater downwards.  This followed a period of levelling off during COVID as the price of Bitcoin went parabolic, surging from $7,000 at the start of 2020 to nearly 10X that by late 2021.

    When comparing the growth in addresses holding 1 Bitcoin to total (non-zero) addresses on the network in the next chart, one can see that non-zero addresses have grown at a much more steady pace, with the pickup in early 2022 of addresses holding 1 Bitcoin or more not matched. This makes intuitive sense, as the world is on a dollar standard, and less dollars required to buy 1 Bitcoin means more people can hit that hurdle. 

    Despite the hurdle of owning more than 1 Bitcoin becoming easier to achieve, it is still a lot of money. If Bitcoin ever retakes the levels it did during its pandemic boom, the trajectory of people reaching this elusive “whole coiner” status will again slow, as it simply will not be possible. Of course, Bitcoin’s price can always go the opposite way, in which case it won’t be quite such a difficult – or desirable – target. 

    If you use our data, then we would appreciate a link back to https://coinjournal.net. Crediting our work with a link helps us to keep providing you with data analysis research.

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  • ‘hold on to it and stomach the volatility’

    ‘hold on to it and stomach the volatility’

    michael saylor view on bitcoin price
    • MicroStrategy Inc narrowed its bitcoin-related loss in the first quarter.
    • Its executive chairman Michael Saylor remains bullish as ever on bitcoin.
    • Bitcoin is currently up roughly 70% versus the start of the year 2023.

    Bitcoin has lost about 7.0% in recent weeks but Michael Saylor – the Executive Chairman of MicroStrategy Inc remains convinced as ever in its long-term potential.

    Michael Saylor on MicroStrategy’s Q1 results

    Earlier this week, the Nasdaq-listed firm said impairment loss related to its bitcoin holdings narrowed more than 90% sequentially to $18.9 million in the first quarter. According to Saylor:

    Bitcoin is the ultimate digital scarcity network. It’s moved up about 50% on average over the last three years. The key with bitcoin is to be able to hold on to it and stomach the volatility.

    MicroStrategy now owns a total of about 140,000 bitcoins. Naturally, therefore, the recent surge in BTC that’s still up some 70% for the year has been a meaningful tailwind for the company.

    “MSTR” has more than doubled since the start of 2023.

    Why is bitcoin price on the rise this year?

    Saylor attributes strength in the price of bitcoin this year partially to inflation that’s still running at an annualised rate of 5.0% in the United States – well above the Fed’s 2.0% target.

    The recent bank failures, he added, have also hurt confidence in the fiat currencies. On CNBC’s “Closing Bell: Overtime”, Saylor said:

    Bitcoin is a bank in cyberspace run by incorruptible software. So, the phase be your own bank has emerged as an investment idea in the United States.

    Interestingly, he dubbed the ongoing crypto crackdown a benefit for bitcoin as well since it has established a reputation as the safe-haven asset.

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