Bitcoin’s price has recently fallen closer to $56,000, prompting discussions among traders about whether the current bull market is nearing its end. Between September 3 and September 5, Bitcoin’s value decreased by 5.5%, reaching a low of $55,860 from a peak of $59,090. Despite this drop, which led to a modest $58 million in liquidated leveraged long futures, the overall reaction from the market suggests that bulls were not caught off guard.This indicates a level of resilience in Bitcoin derivatives, with traders not exhibiting excessive leverage or overconfidence.
There is debate among analysts regarding the current phase of Bitcoin’s market cycle. Some suggest that the bull run, which saw {Bitcoin} (BTC) reaching an all-time high of $73,757 earlier in the year, may have concluded. Conversely, others view the recent 30% pullback as a typical fluctuation within the broader market behavior.
Historically, Bitcoin rallies following halving cycles have taken approximately five to six months to fully develop. Additionally, uncertainties related to the upcoming US presidential election and shifts in US central bank policies are contributing to market volatility. Armando Pantoja, a crypto and blockchain technology educator, notes that Bitcoin often begins to rally around ten months after an increase in the monetary supply. With the US M2 money supply expanding from February 2024, this trend might influence Bitcoin’s price later in the year.
Derivatives metrics, such as the Bitcoin futures premium, show that traders remain relatively stable in their outlook. Currently, the futures premium stands at 6%, nearing the lower end of the neutral range, which spans from 5% to 10%. This indicates that the demand for bearish positions remains steady. Similarly, Bitcoin options data shows a neutral delta skew of 3%, reflecting a balanced sentiment despite recent price declines.
Recent US job market data, including a weaker-than-expected ADP National Employment Report, has exerted additional pressure on Bitcoin’s price. The report revealed fewer job additions than anticipated, raising concerns about the US Federal Reserve’s ability to manage economic conditions without inducing a recession. As a result, market participants may adopt a cautious stance ahead of forthcoming payroll data, which could further impact Bitcoin’s price dynamics.
Overall, despite recent fluctuations and significant outflows from spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds, derivatives metrics suggest that traders are maintaining confidence at the current price level, with bearish sentiment remaining subdued.