Bitcoin's Price Momentum Shifts as Spot Market Gains Strength

December 19, 2024 01:08 AM AEDT | By Team Kalkine Media

Bitcoin's Price Momentum Shifts as Spot Market Gains Strength — Image source: Shutterstock

Spot Market Demand Leads Bitcoin's Bull Cycle

According to Avocado Onchain, Bitcoin's bull cycle, which began in the first half of 2023, was initially driven by speculative trading in the futures market. In this phase, short-term traders fueled Bitcoin's price increases, pushing the market to new highs. However, since March, both futures and spot markets experienced a decrease in trading volumes. This trend reversed in October, as trading activity across both markets picked up, providing a fresh boost to Bitcoin’s rally.

One key observation in this shift is the increasing demand in the spot market, which has continued to gain momentum in recent months. The spot market refers to the direct purchase of Bitcoin on exchanges, with immediate delivery typically associated with long-term investors. This trend contrasts with the futures market, where traders engage in contracts speculating on Bitcoin's price movements, without immediate ownership of the asset.

Implications for Bitcoin's Long-Term Growth

The cooling of speculative futures market activity, combined with the rising demand in the spot market, suggests a more sustainable form of buying pressure. Historically, overheated futures markets have contributed to volatility, often resulting in liquidations and sharp price corrections. The reduced activity in futures markets may signal a stabilization of speculative excess, helping to reduce the risk of sudden market reversals.

Avocado Onchain notes that while the futures market may still undergo cycles of overheating and liquidation, the rise in spot market demand offers a more solid foundation for Bitcoin’s growth. This trend suggests that long-term buyers are now playing a larger role in Bitcoin's price momentum, offering stability that could support Bitcoin’s long-term price trajectory.

Additionally, Avocado highlights that the 30-day exponential moving average (EMA) of Bitcoin’s funding rate shows no signs of late-cycle overheating. The funding rate, which measures the cost of holding futures contracts, serves as an indicator of market sentiment. As the funding rate remains balanced, it further suggests that Bitcoin’s price movements are not solely driven by leveraged positions, which typically contribute to volatile price swings.

Bitcoin’s recent price movements reflect a significant shift in market dynamics, with spot market demand emerging as a key force behind its growth. As futures market speculation cools, long-term investors are driving Bitcoin's upward momentum. This more stable buying pressure provides a solid foundation for sustained growth, reducing the risks associated with speculative trading and setting the stage for Bitcoin’s continued evolution in the market.

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