The crypto market has been a subject of great interest and speculation in recent years. The volatility and potential for high returns have attracted many investors, both institutional and retail. In a recent analysis by ETC Group’s Head of Research, Andre Dragosh, the current state of the crypto market was carefully examined. The analysis shed light on various aspects, including the performance dynamics, profit-taking activity, and derivative trends.
Dragosh’s findings revealed that crypto assets have showcased resilience by outperforming traditional assets like equities. This outperformance can be attributed to a significant repricing in monetary policy expectations and short futures liquidations at the beginning of last week. However, this outperformance encountered some limitations in the short term due to stronger-than-expected US jobs data, which began to dampen the recent rally.
During the analyzed period, altcoins, such as Avalanche (AVAX) and Cardano (ADA), gained significant momentum and returned over 50% each. This surge in altcoin outperformance compared to Bitcoin (BTC) indicates a “high-risk appetite” within the crypto market. It suggests that investors are seeking potentially higher returns by investing in alternative cryptocurrencies.
On-chain data for Bitcoin suggests that investors are increasingly taking profits. This is evidenced by the rising number of coins in profit being sent to exchanges. Short-term holders, in particular, have been actively taking profits as Bitcoin approaches recent highs. This increase in profit-taking activity has led to higher selling pressure in the market.
ETC Group’s in-house Crypto Asset Sentiment Index remained relatively elevated compared to the previous week, indicating positive market sentiment. However, major reversals to the downside were observed in the Crypto Dispersion Index and the BTC 25-delta 1-month option skew. These indicators highlight the possibility of increased market volatility and potential price corrections.
The decrease in performance dispersion among digital assets suggests that correlations among crypto assets have decreased. This implies that investments are driven by coin-specific factors, highlighting the importance of diversification among digital assets. Investors should consider spreading their investments across different cryptocurrencies to mitigate risks associated with specific coins.
The market remains in a strong profit environment, with a significant percentage of BTC and ETH addresses in profit. However, profit-taking activity, particularly among short-term holders, has increased as Bitcoin approaches recent highs. This increase in selling pressure may hinder short-term price increases. It is worth noting that currently, there is no evidence of older coins being spent, indicating a larger price correction.
Aggregate open interest in BTC futures and perpetual remained stable, with notable futures short liquidations recorded. BTC option open interest saw a significant increase, accompanied by relative put-buying and an increase in the put-call open interest ratio. This suggests higher demand for put options compared to call options. However, overall at-the-money (ATM) implied volatilities did not change significantly.
At the time of writing, BTC has lost its $42,000 support line and is currently trading at $41,600, representing a 5% decline in the last 24 hours. This price movement reflects the ongoing volatility and unpredictability of the crypto market.
The analysis by ETC Group’s Head of Research provides valuable insights into the current state of the crypto market. It highlights the performance dynamics, profit-taking activity, and derivative trends that shape the market. As investors navigate this highly volatile market, it is crucial to consider the implications of these findings and make informed decisions to manage risks effectively.