By
Chimamanda U. Martha
April 26th, 2024
Macroeconomic factors have played a huge role in driving Bitcoin price higher.
The price of Bitcoin (BTC) reached an unprecedented milestone during Asian trading hours today as it soared past the $71,000 mark. This remarkable surge comes hot on the heels of its achievement of crossing the $70,000 threshold on Friday.
Factors Driving the Bitcoin Price Rally
The recent bullish momentum in the crypto market can be attributed to several key factors, as highlighted in a recent report from Coindesk. Firstly, the approval of spot Bitcoin Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) in the United States has significantly bolstered investor confidence and propelled prices upward. This landmark decision has provided institutional and retail investors alike with easier access to Bitcoin, driving demand and consequently driving up its price.
Ethereum (ETH), the second-largest cryptocurrency, also experienced a substantial surge, crossing the $4,000 mark this Morning. This simultaneous rise in both Bitcoin and Ethereum underlines the broader bullish sentiment sweeping through the digital asset space.
The CoinDesk 20 index (CD20) mirrored this bullish trend, jumping nearly 1%, reflecting the overall optimism sweeping across the crypto market. However, it’s the futures market that’s currently stealing the spotlight, with the annualized three-month futures premium on major exchanges, including Binance, soaring above 25%. This elevated premium has caught the attention of cash and carry traders, potentially supporting market liquidity even further.
The founders of LondonCryptoClub, a prominent newsletter service, pointed out additional contributing factors to the price surge. They highlighted the decision by the London Stock Exchange to accept applications for Bitcoin and Ether Exchange-Traded Notes (ETNs), signaling the growing institutional acceptance of cryptocurrencies. The founders also noted the impact of the illiquid Asian market conditions, which have fueled heightened demand.
Furthermore, macroeconomic factors have played a huge role in driving Bitcoin price higher. The recent downturn in US interest rates and the dollar has shifted from being a headwind to a tailwind for the crypto market. This shift, coupled with the impending reward halving and strong inflows into US-listed spot ETFs, has created a supply-demand imbalance that continues to support Bitcoin’s upward trajectory.
Regulatory Developments
Regulatory developments have also contributed to the bullish sentiment surrounding cryptocurrencies. The UK’s Financial Conduct Authority recently opened the doors for institutional investors to create crypto asset-backed exchange-traded notes, further legitimizing digital assets in the eyes of traditional finance.
The subsequent confirmation by the London Stock Exchange that it will accept applications for Bitcoin and Ether ETNs in the second quarter of this year has added to the positive sentiment surrounding cryptocurrencies.
Despite the overwhelmingly bullish sentiment, some uncertainties persist. The Bank of Japan’s potential decision to lift the benchmark interest rate above zero has raised concerns among investors, with Asian equity indices slipping in response to a Reuters report on the matter. Analysts have warned that the BOJ remains a major source of uncertainty for both traditional and crypto markets.
However, the consensus among analysts is that any potential dips in Bitcoin prices are likely to be short-lived. The robust demand fueled by strong inflows and growing demand for US-listed spot ETFs, coupled with the impending reward halving, is expected to outweigh short-term market fluctuations.
