The price of Bitcoin saw little movement on Wednesday, with the world’s largest cryptocurrency struggling to gain momentum against the backdrop of a robust dollar. Bitcoin experienced a slight decline of 0.6% over the past 24 hours, settling at $70,162.1 by 01:01 ET (05:01 GMT), after reaching a high of $71,000 the previous day.
Factors Limiting Bitcoin’s Upside
The strength of the US dollar acted as a barrier to further upward movement in Bitcoin prices. Traders continued to favor the dollar, anticipating more signals regarding US interest rates. The dollar index remained close to a one-month high on Wednesday.
Recent indications from central banks such as the Swiss National Bank and the Bank of England leaned towards a dovish stance, prompting traders to view the dollar as a preferred option among high-yielding, low-risk currencies, at least until the Federal Reserve alters its interest rate policy.
Upcoming Data and Fed Commentary
Market participants are eagerly awaiting the release of the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index data, the Fed’s preferred measure of inflation, later this week. Any indications of persistent inflationary pressures could influence the Fed’s stance on interest rates, potentially leading to a more hawkish outlook and delaying rate cuts.
Additionally, key Federal Reserve officials, including Chair Jerome Powell and FOMC member Mary Daly, are scheduled to speak later in the week, providing further insights into the central bank’s monetary policy direction.
Impact on Bitcoin
The prospect of higher interest rates in the US prompted traders to prioritize safer dollar-denominated assets over Bitcoin, given the cryptocurrency’s historical vulnerability to a high-interest-rate environment. Bitcoin faced significant losses in 2022 when interest rates rose, plummeting to lows of around $15,000.
Despite its recent recovery, with prices surpassing $73,000, Bitcoin’s upward momentum has been tempered by slowing capital flows into Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Data from CoinShares indicated a deceleration in inflows into Bitcoin ETFs in recent weeks, coupled with persistent outflows from the Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC) ETF, which exerted selling pressure on the cryptocurrency.
Conclusion
While Bitcoin continues to hover around the $70,000 mark, its upward trajectory remains challenged by the strength of the US dollar and uncertainties surrounding interest rate policies. Traders are closely monitoring economic data releases and central bank communications for further cues on market direction.