With Other Markets Drifting, Bitcoin’s Price Move is Telling, 23/11/20

Nigel Frith
Bitcoin logo on phone screen with physical bitcoin surrounding

The trick to profitable trading is making decisions off what you see rather than what you want to see. Those looking for a continuation of the recent price momentum might want to recalibrate, if not to trade sideways markets at least to be ready to accept they might be about to come about.

The US Thanksgiving holiday on Thursday the 26th of November is the most significant break for the markets in the entire year. M&A activity, IPOs and the rolling out of new strategies will all be put on hold as the US shuts down.

With most market participants taking the Friday off, the markets look set to be run by junior staff with a mandate to monitor rather than manage trading positions.

This is a week when the Economic Calendar can help you keep out of trouble.

  • Sideways markets
  • Markets which might have additional volatility

Sideways markets

The countdown to Thanksgiving might explain the sideways price action in a few key markets. The long-weekend doesn’t just impact the US; instead, it casts a shadow over all the global markets.

BTCUSD Mini price graph

Source: IG

If past years are anything to go by, we can expect the big firms to engage in some profit-taking and gentle realignment of positions. For independent traders, the trick might be not to get caught in a position they can’t readily extricate themselves from.

Anyone who is running strategies that require one or two days to come good might be feeling the squeeze if they’re still waiting for an exit position on Wednesday afternoon.

FTSE 100 Stock Price Chart with levels

Source: IG

Nothing is ever certain; however, the Thanksgiving break looks set to offer a ‘drinks-break’ at a time when the markets are looking for one. All things being considered it could be hard to find enough volatility to support short-term trading strategies which don’t involve a degree of scalping.

Markets which might have additional volatility

If you want a market which is holiday-resistant, then Bitcoin might be suitable. The price of the crypto continues to sky-rocket with the magic $20,000 price level now within touching distance.

The ability of BTC to set its course while other markets splutter is potentially a good sign for the crypto’s long-term prospects. If your unique selling point is a revolutionary shake-up of the establishment, then demonstrating an ability to do your own thing is a good start.

BTC Price Graph

Source: IG

The questions for holders of Bitcoin are all to do with the $20,000 level. Despite the crypto having a following of hardcore fans, many others who took long positions in the last six months may be looking to take profits.

The all-time high of $19,763 posted in December 2017 is another possible target/resistance level.

Does the recent price spike represent another bubble? Or are the crypto-bugs reflecting concerns about the world’s central banks printing money at unprecedented rates?

BTC Price Chart with Levels

Source: IG

The questions about when Bitcoin’s price rally ends might not be answered during this shortened working week. A cross-check to gold shows that another hedge against central bank profligacy has not followed the crypto and actually belongs firmly in the sideways group of assets.

Spot Gold price chart with support levels


Nigel Frith

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