Potential for Bitcoin volatility caused by rate cuts is quite high — Bitfinex

Bitcoin (BTC) faces potential price volatility this week as the Federal Reserve (Fed) is likely to cut the US interest rate by at least 25 basis points (bps), according to the latest “Bitfinex Alpha” report.

However, the movement depends on whether the Fed will cut 25 bps or 50 bps, as a smaller cut could trigger “bullish optimism.” In contrast, a more significant cut will likely make investors go with a “cautious de-risking.”

Bitfinex analysts highlighted that this volatility might be more evident in inflows across spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETF) and derivatives markets.

Moreover, rate cuts are often followed by a sell-off in equities and other risk assets on the near team, which adds to investors’ cautious stance. Yet, the report points out that these past patterns provide guidance but are not fail-proof to predict future behavior.

Overall bullish indicators

On the price action side, the analysts at Bitfinex suggested that a local bottom at $52,756 might have formed after Bitcoin dipped to that level on Sept. 6 and quickly rebounded by over 15%.

This price recovery was followed by a week of positive flows to U.S.-traded spot Bitcoin ETFs, which registered $403.9 million in inflows after bleeding nearly $1 billion in the two weeks prior.

Notably, the return of ETF inflows was met by a rise in the S&P 500, suggesting growing investor confidence in riskier assets despite the possible volatility outcome later this week.

Furthermore, the report highlighted that recent Bitcoin price increases have been driven by spot market buying rather than futures or perpetuals trading. This is evidenced by the Spot Cumulative Volume Delta (CVD) data, which shows consistent upward pressure since Bitcoin dipped below $53,000 earlier this month.

Local challenge between $60,000 and $61,000

Adding another layer of complexity to Bitcoin’s short-term price action, Bitfinex cautions that BTC is approaching the crucial $60,500-$61,000 resistance level, which has been pivotal since early March.

The report also notes that total Bitcoin Open Interest across perpetual trading pairs has risen about 14% since the sub-$53,000 move, aligning with price movement.

If Bitcoin is rejected on the $61,000 resistance level in a week poised for high volatility, the report concluded that traders and investors should prepare for potentially rapid and significant price movements in the immediate future.

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