Tuesday, 02 January 2024 12:17 GMT

Bitcoin Rebounds Above $73,000 As Risk Appetite Returns To Crypto Markets


(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Bitcoin staged a strong rebound this week, surging past $73,000 as easing geopolitical fears and renewed political support for the digital asset sector triggered a broad relief rally across cryptocurrency markets.

The world's largest cryptocurrency climbed as much as 8 per cent to $73,777, its highest level in about a month, after briefly sliding below $63,000 during the recent bout of global market turbulence triggered by escalating tensions in the Middle East.

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The rebound highlights how closely digital assets are tied to shifts in global risk sentiment. As concerns about a prolonged shock to energy markets began to ease and investors returned to riskier assets, cryptocurrencies were among the fastest to respond.

Nigel Green, chief executive of global financial advisory firm deVere Group, said in a note that the rally reflects a combination of improving macro sentiment and renewed political backing for the crypto sector in the United States.

“The Bitcoin rally reflects two powerful forces aligning at once: improving risk sentiment across global markets and renewed political backing for crypto from Washington,” Green said.“The original and most influential cryptocurrency is responding to a combination of macro relief and political support.”

Global financial markets had been unsettled in recent days by fears that the conflict involving Iran could trigger a sustained surge in oil prices and slow global economic growth. But as energy markets stabilised and traders reassessed the likelihood of a prolonged supply shock, investors began rotating back into risk assets including equities and cryptocurrencies.

Bitcoin's rebound also coincided with strong inflows into crypto investment products and renewed interest from institutional investors. According to CoinShares, digital asset investment funds saw weekly inflows of more than $350 million in recent days, signalling that large investors are again increasing exposure to the sector.

Political signals from Washington have also played a role in boosting sentiment. US President Donald Trump recently defended the digital assets sector on his Truth Social platform, criticising what he described as efforts by traditional banks to undermine the Genius Act, legislation aimed at creating a regulatory framework for the rapidly expanding stablecoin market.

The legislation has intensified tensions between cryptocurrency firms and traditional lenders, particularly over rules allowing crypto platforms to pay interest on stablecoin balances held by users.

Green said the dispute reflects a deeper transformation taking place in the financial system.

“Stablecoins are emerging as a new digital form of the US dollar, and that places crypto platforms into direct competition with traditional banks,” he said.“When banks push back against that development, it shows how significant the shift has become.”

Despite the latest rally, Bitcoin remains well below its October peak of nearly $125,000, highlighting the extreme volatility that continues to characterise digital assets. Analysts say the recent recovery demonstrates that cryptocurrencies remain highly sensitive to both macroeconomic developments and regulatory signals.

“Crypto markets react rapidly to changes in global risk appetite, but they also respond strongly to regulatory direction,” Green said.“When geopolitical concerns ease and policymakers signal support for the sector, those forces can combine to create powerful momentum.”

Other crypto experts also see signs that institutional demand remains strong despite recent market turbulence.

Antoni Trenchev, co-founder of digital asset lender Nexo, said Bitcoin's ability to recover quickly from sharp geopolitical shocks demonstrates the growing maturity of the asset class.

“Bitcoin continues to prove remarkably resilient,” Trenchev said in recent market commentary.“Every time macro shocks push prices lower, buyers step in quickly, which suggests long-term conviction among investors remains intact.”

Meanwhile, analysts at Standard Chartered have reiterated their bullish outlook for the cryptocurrency, forecasting that Bitcoin could approach $150,000 during the current market cycle as institutional adoption accelerates and supply tightens following the latest halving event.

Crypto research firm Glassnode also noted that long-term Bitcoin holders have continued accumulating coins despite recent volatility, suggesting that structural demand remains strong even during market corrections.

Traders say the key driver will remain broader market sentiment and regulatory signals from major economies. If global financial conditions stabilise and institutional inflows continue, analysts believe Bitcoin could once again challenge previous record highs.

Green believes the current rebound may be the early stages of another upward cycle.

“Volatility is intrinsic to digital assets, but corrections have historically been followed by renewed expansion phases,” he said.“Institutional infrastructure supporting Bitcoin is deeper and more resilient than at any point in its history.”

“Once momentum re-establishes, fresh all-time highs are achievable before the end of the year,” he added.

The latest rally, according to crypto experts, suggests that despite geopolitical shocks and regulatory debates, confidence in the long-term growth of the cryptocurrency market remains intact - and the bulls may once again be gaining the upper hand.

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Khaleej Times

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