Bitcoin, Ether Dip Despite China Rate Cut

Bitcoin Sensitive to Tech Cycle

The latest moves in crypto markets, in context Edited by Omkar Godbole December 20, 2021 Sponsored by     Bitcoin (BTC) See the latest price here Ether (ETH)  See the latest price here If you were forwarded this newsletter and would like to receive it, sign up here.  Good morning, and welcome to First Mover. Here's what's happening this morning: Market Moves: Bitcoin, Ether Dip Despite China Rate Cut Technician's Take: Bitcoin Sensitive to Tech Cycle And check out the CoinDesk TV show "First Mover," hosted by Christine Lee, Emily Parker and Lawrence Lewitinn at 9:00 a.m. U.S. Eastern time. Today's show will feature guests: Marc Lopresti, co-managing director and member of the board, The Strategic Funds Chris Giancarlo, former CFTC chairman – Omkar Market Moves by Omkar Godbole Bitcoin and ether were again trading lower in Asian hours, continuing the year-long trend of losing ground mainly when America is asleep. The decline comes as traditional markets turn a blind eye to China's interest rate cut and remain risk-averse.   Data provided by options trader Fredrick Collins shows that bitcoin and ether have consistently faced selling pressure during the Asian hours this year. Most of year-to-date gains made by bitcoin and ether, 60% and 420% respectively, have come during the American hours, represented by 8:00 am to 6:00 pm New York time. Further, Asia has been the driver of the recent sell-off in bitcoin.  The trend continued on Monday despite the People's Bank of China (PBOC) taking steps to cushion the economy from the negative impact of property market woes and renewed coronavirus concerns.   The Chinese central bank announced a cut in its one-year loan prime rate, a de facto benchmark rate since 2019, from 3.85% to 3.8%, confirming the first reduction in nearly two years.   Interest rate cuts tend to inject liquidity into the economy. Thus, perceived inflation hedges like bitcoin, gold, and asset prices, in general, typically react positively to rate cuts. However, Asian equities traded lower alongside a 1.10% drop in the futures tied to the S&P 500. Oil prices slipped more than 3% and the anti-risk currencies like the Japanese yen are drawing safe-haven bids.   The market action suggests China's rate cut is perhaps too small compared to the impending tightening by the Fed and other central banks. Last week, the Fed signaled three rate hikes in 2022 and the Bank of England delivered a surprise interest rate hike. Read the full story here: Bitcoin, Ether Dip in 'Bearish Asia Session' as China Rate Cut Fails to Inspire Risk Buying A Message from Bybit You are Eligible to Get Up to $3,000 in Bonuses! Bybit's Deposit Blast-Off is now reloaded and back for a second round to give traders like you up to $3,000 in bonuses when you make your first-ever deposit!* It's simple: Deposit more to get more rewards. Terms & Conditions apply. *Select assets only. Learn more Biggest Movers These are the biggest movers in the CoinDesk 20 over the past 24 hours:   Top Gainers: XRP (XRP): +2%, Sector: Payments Top Losers:  Cosmos (ATOM): -8%, Sector: Smart contract platform  Algorand (ALGO): -7.8%, Sector: Smart contract platform Internet Computer (ICP): -3%, Sector: Computing Sector classifications are provided via the Digital Asset Classification Standard (DACS), developed by CoinDesk Indices to provide a reliable, comprehensive, and standardized classification system for digital assets. The CoinDesk 20 is a ranking of the largest digital assets by volume on trusted exchanges.  Technician's Take by Omkar Godbole Bitcoin Sensitive to Tech Cycle Bitcoin's weekly chart (Source: TradingView) The weekly chart above shows that bitcoin tends to do well when tech stocks outperform the broader market.  With the Nasdaq/Dow Jones ratio teasing a rising trendline breakdown or tech underperformance ahead, the path of least resistance for bitcoin appears to be on the lower side.  A Message from Amber Everyone wants to build wealth with simplicity and security. But how?   WhaleFin is a digital investing experience offering easy portfolio management tools, attractive investment yields, and access to the emerging digital lifestyle. With over $1T in volume traded, WhaleFin offers personalized, compliant, and secure service across dozens of digital assets in 150+ countries. And every investment on WhaleFin helps protect aquatic habitats and reduce atmospheric carbon by supporting WDC and Moss Earth.   Find out more ICYMI In case you missed it, here are the most recent episodes of "First Mover" on CoinDesk TV:   Crypto Markets Drifting Lower, The Silicon Valley Playbook and the Coming of Web 3   "First Mover" hosts speak to Bloomberg journalist and author of the book "The Contrarian," Max Chafkin, about the Silicon Valley evolution and the coming of Web 3. 3IQ CEO Fred Pye shares markets insights as bitcoin trading lower today, Plus, will metaverse real estate see more growth on blockchains other than Ethereum? Head of Metaverse Growth at Unique Network Irina Karagyaur shares her take. Latest Headlines Fantom DeFi Project Grim Finance Exploited for $30M            The hit was one of the largest on the Fantom blockchain. 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Disclaimer: The information presented in this message is intended as a news item that provides a brief summary of various events and developments that affect, or that might in the future affect, the value of one or more of the cryptocurrencies described above. The information contained in this message, and any information liked through the items contained herein, is not intended to provide sufficient information to form the basis for an investment decision. The information presented herein is accurate only as of its date, and it was not prepared by a research analyst or other investment professional. You should seek additional information regarding the merits and risks of investing in any cryptocurrency before deciding to purchase or sell any such instruments.  First Mover A newsletter from CoinDesk Were you forwarded this newsletter? 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