Crypto Strategy
252 Results
TACTICAL CAUTION Throughout this year, we've been navigating a complex interplay between overarching macro influences and crypto-specific events. Milestones such as BlackRock's ETF application, Ripple's legal win over the SEC, and Grayscale's similar success have been promising, yet they've occurred amidst a peak in global liquidity. This timing has effectively curtailed any long-lasting bullish momentum in the crypto markets. While we've been vocal proponents of maintaining risk exposure, the convergence...
THE US DOLLAR WRECKING BALL CONTINUES Last week, our near-term outlook remained uncertain, though we leaned toward the possibility that a positive catalyst, such as a victory for Grayscale, could coincide with easing liquidity conditions. This would mark a significant departure from the tightening conditions—indicated by the DXY—that followed the last two crypto-specific catalysts this year. The likelihood of interest rates reaching a peak, the dollar beginning to decline, and...
GRAYSCALE VICTORY As recently discussed, we’ve been awaiting either short-term relief in liquidity conditions—indicated by falling interest rates, a declining DXY, and increasing central bank liquidity—or the realization of crypto-specific catalysts for better price action. This week, we received encouraging news on both fronts. The courts have ruled that the SEC acted in an arbitrary and capricious manner when denying the spot Bitcoin ETF. _Source: Court Decision in Grayscale v...
MACRO HAS BEEN WINNING THE BATTLE Last week, we advanced the idea that the recent decline in volatility might be traced to two competing forces: (1) positive industry-specific tailwinds and (2) negative macro headwinds. Additionally, the recent dip in macro correlations could be attributed to unique catalysts, notably the BlackRock ETF application. Our thinking was that without further industry-specific catalysts, traditional macro correlations would likely return. As evidenced by the...
MACRO HEADWINDS VS. IDIOSYNCRATIC TAILWINDS In our prior notes, we highlighted the market's prevailing sideways trend. Over much of the past month, both BTC and ETH have exhibited remarkable stability, moving within a narrow range. Their realized and implied volatilities are nearing all-time lows. _Sources: Glassnode, Fundstrat_ We've also emphasized the waning correlation between Bitcoin's daily returns and macro assets such as tech stocks and the US dollar index. These...
PAINT DRYING Over the past few weeks, watching Bitcoin’s price action has been akin to watching paint dry. Earlier this week, bitcoin’s 30-day realized volatility reached levels not witnessed since July 2020. I shared the chart below in Wednesday’s market update. I noted that historical data indicates that such drawdowns in volatility often precede significant price movements. Recognizing the importance of this insight, we decided to delve deeper into the...
Bitcoin ETF Equilibrium Price Dynamics: ETF likely to drive significant rise in daily demand
We are attaching our deck on Bitcoin ETF equilibrium price dynamics. Please click here to download. If you have not yet registered for our Crypto Market Update on Tuesday, July 25 at 2pm, please register using the block below. EXECUTIVE SUMMARYBitcoin ETF could finally get approved. Sean Farrell sees the “Blackrock effect” making this far more likely today.Bitcoin ETF likely one of the largest ever launches. Precious metals ETF >...
FINAL THOUGHTS ON RIPPLE DECISION In June, we identified the Ripple case as a possible catalyst for altcoins, as indications of progress for the defendants surfaced. Just last week, Ripple achieved a partial victory, likely benefiting altcoins targeted by the SEC and potentially prompting a shift towards a more legislative approach rather than an enforcement-focused one. _Source: Reuters, Fundstrat_ The court ruled that Ripple Labs' transactions of XRP to institutional...
THE PROBABILITY OF ETF APPROVAL As emphasized in previous notes, we view BlackRock's application for a spot ETF as substantial. Regardless of whether an actual spot ETF garners approval in the near term, its “narrative” significance is undeniable. _YET, OUR FUNDAMENTAL ASSUMPTION IS THAT THIS APPLICATION INDICATES NEW UNDISCLOSED INSIGHTS THAT LARRY FINK AND HIS COLLEAGUES ARE PRIVY TO, WHICH THE PUBLIC MAY NOT BE, AND THEIR APPLICATION WILL ULTIMATELY...
EARLY PROOF OF “CATCH-UP” TRADE Last week witnessed a significant development as traditional market participants, most notably BlackRock, entered the cryptocurrency space with a spot-based ETF application. This move not only carried implications for market structure but also sparked a noteworthy narrative shift. Despite Bitcoin's relative resilience to regulatory pressures compared to other cryptoassets, it still faced some performance drag. However, the entry of BlackRock, Citadel, and other prominent players...