Bitcoin (BTC) has entered its traditionally favorable fourth-quarter interval, however the potential for a robust rally stays unsure resulting from weak demand progress, in accordance with an Oct. 2 CryptoQuant report.
The report famous that whereas Bitcoin usually performs nicely through the fourth quarter in halving years, the dearth of serious demand restoration could hinder its skill to succeed in projected value targets of $85,000 to $100,000.
Since July, Bitcoin’s demand has stagnated, fluctuating between -23,000 and +69,000 Bitcoin month-to-month. This stands in stark distinction to the surge in April when demand elevated by 496,000 Bitcoin, propelling costs to almost $70,000.
The present flat demand poses a threat for Bitcoin’s fourth-quarter efficiency, regardless of its traditionally constructive seasonality throughout halving years like 2016 and 2020, when costs rose by 59% and 171%, respectively.
Blended alerts
The latest exercise in US-based spot exchange-traded funds (ETFs) provides some hope for renewed demand regardless of offering combined alerts over the previous couple of months.
On Sept. 26, spot ETFs web bought 7,000 Bitcoin, reversing their earlier web promoting of 5,000 Bitcoin on Sept. 2. This marked the largest day by day buy since July, although it stays under the first-quarter common, when ETFs purchased 9,000 Bitcoin day by day, driving costs increased.
If ETF demand continues to extend, it may present a much-needed increase to Bitcoin costs within the coming months. Nevertheless, present ranges counsel that demand nonetheless has room for enchancment.
In the meantime, CryptoQuant’s “Complete Provide by Age” information signifies that Bitcoin’s short-term provide has adopted patterns just like these seen in earlier halving cycles. In each 2016 and 2020, short-term provide decreased as demand paused after the halving however spiked once more later within the cycle as new consumers acquired Bitcoin from long-term holders.
The report urged that if demand picks up, short-term provide may improve sharply within the fourth quarter, additional supporting a value rally.
Demand restoration is essential
Whereas Bitcoin’s bull-bear cycle indicator exhibits the flagship crypto getting into the primary quarter in a bull part, the momentum is weaker in comparison with earlier halving years.
In 2020, Bitcoin was in a transparent bull part that resulted in a 171% value achieve by year-end. This yr, nonetheless, Bitcoin has been hovering between bull and bear phases since August, signaling much less certainty in market route.
On-chain valuation metrics level to cost resistance between $85,000 and $100,000, ranges the place short-term merchants usually take earnings after a rally. These value bands acted as resistance earlier this yr when Bitcoin reached its all-time excessive of $73,600 in March.
In response to CryptoQuant, Bitcoin may push towards these ranges if demand resumes, however with no vital uptick in shopping for strain, the rally could fall wanting these formidable targets.