Bitcoin (BTC) starts a new week in volatile territory, with news of an oil supply cut delivering a choppy start.
Still caught at major historical resistance, BTC/USD delivered an unappetizing weekly close on news of oil production cuts.
A subsequent rebound may show bulls’ mettle, but the question for analysts is what happens next. Will oil prices dictate market moves or can Bitcoin break through $30,000?
Under the hood, the picture is as rosy as ever, with network fundamentals due to hit new all-time highs this week while dormant supply is also increasing.
Cointelegraph looks at Bitcoin markets as the world digests the latest move from The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries plus 10 other oil-exporting countries (Opec+).
Oil cut boosts dollar as inflation concerns return
A key event over the weekend, which is now upending macro conditions, is a decision to cut global oil output.
Opec+ has announced voluntary cuts in production totaling 1.65 million barrels per day, and the impact was felt immediately, with the U.S. dollar rising alongside energy costs.
A classic headwind for risk assets, including crypto, the U.S. Dollar Index (DXY) traded above 102.7 at the time of writing, up from April lows of 102.04.
“Eyes on DXY this morning…. This bounce could be just a gap fill as I spoke about last week. I was waiting for this fill,” popular trader Crypto Ed reacted, uploading an explanatory chart to Twitter.
“It’s time for DXY to show its direction (which should effect BTC’s PA).”U.S. Dollar Index annotated chart. Source: Crypto Ed/ Twitter
While the Opec+ move took its toll on assets from Bitcoin to gold, Alasdair Macleod, head of research for Goldmoney, argued that governments would have to inject liquidity to offset any energy price rises, thus once again boosting risk-asset performance.
WTI oil is up $3.60 this on ME and Asia cutting output. Market reaction is gold falls $13. Markets incorrectly believing it’s “deflationary”. But anyone with half a brain knows that central banks will just print faster and faster to pay for higher energy prices…
— Alasdair Macleod (@MacleodFinance) April 3,…..
