Bitcoin Holds Steady at $85K as Analysts See Cooling Volatility and Political Impact

Bitcoin is showing signs of price stabilization, hovering close to $85,000 with minimal fluctuation over the last 24 hours. Analysts suggest that market volatility may be cooling off, marking a contrast from the turbulent price swings experienced earlier in the year. However, Bitcoin still remains down 9.3% for the year.

The current price lull unfolds against a backdrop of rising geopolitical tensions and evolving monetary policies. While the broader crypto market exhibits low momentum, Bitcoin’s dominance has increased, hinting that it may outperform altcoins in the near term. For example, Ethereum continues to trade at over a 50% discount compared to its earlier valuation this year.

Political Climate Influencing Market Sentiment

The crypto market has also been affected by recent U.S. political developments. New tariffs linked to former President Trump’s trade policies have introduced uncertainty, potentially dampening global growth. The World Trade Organization has expressed concerns about the broader implications of these tariffs.

Furthermore, tensions between the Trump administration and the Federal Reserve are escalating, particularly over the Fed’s reluctance to cut interest rates rapidly. While the European Central Bank has already introduced multiple rate cuts in 2024, the U.S. Fed has not changed its benchmark rate since December of the previous year. Present expectations suggest the U.S. may see only three rate cuts in 2025, down from the earlier projection of four.

Institutional and Governmental Interest in Bitcoin Grows

Despite the murky economic outlook, there are potential bullish catalysts for Bitcoin. Notably, multiple governments are reportedly exploring the idea of developing Bitcoin reserves. According to Binance, some countries are seeking guidance on how to accumulate digital assets, inspired in part by Trump’s initiative to create a national crypto reserve strategy.

Outlook for the Coming Weeks

Given the current combination of limited short-term catalysts and prevailing economic uncertainty, traders are expected to adopt a cautious approach. However, the decreasing market volatility and growing institutional interest could lay the groundwork for a clearer market trend moving forward.

For more details, read the full article on Decrypt.