FX.co ★ Bitcoin consolidating near $43k: what to expect over the weekend?

The current week for Bitcoin is characterized by stabilization, as the cryptocurrency virtually does not react to important macroeconomic events. However, this does not mean that the cryptocurrency is immune to their influence, and the results of the Federal Reserve meeting will be reflected in the future movements of the BTC/USD quotes. At the moment, it can be observed that the bullish momentum that allowed the cryptocurrency to recover above $40k has finally faded. There is now a relative parity between sellers and buyers.

Bitcoin is consolidating and stabilizing near the $43k level, sometimes falling below it and then recovering above. The approaching weekend is expected to exacerbate this trend, but there is every reason to believe that over the weekend or at the beginning of the next trading week, the situation in the Bitcoin market will shift from a standstill. The asset may either resume its upward movement or start another corrective wave. The main catalyst for revitalizing the BTC market will be macroeconomic statistics in the United States.

Fundamental Factors

After the Federal Reserve meeting concluded, investors were met with a cold shower as it became evident that the interest rate would not be lowered at the agency's meeting in March. The percentage of investors expecting a decrease fell below 35%, while the majority of investors anticipate another pause. In connection with this, activity in the investment markets significantly decreased, and investors focused their attention on the Federal Reserve meeting in May. Today, important macroeconomic statistics will be released in the United States, which can significantly impact the price movement of BTC in the coming days.

At 13:30 GMT, a report reflecting the change in the employment level in the U.S. for the end of January will be published. This information will help investors form an understanding of the prospects for U.S. economic growth, considering the direct correlation between the employment level and GDP. Investors expect an increase in the U.S. unemployment rate for January to 3.8%, compared to 3.7% in December, which may create grounds for reconsidering the Fed's decision on the possibility of a rate cut.

Furthermore, at 15:00 GMT, investors await data on the Consumer Sentiment Index, which is a leading indicator of inflation. Markets expect that consumer confidence at the end of January will remain at the level of the first two weeks, at 78.9 basis points. In the case of confirmation of the forecast, it would indicate a slowdown in consumer activity and, therefore, a slowdown in the pace of inflation growth. If the macroeconomic data justify investor forecasts, it will significantly increase optimism in financial markets, given the substantial increase in the likelihood of a rate cut as early as the May meeting.

BTC/USD Analysis

As of February 2, Bitcoin is trading at $43k, with daily trading volumes around $20 billion. There is an activation of miners who have resumed selling BTC stocks, putting pressure on the asset's price. Nevertheless, the cryptocurrency managed to recover above $43k. However, the stochastic oscillator indicates a gradual exit from the overbought zone, which could be a strong sell signal.

With the current situation and the realization of the stochastic signal, the price of Bitcoin will head for a retest of the local support level at $41.9–$42k. If this level is breached, the price will move towards the $40.5k level, a breakdown of which significantly increases the chances of further decline. This, in turn, will lead to a retest of the key support level at $38.6k, where the "shoulders" zone of the large-scale technical analysis figure "Head and Shoulders" is also located. However, this scenario can be avoided by consolidating above $43.8k and continuing the movement towards $45k.

Conclusion

Over the weekend, trading activity for BTC/USD is decreasing, but labor market and consumer confidence macroeconomic data can potentially change this scenario. If the forecasts are justified and the macroeconomic situation in the U.S. deteriorates, the probability of BTC resuming growth and attempting to consolidate above $44k over the weekend or early next week will significantly increase. Strong labor market and consumer activity indicators, on the other hand, can strengthen the U.S. dollar and intensify the correction in the crypto market and Bitcoin.