Bitcoin’s Impending ‘Death Cross’ May Trap Bears as Bank of Japan Eases Rate Concerns

Bitcoin’s (BTC) impending “death cross,” a bearish technical pattern, might once again prove to be a contrary indicator, potentially signaling renewed bullish momentum. This comes as the Bank of Japan (BOJ) downplays the likelihood of a near-term interest rate hike, easing market concerns.

On Wednesday, BOJ Governor Shinichi Uchida stated that the central bank would maintain its current monetary easing measures amid market volatility, reducing fears of a continued unwinding of “yen carry trades.” Uchida emphasized the need to maintain stability, citing “sharp volatility in domestic and overseas financial markets.”

Following Uchida’s comments, Bitcoin’s price firmed up, briefly surpassing the $57,300 mark. Simultaneously, the Japanese yen (JPY) depreciated to 148 per U.S. dollar (USD) from 145 per USD, and Japan’s Nikkei index rose by 4%, indicating a risk reset. Futures tied to the S&P 500 also saw a rise of 0.8%.

The “death cross,” where the 50-day simple moving average (SMA) falls below the 200-day SMA, looms for Bitcoin. Historically, such patterns have often led to contrarian bullish signals. The BOJ’s stance suggests limited downside for Bitcoin despite the ominous technical indicator.

The yen carry trade involves borrowing in yen, which has low interest rates, to invest in higher-yielding assets. This strategy has been popular due to Japan’s prolonged low-interest-rate environment. However, last week, the BOJ’s decision to raise rates for the first time in 17 years triggered a sudden unwinding of these trades, causing widespread risk aversion and a significant drop in Bitcoin’s price from $66,000 to $50,000.

Market observers note that the unwinding of the yen carry trade led to inelastic price movements, as investors sold risky assets to cover their positions, leading to further margin calls among leveraged investors. This cascade effect contributed to the sharp sell-off in Bitcoin and other risk assets.

As the market digests the BOJ’s recent comments, the potential for a bear trap scenario with Bitcoin’s “death cross” remains high, suggesting that investors might witness a reversal in the bearish trend.