Popular crypto research firm 10X Research has liquidated all its crypto holdings, fearing a deep price correction amid ongoing market volatility.
This development was brought to light by the firm’s founder, Markus Thielen, in a Monday blog post raising concerns over fears of an imminent market downturn driven by inflationary pressures and rising Treasury yields.
“We sold everything last night,” Thielen wrote, adding, “Our growing concern is that risk assets (stocks and crypto) are teetering on the edge of a significant price correction.”
Thielen outlined the rationale behind the decision, citing the bond market’s projection of fewer than three rate cuts and the 10-year Treasury yields surging past 4.50% as key indicators signalling a potential price correction for risk assets.
The analyst further noted that much of the crypto rally in 2023 and 2024 has been driven by expectations of a US rate cut, but that scenario is now “seriously questioned.” He also pointed out that miners’ slowdown in Bitcoin ETF inflows and the potential sale of $5 billion worth of Bitcoin could negatively affect the market for several months.
The pundit’s disclosure has elicited mixed reactions, with some in the crypto community calling out the firm for its seemingly contradictory statements. Notably, just last week, the firm noted that Bitcoin could soon rally to new record highs of $80,000 after breaking out of a triangular consolidation.
“You change your mind every two seconds. In the last eight days you’ve called for BTC 80,000, said it will be choppy for months, and now sold everything. that’s retail style day trading.” One critic stated.
Thielen clarified its stance in response, asserting a consistently cautious approach since March 8. As per the analyst, when the triangular breakout faltered, they implemented a stop-loss strategy at $68,300, aligning with their risk-reward trading ethos distinct from venture capital methodologies.
“This is simply risk-reward trading. We are traders, and not VC guys… different approach…,” he added.
Thielen’s disclosure comes amidst growing market uncertainty, especially with the Bitcoin halving on the horizon. Notably, Bitcoin has been experiencing a downward trend for the past two weeks, shedding just over 10% in the last seven days alone. And while the price remains above a critical support range between $61,000 and $62,000, some experts suggest the possibility of further correction, potentially dipping below $60,000 before a post-halving rebound.
Crypto analyst Ali Martinez highlighted $61,000 as the pivotal support level and $72,400 as the critical resistance level for Bitcoin. Martinez further suggested that Bitcoin could retreat to $56,200 or $51,600 if it breaches support. Conversely, breaking past resistance could lead to price targets of $79,000 and $86,000.