The recent rally in the cryptocurrency market has left many investors optimistic about the future of Bitcoin and other digital assets. However, according to Bloomberg analyst Mike McGlone, there is one looming catalyst that could trigger a crash in the market.
McGlone warns that the upcoming expiration of the U.S. Federal Reserve’s emergency lending program could have serious implications for Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. The program, known as the Money Market Mutual Fund Liquidity Facility (MMLF), was put in place in March 2020 to provide liquidity to money market mutual funds during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The MMLF has been a critical source of funding for these funds, which are used by many investors as a safe haven during times of economic uncertainty. However, the program is set to expire on March 31, 2021, and there are concerns that its expiration could lead to a liquidity crisis in the market.
According to McGlone, the expiration of the MMLF could lead to a sharp increase in interest rates, which could have a significant impact on the cryptocurrency market. Higher interest rates could result in a sell-off of Bitcoin and other digital assets as investors seek higher returns elsewhere.
Furthermore, McGlone warns that the market is already overvalued and that a market correction is inevitable. He believes that the recent surge in prices is due to speculation and that the market is not supported by fundamentals.
However, not all experts are as pessimistic as McGlone. Some believe that the cryptocurrency market has matured significantly in recent years and is now better equipped to handle market shocks. Additionally, there are many institutional investors who are now investing in Bitcoin and other digital assets, which could help to stabilize the market in the event of a crash.
Moreover, the recent rise of decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols could also provide a cushion for the cryptocurrency market. DeFi protocols are built on blockchain technology and allow for decentralized lending and borrowing, which could provide a source of liquidity in the event of a market crash.
Despite these potential mitigating factors, it is important for investors to remain cautious and keep an eye on the expiration of the MMLF. If interest rates do rise sharply, it could have serious implications for the cryptocurrency market.
In conclusion, while the cryptocurrency market has experienced significant growth in recent years, there are still risks and potential pitfalls that investors need to be aware of. The expiration of the MMLF is just one example of a potential catalyst that could trigger a market crash. As always, it is important to do your research, remain informed, and invest wisely.
Bloomberg Intelligence’s senior macro strategist Mike McGlone has recently shared his concerns about cryptocurrencies amid a worsening economic climate. In a new report, he warns that if deflation sets in, cryptos that have been outperforming other assets could plummet. McGlone states that deflationary risks are on the rise and that it has been a year of rebounds for just about everything that fell in 2022, including cryptos, but a deflationary bust may be gaining fuel as seen in plunging commodities and bank deposits.
His report suggests that crypto assets face downward risks if the broader stock market falls, just like bank stocks have recently. Bitcoin, born of the 2008 financial crisis, is facing its first US recession, and if the broader stock market follows banks, cryptos are likely to ebb with the tide. Therefore, it is critical to watch for key levels in Bitcoin and Ethereum, including the round number levels of $30,000 and $2,000 respectively.
McGlone emphasises that while the up-and-coming 24/7 traded leading indicators, revolutionary technologies and assets – Bitcoin and Ethereum – may be running into a wall of resistance at these key round number levels, our bias remains bullish in the long term for the top cryptocurrencies. Nevertheless, an overwhelming force of the stock market going down with the Fed tightening into a recession has the potential to lower the tide for all risk assets, and Bitcoin and Ethereum are among the riskiest.
At the time of writing, Bitcoin was trading at $29,286 and Ethereum at $1,913. While these levels are impressive given the history and volatility of cryptocurrencies, they are also under increasing scrutiny as anxiety about a worsening economic climate rises. McGlone urges investors to be cautious, especially given the possibility of deflation, and to do their due diligence before making any high-risk investments in Bitcoin, cryptocurrency or digital assets.
It is essential to keep track of the latest news headlines about cryptocurrencies, as the economic climate continues to fluctuate. However, it is also essential to exercise caution while investing in such assets, given their unpredictability and vulnerability to economic and financial conditions. Investors should do their due diligence before making any high-risk investments in Bitcoin, cryptocurrency or digital assets.
In conclusion, while cryptocurrencies may have been soaring high in the past year, the possibility of a deflationary bust is real and could significantly impact the crypto market. It is therefore critical for investors to remain cautious while making investment decisions and to balance the risks involved with the potential rewards. As the economic climate continues to be uncertain, the investment market can be expected to remain volatile, making it essential for investors to keep abreast of the latest trends and news headlines.
