Bitcoin Plunges Ahead of Federal Reserve Interest Rate Decision

Amid anticipation of the US Federal Reserve's interest rate announcement, Bitcoin has plummeted to around $57,300, marking its lowest value since February and a 22% decline from its all-time high. The Fed's expected decision to maintain higher interest rates has fueled investor concerns, leading to a sell-off by long-term holders, reduced demand from major investors, and increased selling by Bitcoin miners.

Bitcoin Tumbles as Investors Brace for Federal Reserve Announcement

NEW YORK, May 1 (BeInCrypto) - Bitcoin has plummeted to around $57,300, its lowest level since February, as investors anxiously anticipate the Federal Reserve's announcement on interest rates later today. This sharp decline represents an alarming 22% drop from its all-time high of $73,000 reached on March 14.

The market is on tenterhooks as the Fed prepares to unveil its policy decision at 2 PM ET, providing an update on US interest rate policy. Investors fear that the central bank may maintain higher rates for an extended period, dampening the economic outlook and weighing heavily on riskier assets like Bitcoin. This high-stakes uncertainty is clearly reflected in the recent volatility in Bitcoin's price.

Declining Demand from Major Holders

According to an exclusive report by CryptoQuant, the Bitcoin downturn is primarily driven by a significant reduction in demand from both permanent holders and large investors, known as "whales." Permanent holders have slashed their monthly growth rate in half, from over 200,000 BTC in late March to just 96,000 BTC. Similarly, whales have dwindled their demand growth rate by 50%, from 12% in March to a mere 6%.

"When we see an uptick in selling pressure from long-term holders, it typically suggests that a large portion of the market anticipates a broader downturn," noted Matteo Greco, Research Analyst at Fineqia International.

Subdued ETF Activity and Increased Miner Sales

The diminished demand is further evident in the steep decline in Bitcoin purchases from spot exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in the US. After peaking in mid-March with daily purchases exceeding $1 billion, these ETFs are now witnessing a substantial drop in buying activity. BlackRock's iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) even experienced its first day without any inflows since the introduction of Bitcoin ETFs on April 25.

Adding fuel to the fire, Bitcoin miners have stepped up their selling activities. Daily sales by miners surged noticeably in April, reaching their highest levels since early January. This heightened selling pressure often signals a need to cover operational costs or realize profits, exacerbating the downward price momentum.

Halving Impact Overshadowed

Despite the typically bullish impact of the Bitcoin halving in April, which reduces the supply of new coins by half, the price has continued to slide. After the event, Bitcoin's value plunged another 15%, demonstrating the overpowering influence of broader economic factors on the market.

Conclusion

As the Federal Reserve's announcement looms on the horizon, Bitcoin's future trajectory remains uncertain. The market is grappling with a complex web of factors, including shifting investor sentiment, declining demand from key holders, subdued ETF activity, and increased miner selling. Whether Bitcoin will regain its footing or continue its slide depends on the outcome of these dynamics and the broader macroeconomic landscape.