Bitcoin's Pullback: Correction or Bearish Reversal?

Despite a bullish rebound on March 20th, Bitcoin (BTC) failed to extend its rally, indicating that bears are actively selling on relief rallies. This pullback has dampened sentiment, leading to net outflows from spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) for four consecutive days. However, on-chain data suggests that the BTC bull market remains intact, with short-term holders contributing only 48% of total investment, significantly below the 84-92% range typically associated with market end. Analysts believe the correction before the upcoming Bitcoin Halving is a healthy sign for the long-term sustainability of the bull run, as parabolic moves are rarely sustainable.

Bitcoin's Pullback: A Sign of Correction or a Bearish Reversal?

Despite its impressive rally on March 20th, Bitcoin (BTC) failed to sustain its momentum, indicating that bears remain active in the market. This pullback has weakened sentiment in the short term, leading to net outflows from spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) for four consecutive days, as reported by Farside Investors.

However, a recent analysis by CryptoQuant suggests that the Bitcoin bull market may not have reached its conclusion. The on-chain data analytics firm noted that the bull market typically culminates with "84%-92% of investment" from short-term holders, while this figure currently stands at 48%.

Implications of the Correction

The correction before the upcoming Bitcoin Halving is viewed by many as a positive sign for the long-term sustainability of the bull market. Parabolic moves, characterized by rapid and unsustainable price increases, are rarely sustainable. The recent dip may serve to shake out weak hands and provide opportunities for stronger hands to accumulate more Bitcoin.

Technical Analysis of Top Cryptocurrencies

To gauge the potential trajectory of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, we will now analyze the charts of the top 10 cryptocurrencies:

1. Bitcoin (BTC)

BTC rebounded sharply from its 38.2% Fibonacci retracement level of $61,736, indicating that traders perceive dips as buying opportunities. The 20-day exponential moving average (EMA) has flattened, and the relative strength index (RSI) is just above the midpoint, suggesting a range-bound action in the near term. The BTC/USDT pair may face resistance at $69,000 and support at $60,775. Consolidation near the high suggests that bulls are holding on to their positions and not rushing to sell. A break above $69,000 could open the doors for a retest of the all-time high at $73,777. Conversely, a decline below $60,775 could expose the 50-day SMA at $57,623.

2. Ether (ETH)

ETH snapped back from its 50-day SMA ($3,161) on March 20th, but the bulls failed to push the price above the 20-day EMA ($3,537). The ETH/USDT pair turned down from the 20-day EMA on March 22nd, indicating a shift in sentiment and selling on rallies. Sellers may attempt to break the 50-day SMA support. A successful breach could lead to a decline to $2,717. Alternatively, a rebound off the 50-day SMA would suggest a range-bound movement. Bullish momentum could resume upon a rise above $3,700, potentially targeting the resistance at $4,100.

3. BNB (BNB)

BNB turned up from its 20-day EMA ($520) on March 20th, but its relief rally faced resistance near $590. The long wick on the March 22nd candlestick indicates selling pressure at higher levels. Bears may attempt to drive the price below the 20-day EMA, potentially leading to a drop to the breakout level of $460. This level is likely to attract significant buying. A break above $590 could push BNB/USDT to the overhead resistance at $645 and potentially higher to $692.

4. Solana (SOL)

SOL witnessed strong buying at its 20-day EMA ($163) on March 20th, but the bulls failed to drive the price above $205. The inability to clear the overhead resistance suggests that bears are active at higher levels. A break below the 20-day EMA could signal a shift in momentum, potentially leading to a decline to the support at $126. Conversely, a rebound from the current level or the 20-day EMA would indicate continued buying on dips. SOL/USDT could then rise to $205 and potentially higher to $267.

5. XRP (XRP)

XRP bounced off its uptrend line on March 20th and rose above the 20-day EMA ($0.62) on March 21st, signaling buying at lower levels. If buyers push the price above $0.67, XRP/USDT is likely to gain momentum and reach the formidable resistance at $0.74. A break above this level could signal the start of a new leg of the uptrend, targeting $0.95. Conversely, a decline and a break below the 20-day EMA would suggest that higher levels attract sellers. The pair may oscillate between $0.67 and the uptrend line. A slide below the uptrend line could lead to a drop to $0.52.

6. Cardano (ADA)

ADA bulls successfully defended the $0.57 support on March 20th but are struggling to sustain the price above the 50-day SMA ($0.63). The 20-day EMA ($0.67) has turned down, and the RSI is in negative territory, indicating that bears have the upper hand. Sellers may attempt to drive the price below the $0.57 support. A successful breach could lead to a drop to $0.53 and possibly $0.46. Conversely, a rebound off the $0.57 support would suggest that bulls are defending the level. ADA/USDT would then attempt to rise towards the 20-day EMA. A break above $0.70 would indicate an end to the correction.

7. Dogecoin (DOGE)

DOGE's relief rally rose above the 20-day EMA ($0.15) on March 20th, indicating solid buying at lower levels. The bulls aim to keep the price above the 20-day EMA. If they succeed, DOGE/USDT will attempt to rise above $0.16 and challenge the overhead resistance of $0.19. This level may prove difficult to break. A decline from this resistance could lead to a range-bound movement between $0.12 and $0.19. The next leg of the uptrend is likely to begin once buyers push and maintain the price above $0.19, potentially targeting $0.23.

8. Avalanche (AVAX)

AVAX buyers have managed to keep the price above the breakout level of $50, suggesting that they are trying to establish this level as support. The rising 20-day EMA ($51) and the RSI in positive territory indicate that the bulls have the edge. AVAX/USDT may gradually rise to the $62-$65 resistance zone. Sellers are expected to defend this zone. If the price declines from this zone, the pair may consolidate between $50 and $65. The uptrend could resume after buyers overcome the obstacle at $65, potentially reaching $75. A slide below $50 would favor the bears.

9. Shiba Inu (SHIB)

The bulls' failure to push SHIB above the breakdown level of $0.000029 suggests that bears are selling on rallies. The flattish 20-day EMA ($0.000027) and the RSI just above the midpoint indicate a balance between supply and demand. This equilibrium will tilt in favor of the bulls if the price rises above the resistance line.