Bitcoin’s Outlook, ETH's Next Major Support and Why Zcash’s Run Isn’t Over: Bits + Bips - Ep. 950
Bitcoin’s Outlook, ETH's Next Major Support and Why Zcash’s Run Isn’t Over: Bits + Bips - Ep. 950
175 days agoUnchainedLaura Shin
Podcast30 min 48 sec
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Note: AI-generated summary based on third-party content. Not financial advice. Read more.
Quick Insights

Consider a buying opportunity in Ethereum (ETH) if it pulls back to its major support level around $2,750, as this would not invalidate its long-term bullish breakout. For Bitcoin (BTC), a better entry point may appear before year-end, so wait for weekly indicators to show an upturn from oversold levels. Avoid buying the dip in MicroStrategy (MSTR) for now, as it shows significant weakness and could fall towards the $183 - $200 support zone. A sustained move above $263 would be a key bullish signal for XRP, with a potential spot ETF launch acting as a catalyst. While the long-term crypto trend is positive, patience is advised as better entry points are likely to emerge in the coming weeks or months.

Detailed Analysis

Bitcoin (BTC)

  • The long-term uptrend for Bitcoin is still considered intact, supported by a rising 12-month moving average.
  • However, there are minor signs of upside exhaustion on the monthly chart, with an "overbought downturn" in the monthly stochastics indicator. This is something to watch but not a major concern yet.
  • A technical indicator known as the "cloud model" on the weekly chart is currently acting as a support level. This model suggests Bitcoin has upside potential into the second quarter of 2026.
  • The market's character has changed since late 2022, now showing a tendency to "stair step higher". This means sharp, explosive price increases are often followed by long periods of consolidation or sideways movement.
  • The analyst is waiting for a high-conviction entry point and is watching for an upturn from oversold levels on the weekly chart (specifically, the stochastic oscillator turning up from below the 20 level). This could present a good entry point and might occur before the end of the year.
  • $100,000 is noted as a key psychological level.

Takeaways

  • Bullish Long-Term: The overall trend for Bitcoin remains positive. Investors with a long-term horizon should view the current market as being in a consolidation phase within a larger uptrend.
  • Patient Entry: It is not considered a high-conviction time to buy right now. A better opportunity may present itself if weekly indicators show the asset is "oversold" and begins to turn up.
  • Expect Volatility: Be prepared for sharp, fast price moves upward, followed by potentially lengthy periods of little action. Trying to time these explosive moves is difficult.

Ethereum (ETH)

  • Ethereum experienced a major breakout from a long-term "triangle formation" on its monthly chart. This is considered a very long-term bullish signal.
  • Despite the bullish long-term picture, ETH has seen a significant price retracement recently.
  • The next major support level to watch is around $2,750.
  • A drop to the $2,750 level would not invalidate the long-term bullish breakout and could represent a buying opportunity for interested investors.
  • The analyst is watching for an oversold buy signal on the weekly chart, as a key momentum indicator (the stochastic oscillator) is approaching oversold territory. An upturn from this level would be a compelling signal.

Takeaways

  • Bullish Long-Term: Like Bitcoin, Ethereum has a strong long-term bullish outlook based on its recent major chart breakout.
  • Key Level to Watch: The $2,750 price level is a critical area of support. If the price falls to this level and stabilizes, it could be an attractive entry point.
  • Wait for a Signal: Before buying into the current weakness, it would be prudent to wait for a technical buy signal, such as momentum indicators turning up from oversold conditions.

Zcash (ZEC)

  • As part of the renewed interest in privacy coins, Zcash has seen a massive breakout on its monthly chart, surpassing highs from 2021 and 2018. This is described as a very "intriguing long term breakout."
  • The price chart looks visually overextended after its rapid run-up.
  • Surprisingly, there are no technical sell signals yet, which suggests the rally could have more room to run before a major correction. A potential sell signal could appear within a couple of weeks.
  • Because of the long-term breakout and lack of sell signals, the analyst suggests giving the position a chance to see more follow-through rather than selling immediately.
  • Risk Management is Key: There is a large gap between the current price and initial support levels (e.g., the 50-day moving average is below $287). This gap increases the risk of a sharp pullback.

Takeaways

  • Strong Momentum: Zcash is in a powerful uptrend. While the move has been sharp, technicals do not yet indicate that the top is in.
  • High Risk: Entering a new position now is risky due to how far the price has run. A sharp and sudden pullback is possible at any time.
  • For Current Holders: Consider holding the position to see if there is more upside, but implement strict risk management, such as a trailing stop-loss, to protect profits.

XRP (XRP)

  • XRP has been trading in a range but has successfully held a key support level indicated by the "cloud model."
  • Most technical indicators are currently neutral.
  • A key technical catalyst would be a sustained move above the 50-day and 200-day moving averages, which have converged around $263.
  • The launch of a spot XRP ETF could provide the momentum needed to push the price above this key $263 resistance level.
  • There is some mild concern about weakening momentum on the monthly charts for the broader crypto space, but it's not yet significant enough to warrant reducing long-term positions.

Takeaways

  • Neutral Stance: XRP is currently in a holding pattern. There isn't a strong bullish or bearish signal at the moment.
  • Catalyst to Watch: A price move above $263 would be a bullish signal and could indicate the start of a new uptrend. The new ETF is a fundamental catalyst that could trigger this technical move.

MicroStrategy (MSTR)

  • Discussed as a high-beta stock play on Bitcoin.
  • MSTR is currently showing relative weakness compared to Bitcoin. It has been diverging to the downside and has broken below its "cloud-based support," a level that Bitcoin is still holding above.
  • The stock is testing lows from February and appears to be breaking down further.
  • The next major support level is in the range of $183 to $200.
  • There are currently no buy signals. The analyst believes it is "early to buy into weakness."
  • A potential buy signal might not appear for another seven weeks, suggesting a possible opportunity in early Q1 of next year.

Takeaways

  • Avoid for Now: MicroStrategy is performing worse than Bitcoin itself and is in a clear short-term downtrend. It is not advisable to buy the dip at this time.
  • Patience Required: A potential buying opportunity may not arise until early next year. Watch the $183 - $200 support zone for signs of stabilization.

BitMine (BITM)

  • Mentioned as a proxy for Ethereum-related public companies.
  • The stock experienced a major long-term breakout, which is considered bullish for the long term.
  • The improving quality of its chart (less "gappy") suggests growing institutional adoption and liquidity.
  • However, in the near-term, momentum has shifted negative, as shown by the weekly MACD indicator.
  • The analyst would want to see an oversold buy signal before feeling confident enough to re-enter the stock.

Takeaways

  • Bullish Long-Term, Bearish Short-Term: The long-term outlook is positive, but the current trend is down.
  • Wait on the Sidelines: It is best to wait for the short-term downtrend to exhaust itself. Look for an oversold condition followed by a buy signal before considering a position.

Investment Themes & Ratios

Bitcoin vs. Ethereum Ratio (ETH/BTC)

  • This ratio is used as a helpful gauge of risk appetite within the crypto market.
  • When ETH outperforms BTC (ratio goes up), it signals a "risk-on" environment where investors are more willing to invest in altcoins.
  • When BTC outperforms ETH (ratio goes down), it signals a "risk-off" environment, with capital flowing to the relative safety of Bitcoin.
  • The recent market correction has been associated with ETH underperforming Bitcoin, indicating a period of risk-off sentiment.

Takeaways

  • Market Barometer: Investors can watch the ETH/BTC ratio to get a sense of the prevailing mood in the crypto market. A rising ratio can be a positive sign for the broader altcoin market.

Bitcoin-Adjacent Stocks (Miners and ETPs)

  • The discussion highlighted that different types of Bitcoin-related stocks are diverging.
  • While MicroStrategy (MSTR) has been weak and breaking down, some Bitcoin miners like Iris Energy (IREN) have been surging, partly due to excitement around the AI narrative.

Takeaways

  • Not All Proxies are Equal: Investing in Bitcoin-related stocks is not the same as investing in Bitcoin. Different companies have their own specific drivers (like AI for miners) and risks, causing their performance to diverge from the underlying asset.
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Episode Description
Bitcoin continues to look weak, falling through the psychologically important $100,000 level. Is the cycle over? In this episode, Fairlead Strategies founder Katie Stockton joins Unchained Executive Editor Steve Ehrlich to break down the charts. She explains how the Bitcoin market has changed and Ethereum's potential trajectory. She also takes a look at the state of the DAT sector and Zcash's steep rise. Thank you to our sponsors! Mantle Uniswap Guest: Katie Stockton, Founder and Managing Partner of Fairlead Strategies Links: Unchained:  Why the Crypto Markets Seem Down Bad as Bitcoin Dips Below $100K A Musk-Style Reward? Anthony Pompliano Could Earn $400 Million From ProCap Canary XRP ETF Set for Nasdaq Launch as Shutdown Ends Why the Privacy Coins Mania Is Much More Than Price Action Timestamps: 🚀 0:00 Introduction 📊 3:56 How liquidity impacts crypto market analysis 🎞 5:44 How much history a token needs to do proper market analysis 🎯 7:31 Key market indicators used by Katie 💡 14:19 Why the character of the Bitcoin market has changed 📉 18:36 What to watch as MSTR diverges from Bitcoin 🧱 20:22 Ethereum's next major support level 📈 23:21 The outlook for ETH DAT Bitmine long term 📍25:10 What to watch as spot XRP ETFs go live 🔎 27:54 Does $ZEC still have room to run? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
About Unchained
Unchained

Unchained

By Laura Shin

Crypto assets and blockchain technology are about to transform every trust-based interaction of our lives, from financial services to identity to the Internet of Things. In this podcast, host Laura Shin, an independent journalist covering all things crypto, talks with industry pioneers about how crypto assets and blockchains will change the way we earn, spend and invest our money. Tune in to find out how Web 3.0, the decentralized web, will revolutionize our world. Disclosure: I'm a nocoiner.