Bitcoin, Ethereum Technical Analysis: BTC Consolidates as FOMC Indicates Further Rate Hikes to Come

Bitcoin consolidated marginally below $17,000, as market volatility remained high following the recent Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) minutes. In December’s meeting, the U.S Federal Reserve agreed to maintain hiking rates, with inflation still near historic highs. Ethereum also remained close to recent highs on Thursday.

Bitcoin

Bitcoin (BTC) mostly consolidated on Thursday, as price failed to break out of the key level of $17,000 yesterday.

Following a high of $16,964.59 on hump day, BTC/USD slipped to an intraday low of $16,789.75 earlier in the session.

The drop comes as markets reacted to the latest FOMC minutes, where the Fed have seemingly agreed to maintain interest rate hikes.

Bitcoin, Ethereum Technical Analysis: BTC Consolidates as FOMC Indicates Further Rate Hikes to ComeBTC/USD – Daily Chart

This comes as the bank expects a more aggressive rise in inflation, forecasting consumer prices to be at 3.5% in 2023, higher than the 3.1% previously expected.

Looking at the chart, the decline in price also comes as the 14-day relative strength index (RSI) moved below a resistance zone of 51.00.

As of writing, the index is now tracking at 49.14, and seems to be moving towards a support level of 46.00.

Ethereum

In addition to BTC, ethereum (ETH) also consolidated in today’s session, with momentum marginally shifting on Thursday.

ETH/USD dropped to a bottom of $1,246.21 earlier in the day, which comes less than 24 hours after hitting a high of $1,264.81.

Despite the drop, sentiment remains somewhat bullish, as ETH continues to trade above its long-term resistance level at $1,230.

Bitcoin, Ethereum Technical Analysis: BTC Consolidates as FOMC Indicates Further Rate Hikes to ComeETH/USD – Daily Chart

From the chart, the 10-day (red) and 25-day (blue) moving averages also remain close in proximity, maintaining chances of an upwards crossover.

This seems to be one of the factors in place that is keeping bullish sentiment alive. However, with the RSI now falling lower, this could begin to change.

Since failing to break out of a ceiling at the 57.00 level, price strength is now tracking at 55.40.

Register your email here to get weekly price analysis updates sent to your inbox:

Tags in this story

Could we see bullish momentum return to ethereum this week? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

Eliman Dambell

Eliman brings an eclectic point of view to market analysis, he was previously a brokerage director and retail trading educator. Currently, he acts as a commentator across various asset classes, including Crypto, Stocks and FX.

Image Credits: Shutterstock, Pixabay, Wiki Commons

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It is not a direct offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell, or a recommendation or endorsement of any products, services, or companies. Bitcoin.com does not provide investment, tax, legal, or accounting advice. Neither the company nor the author is responsible, directly or indirectly, for any damage or loss caused or alleged to be caused by or in connection with the use of or reliance on any content, goods or services mentioned in this article.

Read disclaimer

Comments are closed.