BTC Breaks Key Level

Bitcoin prices are on watch today after the futures market surged higher yesterday, breaking out above the $94,500 level which had capped the market since November. The move comes amidst uncertainty around a long-awaited crypto bill which seeks to create a regulatory framework around the crypto market. The bill was proposed earlier in the week and was expected to be debated today by the Senate Banking Committee. However, that debate has been delayed for now after leading crypto exchange Coinbase pulled support for the bill, urging adjustments after it claimed the current bill would benefit banks and not the crypto industry.

Wider Mainstream Support for BTC

Despite the delay, the bill is still widely expected to pass through the Senate this year and should usher in a new era for the wider crypto market as it moves further into the mainstream. The approval of Bitcoin ETFs by the SEC early last year marked a major milestone for Bitcoin and saw prices firmly higher initially before macro drivers fuelled a reversal over Q4. Looking ahead, however, there is plenty of room for a fresh influx of ETF demand to drive BTC higher with many players looking for a fresh breakout in Bitcoin this year along with a surge in the broader crypto space. Any news regarding alterations to the bill, and particularly if Coinbase offers its support, should see BTC prices spiking near-term.

Technical Views

BTC

The rally has seen price breaking above the $94,500 level and back above the wider bull channel lows. For now, the $100k mark remains the key marker for bulls to break to alleviate any near-term downside risks. Above there, focus turns to $108,855 as the next big test.