Bitcoin ETFs Are Bullish for Price, but the US Banking Crisis Could Bring a 30% Flash Crash and Could Push BTC Price to $30,520 – Former BitMEX Founder

• Bitcoin ETFs can push BTC price towards $30,520 with a potential 30% crash influenced by the US banking crisis.
• The approval of Bitcoin ETFs might boost BTC’s liquidity and value, but also risks significant volatility.

Arthur Hayes, Chief Investment Officer at Maelstrom and Co-Founder and Former CEO of BitMEX, shared a notable prediction on Crypto Trader Digest. He anticipates a 20% to 30% correction in Bitcoin’s value from its early March levels. This downturn could intensify if US-listed spot Bitcoin ETFs commence trading.

Hayes elaborated,

Should the expectation of substantial fiat investment into these ETFs drive Bitcoin’s price above $60,000, nearing its 2021 peak of $70,000, a 30% to 40% correction is conceivable due to a sudden dollar liquidity shortage. Hence, I’m hesitant to invest in Bitcoin until the outcomes of these March decisions are clear.

Contrastingly, as reported by The New York Times in early 2023, Bitcoin emerged as a beneficiary of the U.S. banking crisis. This development bolstered arguments among Bitcoin supporters that the banking turmoil was catalyzing a shift from traditional currencies to digital assets.

Moreover, the potential approval of a Bitcoin ETF could position BTC as an effective counterbalance to the USD. Generally, low liquidity in financial markets correlates with high volatility. According to Martin Leinweber,

A U.S.-regulated spot Bitcoin ETF could notably enhance Bitcoin’s accessibility, liquidity, demand, and consequently, its value.

Discussing the impact of ETFs on liquidity, including the potential approval of a Bitcoin ETF, it’s evident that BTC remains the most liquid cryptocurrency, showcasing resilience in challenging market conditions. An ETF could strengthen its dominance further. Kaiko Research outlines two potential outcomes:

1. Proponents of the “ETFs will boost liquidity” argument suggest that ETFs could attract more crypto traders, leading to higher trading volumes and more efficient markets. Market makers might also use ETFs as a hedge, potentially expanding their activities.
2. However, the “ETFs will harm liquidity” viewpoint raises concerns that significant ETF outflows could exert downward pressure on underlying markets. Additionally, market makers might increase their spreads due to the influx of informed traders.

As my personal view on this, the interplay between Bitcoin ETFs and the US banking crisis presents a complex scenario. While ETFs might fuel a surge in Bitcoin’s price, possibly pushing it towards $30,520, they also pose the risk of a 30% flash crash. This dynamic demands a cautious approach from investors, as it underscores the unpredictable nature of the cryptocurrency market.