Why Is Bitcoin (BTC) Down Today? 2024 halving will be positive now for Bitcoin

Bitcoin rules the cryptocurrency world and is a household name for many crypto investors. It is the largest cryptocurrency in the world and has maintained a steady level of around $29,000 to $30,000 this year post a stormy season in 2022. Investors hope that BTC will regain its level of more than $60,000 in the coming time amid strong macroeconomy and positive inflation data.

This guide by Forbes Advisor India explains if investors should run a mile or have hopes in the coin when BTC was trading at 50% lesser than its highest peak at the beginning of the year. However, looking at the market now, BTC has upped its game and is trading at $42,936 as of Dec. 20. Let’s take a deeper look at it.

How is Bitcoin Performing?

The year 2023 turned out to be a tumultuous year for the cryptocurrency, Bitcoin (BTC). In the first month of the year January, BTC was trading at the low level of $16,000, it touched its peak in July 2023 at $31,000 and pushed the market capitalization around 607 billion, since the year started, but it is doing way better as of Dec. 20, 2023, at around $42,936 with a market capitalization of $838.58 billion.

Stubborn inflation and unsettling macroeconomic conditions in countries like the U.S. and the UK led BTC to fall below the level of $26,000. With current interest rates at 5.5% post hikes by the U.S. Federal Reserve and the Fed Chairman Jerome Powell stating that the inflation fight will continue until rates fall to 2%, BTC may continue to be under pressure as more details on inflation emerge.

Even with all these factors, some of the crypto investors believe that this is temporary and BTC will continue to showcase positive trends in the coming days as its much-awaited “halving” event is approaching. This event will see the BTC mining rewards drop by half a percentage and this might lead to BTC’s upside momentum.

Bitcoin Price Movement (One-Month Data)

As of December 20, 2023:

Source: CoinMarketCap

Post the last year’s deadly November crash, when BTC was hovering around in the range of $16,000-$18,000 levels, it has now rallied nearly 80%; but is still on the flip side. BTC is still almost trading 50% less in value since it reached its all-time high at $69,000 in November 2021.

Here’s how BTC’s current price has slumped from its high point over the past one year:

As we can see, Bitcoin touched the crucial level of $31,000 and thereafter dropped in September but rose in October, November and December. It is currently as of Dec. 20 trading at $42,809. Experts believe that any upside momentum from this level could stay for long and BTC will soon regain its losses and might head towards $35,000 and above, if it forms a strong resistance at the level of $30,500.

BTC has witnessed ups and downs in the last few months and it is evident that the cryptocurrency faced a major downside. To top it, this year in the month of June, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission sued the leading crypto exchanges Binance and Coinbase amid accusations of evading securities and mishandling consumer funds.

Why Does Bitcoin Fluctuate?

Bitcoin started the year 2022 with a positive attitude but has witnessed its peak by the end of the year. Unfortunate events and obstacles shook the prices of BTC which led it to crash from $50,000 to $15,000 over the year 2022.

Overall crypto market has seen price fluctuation including BTC . This happened due to unpredicted macroeconomic headwinds and also the most recent fallouts in the U.S. banking system. Let us see various other factors that affected the price of Bitcoin fluctuate:

• Post-Russia-Ukraine war effects
• Unsteady U.S. banking system
• Inflation fear in developed countries
• Increasing interest rates in the U.S. and UK
• Stringent tax regime in India
• Due to the collapse of the largest crypto exchange FTX

The above factors triggered the prices of BTC and made it fluctuate throughout. It also played a significant role in confusing the mood of the investors.

Tips To Consider Before Investing In Bitcoin

Investing in cryptocurrencies is a very appealing concept to people and when it comes to cryptocurrency BTC is a must-must investment, but you need to consider some tips before you go ahead and invest in Bitcoin

• It is advisable and a smart choice to invest around 5% to 10% of your overall portfolio in BTC
• Treat your cryptocurrencies as a long-term investment plan
• Analyze the market volatility of BTC and then invest wisely
• To maximize your returns, make sure you research thoroughly which is the best time to purchase and sell BTC

It is natural for you to wonder whether BTC is a safe investment choice considering its instability and volatility. The entire value of Bitcoin is based on speculation and it is not a regulated form of investment like mutual funds or equities. It would be a great choice to consult a financial advisor who will guide you through the process of investing in cryptocurrency that suits your financial goal best.

Steps On How To Buy Bitcoin In India?

Once you have a hold and a bit of understanding of cryptocurrency and are ready to invest in BTC , the next thing you need to know is how to buy Bitcoin from India:

Step 1: Choose your choice of crypto exchange and create a free account either through their web portal or an application

Step 2: Register and verify your identity via their platform

Step 3: You will see a “BUY” tab and associated with it are many cryptocurrencies. You have to click the link that is attached to BTC .

Step 4: Buy BTC through the link and select any mode of payment like credit or debit card, net banking  or adding funds in the form of INR

Step 5: Once you make the payment and purchase BTC , it will either be stored in your exchange account or personal digital wallet. You can sell it anytime you wish or simply trade for other cryptocurrencies. You can stake it to obtain passive income.

Bottom Line

Investing in Bitcoin, especially from India, isn’t as straightforward as it appears given the Indian government’s keen interest in regulating the crypto market and discouraging active investment. If you’re undeterred by compliance and find interest in exploring BTC as an investment avenue, make sure you haven’t parked all your life’s savings and are well diversified. Thorough research and actively tracking the cryptocurrencies trading throughout the world make work well for you to stay hedged.