BTC Slips to $40,000, After Elon Musk, Chinese Central Bank Puts Pressure on Bitcoin

By Bhushan Akolkar
bitcoin

It’s a double whammy for Bitcoin (BTC) investors this week. After Elon Musk single-handedly crashing Bitcoin and the overall crypto market, the Chinese central bank PBoC gives another hammer blow. On Tuesday, May 18, the Chinese central bank warned local financial institutions and businesses from dabbling into cryptocurrencies.

Bitcoin (BTC) and the overall crypto market have come under severe pressure. The Bitcoin price tanked another 10% making a low of $40,347 as of press time. Another $200 billion have been eroded from the crypto market in the last 24-hours. The overall crypto market cap has once again tanked under $2 trillion and is currently at $1.94 billion. Of this 50% or over $90 billion erosion has been contributed by Bitcoin alone.

China’s crypto ban news has been nothing new for crypto investors. In a jointly issued warning, the three Chinese state-backed financial institutions said:

“The prices of cryptocurrencies have fluctuated wildly recently. Speculation has returned, which seriously damages people’s asset safety and disrupts normal economic and financial order.”

This statement from the financial institutions further strengthens Beijing’s restrictions on financial firms and preventing them from further involving in any crypto-related activities. Speaking to Bloomberg, Adam Reynolds, CEO for APAC at Saxo Markets said:

“It’s no surprise to me, as Chinese capital controls can be challenged by cryptocurrency purchases in the country and transfers out of the country. So avoiding use of them in the country is essential to maintaining capital controls. The only tolerable digital currency to a government with strong capital controls is their own CBDC.”

Bitcoin Skeptics Growing With Traders Staying Fearful

With this sharp price crash and Bitcoin breaking below its crucial support levels, Bitcoin traders have been skeptical of buying the dips at this point. There’s was a major spike in Bitcoin derivatives bearish options as reported by on-chain data provider Skew analytics.

However, the technical chart and Bitcoin’s 14-day Relative Strength Index (RSI) showed that Bitcoin is in the oversold regions.

$40,000 stands as the crucial support for the BTC price as of now. If it falls further, the next support levels stand at $30,000.

Advertisement
Bhushan Akolkar
Bhushan is a seasoned crypto writer with over eight years of experience spanning more than 10,000 contributions across multiple platforms like CoinGape, CoinSpeaker, Bitcoinist, Crypto News Flash, and others. Being a Fintech enthusiast, he loves reporting across Crypto, Blockchain, DeFi, Global Macros with a keen understanding in financial markets. 

He is committed to continuous learning and stays motivated by sharing the knowledge he acquires. In his free time, Bhushan enjoys reading thriller fiction novels and occasionally explores his culinary skills. Bhushan has a bachelors degree in electronics engineering, however, his interest in finance and economics drives him to crypto and blockchain.
Why trust CoinGape: CoinGape has covered the cryptocurrency industry since 2017, aiming to provide informative insights to our readers. Our journalists and analysts bring years of experience in market analysis and blockchain technology to ensure factual accuracy and balanced reporting. By following our Editorial Policy, our writers verify every source, fact-check each story, rely on reputable sources, and attribute quotes and media correctly. We also follow a rigorous Review Methodology when evaluating exchanges and tools. From emerging blockchain projects and coin launches to industry events and technical developments, we cover all facets of the digital asset space with unwavering commitment to timely, relevant information.
Investment disclaimer: The content reflects the author’s personal views and current market conditions. Please conduct your own research before investing in cryptocurrencies, as neither the author nor the publication is responsible for any financial losses.
Ad Disclosure: This site may feature sponsored content and affiliate links. All advertisements are clearly labeled, and ad partners have no influence over our editorial content.