Why Crypto Markets Rally Until October Is Dangerous

Crypto markets are in a difficult situation with no directional bias due to uncertainity surrounding Bitcoin price. However, the outlook...
By Akash Girimath
Updated August 20, 2024
Crypto Market Recovers Before Crypto Czar David Sacks’ Digital Asset Leadership Conference

Highlights

  • Crypto markets have been relatively positive, with Bitcoin prices up close to 1%.
  • Seasonality will add a headwind, preventing crypto markets from rallying massively this month and next.
  • Bitcoin price needs to hold the four-hour support level of $54,676 to sustain the ongoing recovery rally.

Crypto markets today have been relatively positive, with Bitcoin (BTC) price shooting above $61,000, causing Ethereum and Ripple prices to climb higher as well. In the short term, investors can expect the bullish outlook to continue from the last two weeks of August, well into the mid-September. Historically, stocks and cryptos have not fared well, suggesting a potential correction. However, the fourth quarter remains extremely bullish for BTC and the broader crypto markets.

Advertisement
Advertisement

3 Reasons for Crypto Market Caution:

  1. Historical data shows Bitcoin’s seasonality will add a headwind, preventing crypto markets from rallying massively this month and next.
  2. From a mid-to-short-term perspective, Bitcoin price needs to hold the four-hour support level of $54,676 to sustain the ongoing recovery rally.  
  3. From a lower time frame, BTC could trigger a minor rally to $62,200. 
Advertisement
Advertisement

Crypto Markets Crash or Rally: What’s Next?

Crypto markets have not crashed or rallied but have noted a sideways movement for over five months. This development can be attributed to uncertain macroeconomic conditions, recession fears, and geopolitical tensions, to name a few. 

While all of the above factors are true and have affected Bitcoin and the broader crypto markets, one thing that goes unnoticed is the seasonality and its effect on the markets. Historical data for the past 13 years shows that the third quarter has the worst performance, with an average return of 2.78%.

Crypto Markets Seasonality: Bitcoin Quarterly Returns
Crypto Markets Seasonality: Bitcoin Quarterly Returns

So far, the monthly returns table shows Bitcoin price had a total return of 3.10% in July, and -7.98% in August so far. If the current outlook continues and history repeats itself, investors should not expect a massive run-up for BTC price. But this quarter is a blessing in disguise for long-term buyers and institutions, as it allows them to accumulate BTC at a discount. Wherever BTC goes, the crypto markets will follow suit. Hence, investors need to understand the seasonility of Bitcoin price. 

Crypto Markets: BTC Monthly Returns
Crypto Markets: BTC Monthly Returns

Sorting the months based on their return shows that September is the worst-performing month, with an average return of -5% in the past 13 years. So, investors could expect crypto markets to slide lower in September, especially if history repeats. 

Crypto Markets Seasonality: Bitcoin Monthly Returns
Crypto Markets Seasonality: Bitcoin Monthly Returns

According to the monthly and quarterly returns, Bitcoin price prediction indicates no signs of triggering an uptrend. 

Advertisement
Advertisement

Bitcoin Price Mid-to-short-term Outlook Forecasts Bullishness

The four-hour Bitcoin price chart shows that the five-month consolidation has created a value area stretching from a low of $62,200 to $72,200. The retest of the value area low on August 8 resulted in a rejection and a 10% crash, which created a higher low on the four-hour chart. So far, BTC price has set up two higher highs and three higher lows, signaling that the recovery rally is in full swing. As long as this support holds for BTC, crypto markets will likely enjoy a neutral-to-bullish outlook. A breakdown of the $54,676 support level on the four-hour chart will invalidate the ongoing upswing and suggest a continuation of the downtrend.

BTC price 4-hour chart
BTC price 4-hour chart

The short-term outlook of Bitcoin price is also bullish as it showcases an inverse head-and-shoulder setup. This outlook also forecasts a 5% rally to $62,917 on the breakout above the $59,837 hurdle.

BTC Price 30-minute chart
Bitcoin Price 30-minute chart

All in all, the crypto market outlook in the short-to-mid-term remains bullish, while the long-term outlook, at least until the end of September, remains uncertain. So, investors should refrain from taking up swing long or short positions until Q4. 

Advertisement

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the short-term outlook for crypto markets?

The short-term outlook is bullish, with potential for another crypto market rally.

2. What is the key support level for Bitcoin price?

The key support level is $54,676 on the four-hour chart.

3. How has seasonality affected crypto markets?

Historical data shows that the third quarter has the worst performance, with an average return of 2.78%.
Akash Girimath
Senior Cryptocurrency Analyst & Market Strategist Engineer-turned-analyst Akash Girimath delivers data-driven insights on cryptocurrency markets, DeFi, and blockchain technology for platforms like AMBCrypto and FXStreet. Specializing in technical analysis, on-chain analytics, and risk management, he empowers institutional investors and retail traders to navigate market volatility and regulatory shifts. A hands-on strategist, Akash merges active crypto portfolio management with research on Web3, NFTs, and tokenomics. At AMBCrypto, he led cross-functional teams to redesign content frameworks, achieving record-breaking traffic growth through scalable editorial strategies. His analyses dissect market sentiment, investment strategies, and price predictions, blending macroeconomic trends with real-world trading expertise. Known for mentoring analysts and optimizing workflows for high-impact reporting, Akash’s work is cited across global crypto publications, reaching 500k+ monthly readers. Follow his insights on YouTube, X, and LinkedIn for cutting-edge perspectives on decentralized ecosystems and crypto innovation.
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.