- The United States has seen rocketing unemployment, and it does not appear that this trend is slowing down even as many states and cities begin reopening
- This signals that the recent shutdowns have done severe damage to the economy, despite the stock market sitting around its all-time highs
- New data shows that although the number of new jobless claims has dipped slightly in recent times, its decline has not yet been emblematic of any sort of “V-shaped” economic recovery
- This could spell trouble for Bitcoin, which still remains firmly tied to the traditional markets despite its “safe haven” properties
The ongoing pandemic has ravaged the global economy. That being said, the financial markets have remained relatively stable, with the benchmark stock indices sitting around their all-time highs, allowing Bitcoin to trade within the $9,000 region.
That being said, this stability may not last for too much longer, as fears are growing that the economy will not be able to post a “V-shaped” recovery due to a slow decline in jobless claims.
If this trend doesn’t shift soon, it could spook investors and lead to a market-wide selloff, likely having grave implications for Bitcoin as well.
Jobless Claims Dip to 1.48 Million, But Still Remain Elevated
According to recent data, jobless claims this week dipped to 1.48 million, down from the previous week’s number of 1.54 million.
There has been a decline in the number of new claims over the past few months, with the shockwaves from the initial shutdowns in March causing this number to peak – as seen in the below chart.
Image Courtesy of MarketWatch
The total unemployment figures still remain incredibly high as well. Until jobless claims decline to their pre-pandemic level in the low-hundred thousands and unemployment rates begin declining as well, an economic rebound seems unlikely.
Because the financial markets – which Bitcoin has become closely tied to – are partially holding steady due to widespread anticipations of the economy seeing a “V-shaped” recovery, it is possible that turbulence will ensue once fears of a lethargic economic rebound start spreading.
Why This Could Be Devastating for Bitcoin’s Mid-Term Outlook
There’s no question that the events taking place throughout the past few months have bode well for Bitcoin’s macro outlook.
That being said, its short and mid-term outlook still remains largely dependent on that of the global financial markets, which means that a fear-induced selloff could send Bitcoin spiraling lower as well.
Chris Burnike, a respected venture capitalist, recently explained that he believes the longer the benchmark crypto “fades” within the $9,000 region, the more likely it is to take another leg down.
He describes this potential movement as being driven by “macro-jitters” and not emblematic of its fundamental strength.
“The longer BTC & ETH fade here the more likely we take another leg down to test key supports, despite the strong fundamentals of both. I would see this as more macro-jitters driven than specific to crypto’s future,” he predicted.
Featured image from Shutterstock.