Several of Bitcoin’s popular trading metrics are flashing positive which may force traders to act quickly and cover their positions if macroeconomic events align, according to a crypto analyst.
“Technical indicators are improving, and with some traders holding short positions, there’s potential for a short squeeze,” 10x Research head of research Markus Thielen said in an Aug. 21 report.
One of the key metrics that caught Thielen’s eye as a sign of improvement is Bitcoin’s relative strength index (RSI) “bottoming out” — which measures the speed and change of its price movements to identify overbought or oversold conditions.
Bitcoin’s RSI score is currently 61.13 out of a total possible score of 100 and is down 8% since July 21, according to Bitbo data.
In August 2023 Bitcoin’s RSI score read 47.49. Source: Bitbo
Thielen told Cointelegraph that the increase in Bitcoin (BTC) Open Interest (OI) — the total number of Bitcoin futures contracts that have yet to be settled or expire — while the “market went down” on Aug. 5 indicates “more short positioning,” which is also indicated by the negative funding rate.
OI is up 13.62% since Aug. 6, the day after Bitcoin fell to $49,842, its first drop below $50,000 since February, per CoinGlass data.
More future traders are appearing more optimistic of a Bitcoin price upswing from its current price of $59,391.
The put-to-call volume ratio, measuring the demand for sell versus buy options, stands at 66.33% calls and 33.67% puts, resulting in a put-to-call ratio of 0.51.
“A massive Bitcoin short squeeze will be inevitable,” pseudonymous crypto trader Mister Crypto said on X.
Future traders are hedging their bets on call options. Source: CoinGlass
Thielen explained he doesn’t think the market is “massively short” but short traders may be “forced to cover” on the back of “better election odds” for Donald Trump ahead of the United States presidential election in November.
Related: Bitcoin’s bull rally will continue another 350 days: Bybit
He believes the market is at a tipping point, highly anticipating the United States Federal Reserve’s decision on whether to cut interest rates.
“Such a message could trigger a rally in the stock market, with Bitcoin likely following suit,” he declared.
This article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision.