https://www.tradingview.com/chart/BTCUSD/XeASB9a6-Elliot-wave-says-no/ 
BTCUSD
Hypothesis:
- Rejection from confluence of 20 week MA, 50 day MA and 0.786 Fib level (and Elliot prediction pattern)
- Test $74k support line and 0.618 weekly Fib level, possibly wick $69k
Fundamentals
Key Points
Research suggests inflation is moderate, with annual CPI at 2.46% and PCE at 2.06% for March 2025, though tariffs may push prices higher.
It seems likely that employment growth is slowing, with 151,000 jobs added in February 2025 and unemployment at 4.1%, showing some weakness.
The evidence leans toward economic contraction, with Q1 2025 GDP growth estimated at -1.8%, following 2.3% in Q4 2024.
Consumer strength appears mixed, with a 4.6% personal savings rate in January 2025 and high credit card rates at 24.20%.
Monetary policy is steady, with the federal funds rate at 4.25%-4.50%, and potential future rate cuts are anticipated.
Fiscal policy faces challenges, with debt projected to reach 200% of GDP by 2047 if unchanged, amid possible tax cuts.
Banking risks include regulatory and credit issues, especially in commercial real estate for smaller banks.
Energy demand is rising, with renewables like solar growing fast, while natural gas remains key.
Real estate is tough, with high prices and rates, but moderation in price increases is expected.
Commodities outlook is bearish, with declining prices, except for gold, which may see record highs.
Inflation: Current Projections and Tariff Impacts
Inflation projections, as per the Cleveland FED's inflation nowcasting (Cleveland FED Inflation Nowcasting), indicate that for March 2025, the annual CPI is estimated at 2.46%, with core CPI at 2.99%, and PCE at 2.06%, with core PCE at 2.47%. Quarterly figures for 2025 Q1 show CPI at 3.85% and PCE at 2.80%. These nowcasts are based on daily oil prices, weekly gasoline prices, and monthly CPI/PCE readings, aiming to estimate current inflation before official data releases.
Recent US tariff policies, implemented in early March 2025, add complexity. As of March 7, 2025, additional tariffs include 25% on goods from Mexico and Canada not satisfying USMCA rules of origin, 10% on Canadian energy products outside USMCA, and 20% on Chinese imports, up from 10% (CBP Tariff Statement). Economic analyses suggest these tariffs could increase inflation, with estimates ranging from a one-time 0.6% price increase to a 0.4% rise in PCE inflation, depending on implementation and retaliation (Impact of Tariffs on Inflation). The nowcasts likely account for these factors, but ongoing trade tensions, including retaliatory tariffs from Canada effective March 13, 2025, on $29.8 billion in US products, could further influence prices (Canada Tariff List).
Employment: Signs of Softening
The latest employment data, from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Employment Situation Summary for February 2025, released on March 7, 2025, shows nonfarm payrolls increased by 151,000, below the 168,000 average over the prior twelve months (BLS Employment Situation). The unemployment rate rose to 4.1% from 4% in January, with the labor force participation rate falling 0.2 percentage points to 62.4%, its lowest since January 2023. A broader measure of unemployment, including discouraged workers, jumped to 8%, the highest since October 2021, indicating potential cracks in the labor market amid policy uncertainty and government layoffs.
Economic Growth: Contraction Concerns
Economic growth estimates, as per the Atlanta FED's GDPNow model, indicate a significant slowdown, with Q1 2025 growth nowcast at -1.8% as of March 18, 2025, up from -2.1% on March 17, but still negative (Atlanta FED GDPNow). This follows a 2.3% growth in Q4 2024, as per the BEA's second estimate, driven by consumer and government spending but offset by investment declines (BEA GDP Q4 2024). The negative Q1 nowcast, if realized, could signal a recession, given the historical threshold of two consecutive quarters of negative growth, though Q4 2024 was positive.
Consumer Strength: Savings and Debt Pressures
Consumer strength is mixed, with the personal savings rate at 4.6% in January 2025, up from 3.5% in December 2024, reflecting caution (BEA Personal Saving Rate). This rate, calculated as personal saving as a percentage of disposable personal income, suggests households are saving more amid economic uncertainty. However, credit card interest rates are high, with the average APR at 24.20% for March 2025, down slightly from recent months but still burdensome, especially for those with weaker credit, where rates can reach 27.71% (Average Credit Card Rate).
Monetary Policy: Steady Rates with Future Cuts Anticipated
The Federal Reserve's monetary policy, as outlined in the March 19, 2025, FOMC statement, maintains the federal funds rate at 4.25%-4.50%, unchanged from January and following cuts in late 2024 (Federal Reserve FOMC Statement). The FOMC projects a 50 basis point reduction in 2025 and another 50 in 2026, reflecting a cautious approach amid solid labor conditions and elevated inflation, with PCE inflation expected at 2.7% by year-end, influenced by tariffs. The Fed's stance balances supporting growth while monitoring inflation risks.
Fiscal Policy: Unsustainable Debt Trajectory
Fiscal policy faces significant challenges, with the GAO's February 2025 report warning of an unsustainable path, projecting federal debt held by the public to reach 200% of GDP by 2047 if current revenue and spending policies persist (GAO Fiscal Health). The Hutchins Center Fiscal Impact Measure shows fiscal policy added 0.4 percentage points to GDP growth in Q4 2024, but expects a negative impact in Q1 2025, driven by weak federal and state purchases (Hutchins Center FIM). President Trump's proposed tax cuts, including extending TCJA provisions and new breaks, could increase deficits, adding pressure on interest rates and long-term fiscal sustainability (US Fiscal Policy 2025).
Banking and Credit Risks: Sectoral Vulnerabilities
The US banking sector faces multiple risks in 2025, particularly for midsize and regional banks with concentrated exposures to commercial real estate (CRE), especially office space. Deloitte Insights notes banks with assets between $10 billion to $100 billion have CRE loans at 199% of risk-based capital as of Q2 2024, compared to 54% for banks over $250 billion, highlighting potential credit risks (Banking Outlook 2025). Regulatory scrutiny, cybersecurity threats, and operational risks, as per Ncontracts, add pressure, with 89% of community bankers rating regulation as critical (Emerging Risks in Banking). Larger banks, however, have buffers to manage loan losses, and the sector is seen as resilient by some, with opportunities in fixed-income investments.
Energy: Rising Demand and Renewable Growth
The energy sector is experiencing robust demand, with utility-scale power generation reaching 3,287 billion kWh by September 2024, up 3% year-over-year, driven by federal policies promoting domestic content (Power and Utilities Outlook). Renewable energy, particularly solar, grew by 30% in 2024, expected to reach 34% growth by year-end, while natural gas, generating 43% of electricity, saw a 4.1% increase but is projected to decline to 40% in 2025 due to high fuel prices. The Trump administration's policies add uncertainty, but demand from data centers and electrification continues to grow (US Power Sector Outlook).
Real Estate: High Prices and Affordability Challenges
The real estate market remains challenging, with home prices and mortgage rates high, around 7%, prolonging buyer struggles (Housing Market Predictions). The surge in prices since 2020 has lost steam, with some markets seeing declines due to increased inventory and softer demand. Experts project moderation in 2025, with slower increases in prices and rents, but affordability gaps persist, especially with potential rate cuts expected to boost buying power (5-Year Housing Predictions).
Commodities: Bearish Outlook with Gold Exception
The commodities outlook for 2025 is generally bearish, with the World Bank projecting a 5% decline in commodity prices, reaching a five-year low, driven by an oil glut limiting price effects even with Middle East conflicts (Commodity Markets Outlook). Energy prices are expected to drop, with oil prices declining, though natural gas may rise. Metal prices are set to edge lower, while agricultural prices should ease. However, gold is expected to hit record highs, driven by central bank easing and safe-haven demand amid trade tensions (Commodities Outlook 2025).https://www.tradingview.com/chart/BTCUSD/XeASB9a6-Elliot-wave-says-no/
Additional Considerations
Other important factors include geopolitical risks, such as trade wars and conflicts, impacting energy and commodities, and technological shifts like AI driving energy demand. The interplay of these elements, alongside domestic policy shifts, underscores the complexity of the economic outlook, with significant implications for growth, inflation, and financial stability.
BTCUSD Hypothesis:
- Rejection from confluence of 20 week MA, 50 day MA and 0.786 Fib level (and Elliot prediction pattern)
- Test $74k support line and 0.618 weekly Fib level, possibly wick $69k
Fundamentals
Key Points
Research suggests inflation is moderate, with annual CPI at 2.46% and PCE at 2.06% for March 2025, though tariffs may push prices higher.
It seems likely that employment growth is slowing, with 151,000 jobs added in February 2025 and unemployment at 4.1%, showing some weakness.
The evidence leans toward economic contraction, with Q1 2025 GDP growth estimated at -1.8%, following 2.3% in Q4 2024.
Consumer strength appears mixed, with a 4.6% personal savings rate in January 2025 and high credit card rates at 24.20%.
Monetary policy is steady, with the federal funds rate at 4.25%-4.50%, and potential future rate cuts are anticipated.
Fiscal policy faces challenges, with debt projected to reach 200% of GDP by 2047 if unchanged, amid possible tax cuts.
Banking risks include regulatory and credit issues, especially in commercial real estate for smaller banks.
Energy demand is rising, with renewables like solar growing fast, while natural gas remains key.
Real estate is tough, with high prices and rates, but moderation in price increases is expected.
Commodities outlook is bearish, with declining prices, except for gold, which may see record highs.
Inflation: Current Projections and Tariff Impacts
Inflation projections, as per the Cleveland FED's inflation nowcasting (Cleveland FED Inflation Nowcasting), indicate that for March 2025, the annual CPI is estimated at 2.46%, with core CPI at 2.99%, and PCE at 2.06%, with core PCE at 2.47%. Quarterly figures for 2025 Q1 show CPI at 3.85% and PCE at 2.80%. These nowcasts are based on daily oil prices, weekly gasoline prices, and monthly CPI/PCE readings, aiming to estimate current inflation before official data releases.
Recent US tariff policies, implemented in early March 2025, add complexity. As of March 7, 2025, additional tariffs include 25% on goods from Mexico and Canada not satisfying USMCA rules of origin, 10% on Canadian energy products outside USMCA, and 20% on Chinese imports, up from 10% (CBP Tariff Statement). Economic analyses suggest these tariffs could increase inflation, with estimates ranging from a one-time 0.6% price increase to a 0.4% rise in PCE inflation, depending on implementation and retaliation (Impact of Tariffs on Inflation). The nowcasts likely account for these factors, but ongoing trade tensions, including retaliatory tariffs from Canada effective March 13, 2025, on $29.8 billion in US products, could further influence prices (Canada Tariff List).
Employment: Signs of Softening
The latest employment data, from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Employment Situation Summary for February 2025, released on March 7, 2025, shows nonfarm payrolls increased by 151,000, below the 168,000 average over the prior twelve months (BLS Employment Situation). The unemployment rate rose to 4.1% from 4% in January, with the labor force participation rate falling 0.2 percentage points to 62.4%, its lowest since January 2023. A broader measure of unemployment, including discouraged workers, jumped to 8%, the highest since October 2021, indicating potential cracks in the labor market amid policy uncertainty and government layoffs.
Economic Growth: Contraction Concerns
Economic growth estimates, as per the Atlanta FED's GDPNow model, indicate a significant slowdown, with Q1 2025 growth nowcast at -1.8% as of March 18, 2025, up from -2.1% on March 17, but still negative (Atlanta FED GDPNow). This follows a 2.3% growth in Q4 2024, as per the BEA's second estimate, driven by consumer and government spending but offset by investment declines (BEA GDP Q4 2024). The negative Q1 nowcast, if realized, could signal a recession, given the historical threshold of two consecutive quarters of negative growth, though Q4 2024 was positive.
Consumer Strength: Savings and Debt Pressures
Consumer strength is mixed, with the personal savings rate at 4.6% in January 2025, up from 3.5% in December 2024, reflecting caution (BEA Personal Saving Rate). This rate, calculated as personal saving as a percentage of disposable personal income, suggests households are saving more amid economic uncertainty. However, credit card interest rates are high, with the average APR at 24.20% for March 2025, down slightly from recent months but still burdensome, especially for those with weaker credit, where rates can reach 27.71% (Average Credit Card Rate).
Monetary Policy: Steady Rates with Future Cuts Anticipated
The Federal Reserve's monetary policy, as outlined in the March 19, 2025, FOMC statement, maintains the federal funds rate at 4.25%-4.50%, unchanged from January and following cuts in late 2024 (Federal Reserve FOMC Statement). The FOMC projects a 50 basis point reduction in 2025 and another 50 in 2026, reflecting a cautious approach amid solid labor conditions and elevated inflation, with PCE inflation expected at 2.7% by year-end, influenced by tariffs. The Fed's stance balances supporting growth while monitoring inflation risks.
Fiscal Policy: Unsustainable Debt Trajectory
Fiscal policy faces significant challenges, with the GAO's February 2025 report warning of an unsustainable path, projecting federal debt held by the public to reach 200% of GDP by 2047 if current revenue and spending policies persist (GAO Fiscal Health). The Hutchins Center Fiscal Impact Measure shows fiscal policy added 0.4 percentage points to GDP growth in Q4 2024, but expects a negative impact in Q1 2025, driven by weak federal and state purchases (Hutchins Center FIM). President Trump's proposed tax cuts, including extending TCJA provisions and new breaks, could increase deficits, adding pressure on interest rates and long-term fiscal sustainability (US Fiscal Policy 2025).
Banking and Credit Risks: Sectoral Vulnerabilities
The US banking sector faces multiple risks in 2025, particularly for midsize and regional banks with concentrated exposures to commercial real estate (CRE), especially office space. Deloitte Insights notes banks with assets between $10 billion to $100 billion have CRE loans at 199% of risk-based capital as of Q2 2024, compared to 54% for banks over $250 billion, highlighting potential credit risks (Banking Outlook 2025). Regulatory scrutiny, cybersecurity threats, and operational risks, as per Ncontracts, add pressure, with 89% of community bankers rating regulation as critical (Emerging Risks in Banking). Larger banks, however, have buffers to manage loan losses, and the sector is seen as resilient by some, with opportunities in fixed-income investments.
Energy: Rising Demand and Renewable Growth
The energy sector is experiencing robust demand, with utility-scale power generation reaching 3,287 billion kWh by September 2024, up 3% year-over-year, driven by federal policies promoting domestic content (Power and Utilities Outlook). Renewable energy, particularly solar, grew by 30% in 2024, expected to reach 34% growth by year-end, while natural gas, generating 43% of electricity, saw a 4.1% increase but is projected to decline to 40% in 2025 due to high fuel prices. The Trump administration's policies add uncertainty, but demand from data centers and electrification continues to grow (US Power Sector Outlook).
Real Estate: High Prices and Affordability Challenges
The real estate market remains challenging, with home prices and mortgage rates high, around 7%, prolonging buyer struggles (Housing Market Predictions). The surge in prices since 2020 has lost steam, with some markets seeing declines due to increased inventory and softer demand. Experts project moderation in 2025, with slower increases in prices and rents, but affordability gaps persist, especially with potential rate cuts expected to boost buying power (5-Year Housing Predictions).
Commodities: Bearish Outlook with Gold Exception
The commodities outlook for 2025 is generally bearish, with the World Bank projecting a 5% decline in commodity prices, reaching a five-year low, driven by an oil glut limiting price effects even with Middle East conflicts (Commodity Markets Outlook). Energy prices are expected to drop, with oil prices declining, though natural gas may rise. Metal prices are set to edge lower, while agricultural prices should ease. However, gold is expected to hit record highs, driven by central bank easing and safe-haven demand amid trade tensions (Commodities Outlook 2025).https://www.tradingview.com/chart/BTCUSD/XeASB9a6-Elliot-wave-says-no/
Additional Considerations
Other important factors include geopolitical risks, such as trade wars and conflicts, impacting energy and commodities, and technological shifts like AI driving energy demand. The interplay of these elements, alongside domestic policy shifts, underscores the complexity of the economic outlook, with significant implications for growth, inflation, and financial stability.
Disclaimer
The information and publications are not meant to be, and do not constitute, financial, investment, trading, or other types of advice or recommendations supplied or endorsed by TradingView. Read more in the Terms of Use.
Disclaimer
The information and publications are not meant to be, and do not constitute, financial, investment, trading, or other types of advice or recommendations supplied or endorsed by TradingView. Read more in the Terms of Use.