Bitcoin price dips in August after soaring 22% in July. What's going on?

The greater presence of institutional investors in crypto markets looks to be adding to the correlation between cryptos and other risk assets.

| More on:

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

Key points
  • The Bitcoin price is up 1% today
  • Cryptos continue to move closely in line with other risk assets this year
  • Bitcoin has enjoyed a strong run with much of the impact of interest rate rises appearing to be priced into the markets

The Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) price is up 1% over the past 24 hours.

The world's top crypto is currently worth US$23,084 (AU$3,169).

Bitcoin kicked off the month trading for US$23,289, meaning it's currently down a fraction in August after posting a gain of 22% in July.

But the Bitcoin price, as you're likely aware, tends to move quickly. In fact, just a few hours from the time of writing, the Bitcoin price was in the green for August, trading at US$23,579, CoinMarketCap tells us.

Commenting on the recent rally, eToro's market analyst and crypto expert Simon Peters said, "While still a way to go to recover losses of H1, cryptoassets such as Bitcoin are witnessing a mini revival."

A hip young guy works at his home workstation with two screens and a gamers chair, keeping an eye on his crypto investments.

Image source: Getty Images

What's influencing the Bitcoin price?

It's not just the Bitcoin price that rallied in July.

Most risk assets, like high-growth tech shares, enjoyed a strong month, as witnessed by the 12% gain posted by the NASDAQ and the 15% gain here in Australia on the S&P/ASX All Technology Index (ASX: XTX).

"We're very much seeing that the syncing up with equity markets is continuing," Peters said. "July saw stocks, particularly tech and other higher-risk-profile equities surge back. Much of the effects of inflation and rate hikes now appears priced in, with markets sanguine about recession worries."

The rising impact of institutional investors

The greater presence of institutional investors in crypto markets looks to be adding to the correlation between the Bitcoin price moves and other risk assets.

According to Peters:

Institutions have treated crypto holdings in much the same way as these equities, which is why there's greater correlation now than in the past. As those big institutions move back into the space the crypto investors could see valuations tick back to better levels.

So, why has the Bitcoin price been retracing over the past few hours?

Our best guess is that futures on the NASDAQ have also turned moderately negative, indicating a likely retrace for risk assets when US markets open tomorrow (overnight Aussie time).

Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Bitcoin. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Bitcoin. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Share Market News

Comical investor reading documents and surrounded by calculators.
Broker Notes

4 ASX 200 shares newly upgraded this week

As the Iran war and fuel crisis continues, some ASX 200 shares have attracted upgrades from the experts.

Read more »

A smiling woman puts fuel into her car at a petrol pump.
Broker Notes

Up 60% in a year, 3 reasons to buy Ampol shares today

A leading analyst forecasts more outperformance from Ampol’s surging shares. But why?

Read more »

A man sits on a bench atop a mountain with a laptop, making investments with a green ESG mind.
52-Week Highs

Are these ASX stocks hitting 52-week highs a buy, hold, or sell?

Can these market winners keep rallying?

Read more »

A female superhero dressed in shiny green with a mask leaps in the sky with leg and arm outstretched in a leaping action.
Share Gainers

WiseTech shares rocket 11% higher today: Buy, sell or hold?

It looks like we could see a lot more out of WiseTech shares over the next few months!

Read more »

A beautiful ocean vista is shown with a woman whose back is to the camera holding her arms up in triumph as she stands at the top of a rock feeling thrilled that ASX 200 shares are reaching multi-year high prices today
52-Week Highs

3 ASX 200 titans charging to new one-year-plus highs today

Investors just sent these three ASX 200 titans surging to new 52-week-plus highs. But why?

Read more »

Smiling worker in metal landfill.
Broker Notes

Up 45% in a year, 3 reasons to buy Sims shares today

A leading analyst forecasts more outperformance from Sims' soaring share price. But why?

Read more »

A young African mine worker is standing with a smile in front of a large haul dump truck wearing his personal protective wear.
Record Highs

Why the PLS share price just hit an all-time high

PLS shares hit a record high after upsizing US debt notes.

Read more »

A bland looking man in a brown suit opens his jacket to reveal a red and gold superhero dollar symbol on his chest.
Broker Notes

Bell Potter names more of the best ASX shares to buy in April

The broker has good things to say about the shares this month.

Read more »