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:
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

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."

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

Man drawing an upward line on a bar graph symbolising a rising share price.
Share Gainers

Why Brainchip, Imricor, Strike Energy, and Wildcat shares are rising today

Why are these shares starting the week strongly? Let's find out.

Read more »

a man weraing a suit sits nervously at his laptop computer biting into his clenched hand with nerves, and perhaps fear.
Share Fallers

Why APA Group, Block, Empire Energy, and Transurban shares are falling today

These shares are starting the week in the red. But why?

Read more »

A male sharemarket analyst sits at his desk looking intently at his laptop with two other monitors next to him showing stock price movements
Broker Notes

Leading brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today

Here's why brokers believe that now could be the time to snap up these stocks.

Read more »

Researchers and doctors with futuristic 3d hologram overlay for body anatomy or dna in hospital clinic.
Share Market News

Guess which ASX 200 tech stock is rising on $30m contract win

Another contract win has been announced by this high-flying stock. Let's dig deeper into it.

Read more »

Happy construction worker at a building site with a group of workers at the background.
Opinions

Why these 2 ASX 300 shares were my latest investments

I’m excited about the potential of these stocks.

Read more »

Broker Notes

Why Goldman Sachs is bullish on these ASX 200 shares

Let's see what the broker is saying about these shares right now.

Read more »

Broker Notes

Bell Potter says these are some of the best ASX 200 shares to buy in 2025

These shares could be best buys next year according to the broker.

Read more »

most shorted shares webjet
Share Market News

These are the 10 most shorted ASX shares

Let's see which shares short sellers are targeting this week.

Read more »