Key takeaways:
- Negative Bitcoin funding rates indicate bearishness, yet whales maintain steady long-to-short ratios at major exchanges.
- Inflation concerns and tech corporate earnings remain the biggest drivers for Bitcoin traders’ sentiment.
Bitcoin (BTC) faced rejection at $77,800 on Wednesday, then retested the $76,000 level. This movement followed a correction in the S&P 500 Index as the war in Iran reached its 60-day mark, driving crude oil prices toward $118. While demand for leveraged bearish Bitcoin futures positions increased, the long-to-short ratio of whales at major exchanges indicates a different trend.
S&P 500 Index futures (left) vs. Bitcoin/USD (right). Source: TradingView
Bitcoin’s lack of bullish momentum above $78,000 mirrors the S&P 500 Index’s struggle near 7,200. Trader skepticism stems in part from the inflationary impact of high energy prices, which diminishes consumer spending and corporate earnings through higher logistics costs. Additionally, investors are questioning the profitability of technology companies’ investments in AI, according to Yahoo Finance.
Bitcoin futures show bulls lacking confidence
Setting aside the specific reasons for investor caution, the Bitcoin perpetual futures funding rate turned negative on Wednesday. This followed a brief neutral-to-bullish period on Tuesday. In a healthy market, this rate usually stays between 6% and 12% to cover capital costs, which means buyers typically pay a fee to maintain their positions. A negative rate suggests a shift toward sellers.
Bitcoin perpetual futures annualized funding rate. Source: Laevitas
The Bitcoin perpetual futures funding rate has remained mostly negative over the past two weeks, indicating increased demand for leveraged short positions. While this data initially suggests a lack of confidence among buyers, a closer examination of whale positioning is necessary. The top traders’ long-to-short ratio across exchanges includes spot, margin, and futures data, offering a more comprehensive perspective.
Top traders’ long-to-short ratio and Binance and OKX. Source: Coinglass
The long-to-short ratio for professional traders on Binance was 0.80, showing a minor improvement from the 0.75 level recorded on Tuesday, though it remains slightly bearish. At OKX, top traders have briefly signaled bullish sentiment several times since Friday, but these shifts have been temporary. Nevertheless, there is no evidence that whales are turning increasingly bearish, as the long-to-short ratio has held steady throughout the past week.
The latest US Federal Reserve statement after Wednesday’s meeting observed that “inflation is elevated, in part reflecting the recent increase in global energy prices.” The FOMC chose to keep interest rates at their late 2025 levels, even though four members supported a 0.25% cut. According to CNBC, this marks the first time four FOMC members have dissented since October 1992.
Related: Bitcoin’s recent rally is largely fueled by Strategy purchases: Bitwise’s Hougan
Bitcoin bulls’ lack of conviction should not be mistaken for bearishness, particularly as Strategy (MSTR US) continues its accumulation. Over the last four weeks, Strategy acquired 56,235 BTC, a move supported by the issuance of its perpetual preferred security, STRC. The company currently holds 818,334 BTC, exceeding the position of BlackRock’s IBIT exchange-traded fund (ETF).
Professional traders remained unmoved by Bitcoin’s decline to $75,000 on Wednesday, as indicated by exchange long-to-short ratios. However, the persistent negative funding rate in Bitcoin futures suggests that sentiment remains cautious. Macroeconomic and tech corporate earnings remain the biggest driver for Bitcoin traders’ sentiment.
