Bitcoin Fear and Greed Index Switches to Neutral Amid Regulatory Scrutiny

• A bullish Friday session saw Bitcoin gaining 0.27% to finalize yesterday at $23,067.
• The NASDAQ Index and United States economic indicators offered support, whereas regulatory chat tried investor appetite.
• The Fear and Greed Index went Neutral, dipping to 52/100 from 55/100.

Bitcoin reversed Thursday’s 0/22% after yesterday’s 0/27% surge that saw the leading cryptocurrency ending the day near the $23,067 vicinity. Notably, the asset maintained the $23K level for the 3rd time since 18 August.

Meanwhile, early bearishness saw Bitcoin plunging towards $22,533 lows. That meant surrendering the first robust resistance of $22,814 and slightly the second one at around $22,623. Nonetheless, afternoon support had Bitcoin striking the $23,486 late high.

The latest upside saw BTC slightly breaking through the initial massive resistance of $23,234 and the 2nd one at $23,463 before easing to conclude the day at around $23,067.

U.S Inflation & Regulatory Chatter Ensure Choppy Bitcoin Session

A busy day on the United States economic calendar saw market participants focusing on personal spending and inflation. December figures supported a 25bps Federal rate hike in the upcoming week. At the same time, inflation has softened, whereas personal spending dropped for the 2nd successive month.

The Core PCE PI (Price Index) recorded a 4.4% Y/Y increase in December against November’s 4.7%. However, personal spending declined by 0.2% last month versus a 0.1% dip in the prior month (November). Meantime, personal income soared by 0.2%.

The NASDAQ Composite Index reacted to the figures with a 0.95% surge as the recent data authorized a 25bp Federal rate hike in the coming week.

Nonetheless, crypto scrutiny measured investor sentiment. That came after the White House urged Congress to resort to more massive cryptocurrency regulations. Meanwhile, the SEC investigates investment advisers for potential violations of crypto-associated custody regulations.

White House’s scrutiny was inevitable after the 116-page creditor list for FTX emerged on Thursday. Though FTX’s cash and equivalents & non-strategic assets could satisfy creditors, the list presented a reality check to investors in Apple Inc. among the creditors.

Analysts had assessed the possibilities of the creditor list giving United States regulators and lawmakers reasons to welcome stiffer regulatory control to lessen the effect of the cryptocurrency industry on traditional assets and corporate America.

Crypto News Wires to Offer Direction Today

Today, enthusiasts should keep monitoring the cryptocurrency news wires. Genesis and FTX insolvency proceedings & crypto regulatory tall also need consideration.

Fear & Greed Index Goes Neutral After Slight Greed

BTC’s Fear and Greed Index welcomed today with a decline to 52/100 from 55/100. Though Bitcoin saw a bullish session, the indicator returned to its Neutral territory following a quick Greed zone visit on Thursday (the initial time since March last year).

Heightened regulatory scrutiny triggered the Index’s fall, whereas bias toward Federal financial policy and United States economic signals limited the fall. Meanwhile, these recent actions show Bitcoin may delay the $25K return journey.

Short-term, the Index should switch to Greed (55/100) to back Bitcoin’s uptrend to $25K. A dip toward the Fear region would confirm a short-term uptrend reversal.

BTC Price Action

Bitcoin traded near $23,081 during this publication, following a 0.06% uptick. Range-bound moves early on the day saw Bitcoin dropping to $23,043 lows before securing support. The asset has to avoid dips beneath $23,029 to clear the path to the initial massive resistance of $23,524. Overcoming the $23,486 Friday peak would ensure a bullish session. Nonetheless, market-friendly cryptocurrency news wires are vital for breakouts.