The S&P 500 Index (SPX) continued its march toward its all-time high with a 3% gain in July. Signs of receding inflationary pressures and expectations of an end to the Federal Reserve’s tightening cycle are the factors that boosted risk-on sentiment.
However, this bullish mood did not benefit Bitcoin (BTC) as it largely remained range-bound in July and is on track to end the month with a loss of more than 3%. The biggest question troubling traders is when will Bitcoin’s range break and in which direction.
Daily cryptocurrency market performance. Source: Coin360Typically, the longer the time spent inside the range, the greater the force needed for the breakout. Once the price escapes the range, the next trending move is likely to be strong. The only problem is that it is difficult to predict the direction of the breakout with certainty. Hence, it is better to wait for the price to sustain above or below the range before taking large bets.
With Bitcoin trading inside a range, could the action shift to altcoins? Let’s analyze the charts to find out.
S&P 500 Index price analysis
The S&P 500 Index has been in an uptrend. The bears tried to pull the price back below the breakout level of 4,513 on July 27 but the bulls held their ground. This suggests that buyers are trying to flip the 4,513 level into support.
SPX daily chart. Source: TradingViewThe upsloping moving averages indicate that bulls are in control but the negative divergence on the relative strength index (RSI) suggests that the bullish momentum could be slowing down.
The up-move is likely to face strong selling at 4,650. If the price turns down from this level but rebounds off the 20-day exponential moving average (4,509), it will suggest that the uptrend remains intact.
The first sign of weakness will be a break and close below the 20-day EMA. That could open the gates for a potential drop to the 50-day simple moving average (4,371).
U.S. dollar index price analysis
The bears tried to yank the U.S. dollar index (DXY) below the 100.82 support on July 27 but the bulls fiercely defended the level. That started strong buying, which pushed the price above the 20-day EMA (101.46).
DXY daily chart. Source: TradingViewThe bulls will next try to extend the recovery to the 50-day SMA (102.51) and later to the downtrend line. This remains the key level to keep an eye on because a break above it could indicate that the bears are losing their grip. The index may then rise to the stiff overhead resistance at 106.
On the downside, the bears will have to sink and sustain the price below 100.82 to establish their supremacy. The index could then slide to 99.57. A break below this support could signal the resumption of the downtrend.
Bitcoin price analysis
Bitcoin dropped below the 50-day SMA ($29,442) on July 30, indicating that the bears are trying to take control. However, the long tail on the day’s candlestick shows buying near the horizontal support at $28,861.
BTC/USDT daily chart. Source: TradingViewThe downsloping 20-day EMA ($29,624) and the RSI below 44 suggest that bears have a slight edge. Any attempt to start a relief rally could face selling at the 20-day EMA. If the price turns down from this resistance and breaks below $28,861, it could start a decline to $27,500 and then to $26,000.
If bulls want to prevent the fall, they will have to thrust the price above the 20-day EMA. The BTC/USDT pair could first rise to $29,500 and then to the $31,500 to $32,400 resistance zone.
Ether price analysis
Ether (ETH) has been trading between the moving averages for the past few days, indicating indecision among the bulls and the bears about the next directional move.
ETH/USDT daily chart. Source: TradingViewGenerally, tight ranges are followed by a range breakout that starts the next leg of the trending move. If the price plunges below the 50-day SMA ($1,859), it will indicate that bears have overpowered the bulls. That may start a downward move toward $1,700.
Instead, if the price turns up and closes above the 20-day EMA, it will signal the start of a short-term up-move. The ETH/USDT pair could first rise to $1,929 and thereafter attempt a rally to the psychological resistance at $2,000.
XRP price analysis
XRP (XRP) has been consolidating inside a large range between $0.67 and $0.85. Although the bulls successfully defended the support, they have failed to start a strong recovery.
XRP/USDT daily chart. Source: TradingViewThe gradually rising 20-day EMA ($0.69) and the RSI in the positive territory indicate that the bulls have a slight edge. If buyers overcome the barrier at $0.75, the XRP/USDT pair may start a relief rally to the resistance at $0.85.
Contrarily, if the price turns down and dives below the 20-day EMA, it will suggest that every minor rise is being sold into. The pair could then retest the support at $0.69. If this support crumbles, the pair may extend the decline to the breakout level of $0.56.
BNB price analysis
BNB (BNB) continues to trade inside the symmetrical triangle pattern, indicating indecision among the bulls and the bears.
BNB/USDT daily chart. Source: TradingViewThe flattish moving averages and the RSI near the midpoint do not give a clear advantage either to the bulls or the bears. If the price sustains above the moving averages, the BNB/USDT pair could rise to the resistance line. A break and close above the triangle could propel the price to $265.
On the other hand, if the price breaks below the moving averages, it will suggest that bears are trying to pull the pair to the support line. If this support cracks, the pair may plunge to $220.
Cardano price analysis
Cardano (ADA) rose above the 20-day EMA ($0.31) on July 28 but the recovery lacks momentum. This suggests that demand dries up at higher levels.
ADA/USDT daily chart. Source: TradingViewIf the price skids back below the 20-day EMA, the ADA/USDT pair could consolidate inside a tight range between $0.30 and $0.32 for some time. Buyers will have to kick the price above $0.32 to start an up-move to $0.34 and subsequently to $0.38.
Contrarily, if the price continues lower and plummets below the 50-day SMA ($0.29), it may trap several aggressive bulls. That may start a rush to the exit, resulting in a deeper correction to $0.28 and then to $0.26.
Related: Bitcoin volume hits lowest since early 2021 amid fear $25K may return
Dogecoin price analysis
Dogecoin (DOGE) is facing selling just above the $0.08 level but a minor positive is that the bulls have not ceded ground to the bears. This suggests that the buyers expect another leg higher.
DOGE/USDT daily chart. Source: TradingViewThe upsloping 20-day EMA ($0.07) and the RSI in the positive territory indicate that the bulls have the upper hand. If the price turns up from the 20-day EMA, the bulls will again attempt to drive the DOGE/USDT pair above the overhead resistance. If they succeed, the pair may start its northward march to $0.10 and eventually to $0.11.
Alternatively, if the price turns down and breaks below the 20-day EMA, it will suggest that the bulls are losing their grip. The pair may then slide to the breakout level at $0.07.
Solana price analysis
Solana (SOL) is trying to find support at the 20-day EMA ($24.14) but the bulls are struggling to sustain the rebound. This suggests that the bears have not given up.
SOL/USDT daily chart. Source: TradingViewIf the price cracks and maintains below the 20-day EMA, the SOL/USDT pair may slide to $22.30. This remains the key short-term support to watch out for. If the price rebounds off this level, the pair may consolidate between $22.30 and $27.12 for some time. The flattening 20-day EMA and the RSI near the midpoint also suggest a range formation in the near term.
A break and close above $27.12 will signal that bulls are back in the driver’s seat. The pair may then rally to $32.13. On the downside, a break below $22.30 could pull the pair to the 50-day SMA ($20.71).
Litecoin price analysis
Buyers pushed Litecoin (LTC) above the 20-day EMA ($92) on July 29 but they could not clear the hurdle at $97.
LTC/USDT daily chart. Source: TradingViewThe flattish 20-day EMA and the RSI just below the midpoint indicate the possibility of a range formation. Buyers purchased the dip on July 30 as seen from the long tail on the candlestick but they failed to build upon the strength on July 31. This suggests that bears are aggressively defending the $97 level.
If the price tumbles below the 50-day SMA ($91), the LTC/USDT pair could descend to $87. A strong bounce off this level may keep the pair range-bound for a few days. Buyers will have to propel the price above $97 to open the doors for a rally to $106.
This article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision.
