Bitcoin, Ethereum Flip Bullish Despite Negative GDP Numbers

The top two largest cryptocurrencies by market cap, Bitcoin and Ethereum, appear to have entered a new uptrend despite news that the U.S. economy has entered a so-called “technical recession.”

Bitcoin and Ethereum Head Higher

Bitcoin and Ethereum have enjoyed significant gains over the last few hours after the latest U.S. GDP numbers.

The total cryptocurrency market capitalization increased by roughly $40 billion following reports that the U.S. economy contracted for the second consecutive quarter. The Bureau of Economic Analysis affirmed that the U.S. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) fell 0.9% at an annualized pace.

With the U.S. economy now technically in a recession, Bitcoin appears to be taking the spotlight. The flagship cryptocurrency gained more than 900 points in market value since the GDP numbers were released. Now that Bitcoin’s bullish momentum has been affirmed, the top cryptocurrency is showing early signs of wanting to move higher.

The Tom DeMark (TD) Sequential presented a sell signal on the four-hour chart. Although the bearish signal anticipates a retracement to $23,260 or even $22,690, BTC shows strength as it edges closer to $24,000. A four-hour candlestick close above this crucial area of resistance could invalidate the short-term pessimistic outlook and result in an upswing to $25,500.

Likewise, Ethereum enjoyed a nearly 7% price increase in the past six hours. The upswing allowed ETH to slice through an important area or resistance at $1,650. Now, the TD’s risk line at $1,750 appears to be the next hurdle that ETH must overcome to advance further.

A decisive four-hour candlestick close above $1,750 could generate enough bullish momentum to push Ethereum to $1,830 or even $1,900. Still, ETH must hold above $1,680 to validate this bullish thesis. Failing to do so could trigger a spike in profit-taking that pushes Ethereum back to $1,600 or even $1,550.

While macroeconomic conditions continue to deteriorate, market participants may believe that the latest U.S. GDP numbers have been priced in. Negative growth may also force the Fed to switch to a more easing monetary policy sooner than anticipated. Even with so much uncertainty in the global economy, it appears that crypto assets are finding the strength to recover in the short term.

Disclosure: At the time of writing, the author of this feature owned BTC and ETH.