Bitcoin (BTC) Bull Case Strengthens as Dollar Index Plunges to 2-Year Low and Nvidia (NVDA) Hits Record High

According to Andre Dragosch, several key traditional market indicators are strengthening the bullish case for Bitcoin (BTC). Dragosch highlights on X that the U.S. Dollar Index (DXY) falling to its lowest level since March 2022 is "very bullish" for global money supply and Bitcoin. This development comes as the Federal Reserve holds interest rates steady but projects weaker economic growth and higher inflation. Further bolstering the outlook for risk assets, Nvidia (NVDA) shares hit a record high, maintaining a strong 90-day correlation of 0.80 with BTC. Additionally, bond markets are signaling a potential recession with a steepening yield curve, and consumer confidence has dropped to a level that historically precedes an economic downturn. These factors are leading traders to price in Fed rate cuts, with CME's FedWatch tool and interest rate swaps indicating expectations for easing as early as the July meeting.
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The U.S. Federal Reserve concluded its June meeting by holding the benchmark interest rate steady in the 5.25%-5.50% range, a move widely anticipated by financial markets. While the decision itself was expected, the accompanying statement and economic projections revealed a more hawkish tilt. Policymakers signaled a revised outlook, now anticipating only one 50-basis-point rate cut for the remainder of the year, a reduction from the previous forecast. Furthermore, the Fed adjusted its projections to reflect stickier inflation, with Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) now expected to be higher, while simultaneously lowering its GDP growth forecast. This paints a picture of potential stagflation, a challenging environment for both traditional and digital asset markets. Immediately following the announcement, Bitcoin (BTC) showed resilience, trading around $106,531 after briefly touching a 24-hour high of $107,814. The muted reaction suggests the market had largely priced in the Fed's stance, with traders now turning their focus to broader macroeconomic indicators for directional cues.
Macro Tailwinds Bolster Bitcoin's Bullish Case
Despite the Fed's cautious tone, several powerful macroeconomic trends are strengthening the bullish argument for Bitcoin. A key factor is the significant weakening of the U.S. Dollar Index (DXY). The index recently plunged to its lowest level since early 2022, a development that traditionally boosts risk assets. A weaker dollar increases global liquidity and makes alternative stores of value like Bitcoin more attractive. Andre Dragosch, head of research at Bitwise Europe, highlighted this relationship, stating on X that the DXY's low level has "very bullish implications for global money supply growth and bitcoin." This sentiment is amplified by growing expectations, reflected in interest rate swaps pricing in potential easing, that the Fed may be forced to pivot sooner than their projections indicate, especially if economic data continues to soften.
The Nvidia Correlation and Tech Sentiment
Another compelling factor is Bitcoin's strengthening correlation with the high-flying AI chipmaker, Nvidia (NVDA). Nvidia's stock recently surged over 4% to a new record high, continuing a powerful uptrend that began in late 2022, mirroring Bitcoin's own recovery trajectory. The 90-day correlation coefficient between BTC and NVDA stands at a robust 0.80, indicating a strong positive relationship. This suggests that investors are increasingly viewing Bitcoin through the same lens as disruptive technology and AI, bundling it into a broader risk-on allocation. Nvidia's success acts as a bellwether for investor appetite in emerging technologies, and its continued rally provides a significant tailwind for BTC, reinforcing its narrative as a key player in the future of digital innovation.
Recessionary Signals and Shifting Rate Cut Expectations
While tech stocks rally, the bond market is flashing potential warning signs of an economic downturn. The yield on the interest-rate-sensitive two-year Treasury note has fallen, contributing to a steepening of the yield curve when compared to the 10-year yield. This phenomenon, known as a bull steepening, has historically preceded recessions. As wealth advisor Kurt S. Altrichter noted on X, this is a critical signal, suggesting that if the two-year yield breaks significantly lower, it could imply the Fed is losing its grip on the economy. This bond market behavior is corroborated by deteriorating consumer sentiment. The Conference Board's expectations index recently fell to 69, a level that often signals an impending recession. These developments have led traders to increase bets on more aggressive Fed rate cuts later this year, with the CME FedWatch tool showing a growing probability of easing. According to Bloomberg, traders now anticipate a combined 60 basis points of easing over the remaining meetings this year.
Bitcoin Price Action and Key Trading Levels
This complex macroeconomic backdrop is directly influencing Bitcoin's price action. While BTCUSD has seen a minor pullback of around 1.17% over the past 24 hours to trade at $106,531, it remains within a tight range defined by a high of $107,814 and a low of $106,299. Trading volume on the BTC/USDT pair remains moderate. The broader altcoin market presents a mixed picture. Ethereum (ETH) has slightly underperformed Bitcoin, with the ETH/BTC pair falling 0.6% to 0.02291. Solana (SOL) has also faced headwinds, dropping over 2% to $147.97. However, Avalanche (AVAX) has shown notable strength, with the AVAX/BTC pair rallying over 6.7% to 0.0002267. For traders, the key levels to watch for Bitcoin are the recent high near $108,000 as resistance and the $106,000 level as immediate support. A break below this support could see a retest of lower ranges, while a decisive move above resistance, fueled by a weakening dollar and continued risk-on sentiment, could set the stage for the next major leg up.
André Dragosch, PhD | Bitcoin & Macro
@Andre_DragoschEuropean Head of Research @ Bitwise - #Bitcoin - Macro - PhD in Financial History - Not investment advice - Views strictly mine - Beware of impersonators.