Bitcoin faced renewed pressure after failing to reclaim the $99,000 resistance level, triggering a market-wide selloff, according to QCP Capital’s latest market update. The leading crypto by market cap fell to a new daily low of $95,600, marking a three-day losing streak and an uncertain outlook for the broader crypto market.
QCP Crypto Market Update: Bitcoin Struggles Amid BERA Listing and Regulatory Shifts
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QCP Notes BERA Listing on Binance Draws Liquidity
A key event influencing the market was the listing of BERA on Binance. QCP Capital reported that BERA surged to a high of $15.50 before stabilizing around the $7.60 range. At press time at 12:30 p.m. ET, BERA is exchanging hands for $7.91 per unit. The listing attracted significant liquidity, pulling capital away from other altcoins which essentially contributed to the downturn in crypto prices.
Additionally, according to data collected by Defillama, Enso processed over $3.1 billion in onchain volume for Berachain’s launch. The blockchain shortcuts protocol Enso’s infrastructure played a key role in routing liquidity during the pre-launch campaign, according to a statement and decentralized finance data shared with Bitcoin.com News.
Regulatory Developments Impacting Market Sentiment
Beyond market movements, regulatory shifts also made headlines. QCP analysts noted that the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is reportedly reducing the size of its crypto enforcement unit. This development is expected to pave the way for a new crypto task force, potentially fostering a more constructive relationship between the SEC and the industry.
Simultaneously, QCP said the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) is reviewing its guidelines to potentially allow U.S. banks to engage in crypto-related activities, such as custody services and tokenized deposits, without requiring prior regulatory approval. QCP highlighted that such regulatory changes going forward could easily impact institutional adoption and influence market sentiment.
Current Bitcoin Market Outlook and Derivatives Activity
Looking ahead, QCP Capital noted increased interest in bitcoin options. The firm reported strong demand for put options, specifically those expiring on Feb. 28, 2025, with a strike price of $80,000, and those expiring on Feb. 21, 2025, with a strike price of $90,000. Despite this, QCP noted that market skew continues to favor call options, indicating underlying bullish sentiment remains intact.
As the market takes in the recently released non-farm payroll report, QCP Capital emphasized that traders remain cautious amid macroeconomic uncertainty. The latest jobs report revealed that U.S. employment expanded by 143,000 in Jan., nudging the unemployment rate down to 4%. While bitcoin’s price action remains volatile, liquidity shifts, regulatory changes, and derivatives positioning continue to shape market sentiment.
