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18.04.2025 09:00 AM
Why Are Markets Frozen and What Are They Waiting For? (There is a possibility of continued Bitcoin and Ethereum consolidation in sideways ranges)
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Today is Good Friday, a day Christians observe worldwide across all denominations. Market activity has noticeably decreased ahead of the Easter holiday, but this isn't the main reason for market participants' current behavior. Let's take a closer look.

The main theme of the trade war has gradually shifted to mutual demands and threats between China and the United States. In essence, the two sides have reached a stalemate. Neither is willing to make concessions, but it seems they will eventually have to seek a compromise. Investors know this, which explains the wait-and-see stance dominating the markets.

Market sentiment has turned mixed by the end of the week, with trade negotiations remaining in focus. Trump announced "major progress" in trade talks with Japan, reaffirming his desire to strike a deal with China. Concerns about tariffs and fresh critical comments from the U.S. president toward Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell—including calls for rate cuts—have only added more uncertainty. On one hand, market participants understand that neither Beijing nor Washington wants to damage their national economies. On the other hand, tensions haven't yet reached their peak. Once a mutually acceptable agreement is reached, strong (and likely positive) market movements should follow.

So why have markets practically frozen?

The answer is straightforward: markets are likely anticipating a trade agreement between the U.S. and China rather than the start of a full-scale conflict. And that agreement could materialize once both parties have finished showcasing their "strength." In this scenario, aggressively pushing asset prices lower is risky—short positions could turn into significant losses. But given the current uncertainty and the unresolved nature of the confrontation, it's also too early and risky to buy. Still, I believe some participants are already quietly accumulating stocks and commodity assets, hoping for a near-term market reversal. In my view, this is a reasonable and justified strategy.

What can we expect today in the markets?

Low activity is likely to persist ahead of Easter. As reflected in the ICE index, the U.S. dollar is expected to consolidate slightly above the 99.00 mark. Major cryptocurrencies are likely to continue trading within narrow, sideways ranges. Gold's rally may pause due to the high likelihood of a U.S.-China agreement—which, if announced, would likely cause gold prices to drop below the $3000 per ounce level. Crude oil, which has seen significant gains amid tensions surrounding Iran, could extend its rally, though that may not happen until the start of next week.

Overall, I remain optimistic about the market outlook. A swift U.S.-China compromise would dramatically shift the landscape across global markets.

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Daily Forecasts:

Bitcoin

The token is consolidating within the 83,024.25–86,045.15 range. A downward correction to the lower boundary is possible, offering a potential buying opportunity with a target rebound toward 86,045.15. The entry level to consider for buying is around 83,201.95.

Ethereum

Ethereum is also consolidating within the 1,560.25–1,663.70 range. It may rise toward the upper boundary of this range. 1,594.18 is a potential buy level to watch.

Pati Gani,
Analytical expert of InstaForex
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