Bitcoin Shows Relative Strength Amid Uncertainty – Can BTC Outperform Equities?

bitcoinistPublished on 2025-04-20Last updated on 2025-04-21

Abstract

Bitcoin is on track to close another week below the $90,000 mark, reinforcing the bearish sentiment that has hovered over...

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Bitcoin is on track to close another week below the $90,000 mark, reinforcing the bearish sentiment that has hovered over the market in recent weeks. After facing a prolonged period of volatility and macro-driven uncertainty, Bitcoin continues to trade in a tight range, struggling to reclaim higher ground. The broader market remains cautious as global tensions escalate, particularly between the United States and China. With trade tariffs intensifying and fears of a global recession growing, investors are rotating away from high-risk assets and looking for stability.

However, not all signals are negative. Crypto analyst Daan shared insights on X, highlighting that Bitcoin is steadily grinding higher when measured relative to equities, particularly in the BTC/SPX chart. This relative strength is noteworthy amid ongoing market turmoil and signals that BTC may be showing early signs of resilience.

While February was a rough month for Bitcoin, largely due to its strong January performance ahead of the political cycle, holding up well against major stock indices is a positive indicator. If this trend continues, it may serve as a foundation for recovery—provided that equities don’t suffer another sharp leg down.

Bitcoin Trades Between Key Levels As Relative Strength Builds

Bitcoin is now trading at a critical level, consolidating between the $81,000 support and the $88,000 resistance zone. After weeks of sharp volatility and bearish pressure, bulls are beginning to regain momentum as BTC holds above essential support levels, signaling potential for stabilization.

While global macroeconomic uncertainty continues to dominate headlines, the market is cautiously optimistic. Financial markets remain fragile, and the crypto sector is not immune. Investors are weighing the risks of prolonged geopolitical conflict and inflationary pressures against the long-term appeal of digital assets like Bitcoin.

Despite this complex backdrop, some analysts remain confident in Bitcoin’s resilience. Daan shared an analysis comparing Bitcoin’s performance to US equities using the BTC/SPX chart. The data shows that Bitcoin is steadily grinding higher relative to traditional markets—a promising sign amid the ongoing financial instability.

Bitcoin correlation with the S&P 500 | Source: Daan on X
Bitcoin correlation with the S&P 500 | Source: Daan on X

Daan notes that while Bitcoin had a rough February, that dip followed a strong January rally ahead of the political inauguration. He adds that if Bitcoin continues to hold this relative strength, it could perform well—so long as equities don’t experience another major leg down. As the consolidation phase matures, a breakout in either direction could define the next stage of the cycle.

Technical Details: Holding Above Key Support

Bitcoin is trading at $85,200 after maintaining strength above the 4-hour 200-day moving average (MA) and exponential moving average (EMA), both of which sit around the $84,000 level. This technical support has provided a solid floor over recent sessions, allowing bulls to defend against deeper pullbacks. However, the broader trend remains uncertain, and momentum is beginning to stall just below major resistance.

BTC testing critical levels | Source: BTCUSDT chart on TradingView
BTC testing critical levels | Source: BTCUSDT chart on TradingView

For bulls to confirm a sustained recovery, BTC must reclaim the $90,000 level in the coming days. A breakout above that mark would signal a fresh high and shift the structure toward a more bullish trend. Currently, the $88,500 zone stands as a critical hurdle and needs to be cleared convincingly to open the path higher.

On the flip side, if Bitcoin fails to break above $88,500 soon, bearish pressure may return. A failure to build momentum above this threshold could trigger a renewed selloff, potentially dragging the price back below the $81,000 support level. This would invalidate the short-term recovery narrative and reinforce fears of a deeper correction. For now, the market remains range-bound, with both sides waiting for a decisive move to define direction.

Featured image from Dall-E, chart from TradingView 

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Sebastian's journey into the world of crypto began four years ago, driven by a fascination with the potential of blockchain technology to revolutionize financial systems. His initial exploration focused on understanding the intricacies of various crypto projects, particularly those focused on building innovative financial solutions. Through countless hours of research and learning, Sebastian developed a deep understanding of the underlying technologies, market dynamics, and potential applications of cryptocurrencies. As his knowledge grew, Sebastian felt compelled to share his insights with others. He began actively contributing to online discussions on platforms like X and LinkedIn, focusing on fintech and crypto-related content. His goal was to expose valuable trends and insights to a wider audience, fostering a deeper understanding of the rapidly evolving crypto landscape. Sebastian's contributions quickly gained recognition, and he became a trusted voice in the online crypto community. To further enhance his expertise, Sebastian pursued a UC Berkeley Fintech: Frameworks, Applications, and Strategies certification. This rigorous program equipped him with valuable skills and knowledge regarding Financial Technology, bridging the gap between traditional finance (TradFi) and decentralized finance (DeFi). The certification deepened his understanding of the broader financial landscape and its intersection with blockchain technology. Sebastian's passion for finance and writing is evident in his work. He enjoys delving into financial research, analyzing market trends, and exploring the latest developments in the crypto space. In his spare time, Sebastian can often be found immersed in charts, studying 10-K forms, or engaging in thought-provoking discussions about the future of finance. Sebastian's journey as a crypto analyst and investor has been marked by a relentless pursuit of knowledge and a dedication to sharing his insights. His ability to navigate the complex world of crypto, combined with his passion for financial research and communication, makes him a valuable asset to the industry. As the crypto landscape continues to evolve, Sebastian remains at the forefront, providing valuable insights and contributing to the growth of this revolutionary technology.

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