What Bitcoin over $50k could mean for US dollar

Data current as of 2/12/2024

Key points

• Bitcoin jumps to $50,000: (0:56)
• US dollar still near recent highs against the euro: (2:13)
• BTC often moves inversely to USD: (3:12)
• USD less correlated with BTC in 2024: (4:52)
• 58% of EUR/USD traders are long: (9:39)

Does higher Bitcoin mean higher US dollar?

Bitcoin (BTC), the flagship cryptocurrency, has made an impressive rebound, soaring to $50,000 after experiencing a dip below $40,000 in January. This surge has brought Bitcoin prices to two-year highs, showcasing the volatile nature of cryptocurrency trading. The price movements of Bitcoin have often been an area of interest for traders looking to capitalize on the digital asset's fluctuations and for its relationship to movements in other assets.

Simultaneously, the US dollar (USD), which is a benchmark for global currency strength, has remained near recent highs against the euro (EUR) - EUR/USD trading below 1.0800 amid shifting expectations for US interest rates. Traditionally, the strength of the US dollar has been a factor to consider for Bitcoin traders, as BTC often moves inversely to the USD. During periods when the dollar has weakened, Bitcoin has frequently seen its value increase, and vice versa.

However, in the year 2024, this inverse relationship between the US dollar and Bitcoin appears to be less pronounced. While there is still a negative correlation observed, the two seem to be charting more independent courses. This development could suggest a maturing market for Bitcoin, where its price is less influenced by the traditional currency markets and more by its own fundamentals and investor sentiment.

Interestingly, despite the strength of the US dollar, current trading sentiment shows that 58% of EUR/USD traders at IG are taking long positions, indicating a belief that the euro will strengthen against the dollar or that the dollar will pull back from its highs. This sentiment reflects a complex interplay of economic indicators, policy decisions, and market psychology that currency traders must navigate.

For traders, these market dynamics present both opportunities and challenges. The decoupling of Bitcoin from the US dollar could mean that traditional currency analysis might become less predictive for Bitcoin's movements, urging traders to adopt new strategies and consider a broader range of factors when trading cryptocurrencies.

How to trade US dollar

1. Open an account to get started, or practice on a demo account
2. Choose your forex trading platform
3. Open, monitor, and close positions on USD pairs

Trading forex requires an account with a forex broker like IG. Many traders watch major forex pairs like GBP/USD and USD/JPY for potential opportunities based on economic events such as inflation releases or interest rate decisions. Economic events can produce more volatility for forex pairs, which can mean greater potential profits and losses as risks can increase at these times.

You can help develop your forex trading strategies using resources like IG’s YouTube channel. Our curated playlists can help you stay up to date on current markets and understanding key terms. Once your strategy is developed, you can follow the above steps to opening an account and getting started trading forex.

Your profit or loss is calculated according to your full position size. Leverage will magnify both your profits and losses. It’s important to manage your risks carefully as losses can exceed your deposit. Ensure you understand the risks and benefits associated with trading leveraged products before you start trading with them. Trade using money you’re comfortable losing.