In November 2024, Bitcoin (BTC) surpassed the $90,000 milestone, marking another historic achievement since the bull market of 2017.
This milestone has sparked widespread discussions about whether this signals the dawn of a new bull market. This article analyzes the driving forces behind BTC’s recent surge and its future potential through on-chain data, market environment, and historical trends.
On-Chain Data Reveals Solid Support
On-chain data offers valuable insights into Bitcoin’s market behavior. November 2024 data highlights robust activity underpinning BTC’s price rally:
1.1 Growth in Active Addresses
Data from Glassnode shows that daily active addresses reached nearly 1.5 million in November, comparable to the peak levels seen during the 2021 bull market. This indicates heightened market participation, particularly with retail investors returning to the fold.
1.2 Significant Increase in Transaction Fees
Transaction fees on the Bitcoin network, a direct reflection of demand and activity, have risen significantly. Average fees increased by over 30% in November, climbing from $3.20 to $4.30 per transaction. This suggests heightened on-chain activity and broader network utilization.
1.3 Decline in Long-Term Holder Sell Pressure
HODL Waves data reveals that Bitcoin held for over a year now accounts for 68% of total supply, a three-year high. This indicates strong confidence among long-term holders, reducing the risk of substantial sell-offs that could suppress price momentum.
External Market Drivers
2.1 Impact of Federal Reserve Policy
The Federal Reserve’s 25-basis-point rate cut in September 2024 significantly improved market liquidity and boosted risk-on sentiment. Bitcoin, often referred to as “digital gold,” has become an attractive asset for both wealth preservation and growth. Following the rate cut, BTC’s price rose by more than 15% within two months.
2.2 Bitcoin Spot ETFs
The approval of Bitcoin spot ETFs has further legitimized the asset within traditional financial markets. According to Bloomberg, the total assets under management (AUM) for Bitcoin spot ETFs surpassed $10 billion in November 2024, providing substantial inflows into the market and strengthening price support.
2.3 Geopolitical Uncertainty
Ongoing geopolitical tensions, such as instability in the Middle East and persistent global inflationary pressures, have made Bitcoin a favored asset for diversification. Recent data shows that approximately 12% of new capital entering the market in the past two months flowed into Bitcoin.
Historical Trends: Resurgence of Bull Market Indicators
Historical analysis reveals several recurring bull market signals in BTC’s journey to $90,000:
3.1 The “Halving Effect”
Bitcoin undergoes a halving every four years, with the next event expected in April 2024. Historically, BTC has shown significant price appreciation during the six months before and 12 months after halving events.
3.2 Bull Market Metrics
The Market Value to Realized Value (MVRV) ratio, a key indicator of market sentiment, currently sits at 2.5. This aligns with mid-cycle levels in previous bull markets, suggesting further upward potential while cautioning against potential overheating.
3.3 Hash Rate Hits Record High
Bitcoin’s hash rate reached an all-time high of 550 EH/s in November 2024. This metric reflects miner confidence and network security. Historically, rising hash rates have been a precursor to bull market momentum.
Risks and Future Outlook
While Bitcoin’s climb past $90,000 is a cause for celebration, potential risks remain:
Regulatory Uncertainty: The direction of regulatory policies in the U.S. and Europe, particularly concerning DeFi and stablecoins, could indirectly impact Bitcoin’s market dynamics.
Overheating Risk: FOMO could lead to speculative excesses, increasing the likelihood of short-term corrections.
Looking ahead, Bitcoin’s trajectory will depend on:
Sustained growth in ETF adoption;
Continued strength in on-chain metrics;
Global macroeconomic conditions and liquidity trends.
Conclusion
Bitcoin’s surge past $90,000 is a pivotal moment for the crypto market. Analysis of on-chain data, external factors, and historical trends underscores the multiple forces propelling this rally. Despite potential risks, Bitcoin remains a compelling decentralized asset with enduring appeal and immense growth potential over the long term.
