Today, the price of Bitcoin, the leading cryptocurrency, fell to an intraday low of $84,019, according to CoinGecko. This sharp decline came amid new threats from the People's Bank of China (PBOC), which promised to strengthen its crackdown on virtual currencies, declaring that cryptocurrency-related activities are considered illegal financial transactions.
Tightening Regulation in China
In its statement, the PBOC focused on "stablecoins"—cryptocurrencies pegged to real assets such as the US dollar. The central bank claims that stablecoins do not meet customer identification and anti-money laundering (AML) requirements. This statement reiterates China's position that virtual currencies are not legal tender.
China has historically taken a strict stance on cryptocurrencies. In 2017, the country banned cryptocurrency exchanges, and in 2021, it banned mining. Authorities also warned of a recent surge in speculative trading, which likely prompted the new warning.
Forecasts and Possible Support Levels
The market situation is causing concern among traders. According to renowned trader Peter Brandt, if Bitcoin's price falls below $70,000, it could enter a support zone that could lead to a price drop to the mid-$40,000s. Brandt also wryly noted that "colleagues" of Strategy CEO Michael Saylor may soon start asking about lifeboats, hinting at possible liquidity issues.
In Conclusion
The return of FUD (fear, uncertainty, and doubt) in China has once again put pressure on the cryptocurrency market, leading to a sharp drop in Bitcoin's price. Investors and traders are closely monitoring the situation, awaiting developments and what measures might be taken to stabilize the market. Amidst uncertainty, it's important to remain vigilant and prepared for potential changes in cryptocurrency prices.