Bitcoin Price Could Massively Crash Like In May 2021, Warns Fund Manager

As a researcher with extensive experience in the crypto market, I find Andrew Kang’s analysis on the potential Bitcoin crash reminiscent of May 2021 a cause for concern. The current market dynamics, including high leveraged positions and extended periods without significant price corrections, bear striking resemblances to the conditions that precipitated the last crash.


The price of Bitcoin has dropped below the significant support point of $60,000, reaching a low of $57,914. Since Tuesday, there’s been a 7% decrease in Bitcoin’s value, adding to the existing downtrend. Lately, investors’ outlook towards Bitcoin has noticeably turned pessimistic.

Is A May 2021-Style Bitcoin Crash Looming?

As a researcher, I’ve come across some troubling similarities between the recent Bitcoin market trends and the events leading up to the May 2021 market crash. Andrew Kang, co-founder of Mechanism Capital, has brought these concerns to light in a meticulously crafted analysis he recently shared via X (formerly Twitter). In his assessment, Kang underscores the importance of acknowledging and understanding the current market dynamics that may be overlooked by some.

Kang pointed out that many market players are underestimating the importance of a possible four-month slide in Bitcoin. A comparable scenario exists with the Bitcoin and altcoin market’s correction from the parabolic rally seen in May 2021.

As a researcher, I’ve observed striking resemblances in market conditions, specifically concerning leveraged positions surpassing $50 billion. It’s essential to note that this amount does not encompass the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME), which holds a greater magnitude. Furthermore, in the present situation, we have experienced a more extended period of range-bound trading, spanning 18 weeks as opposed to the previous 13. Moreover, extreme market corrections, or washouts, have yet to emerge during this phase, although they were prevalent in the 2020-2021 bull market.

Kang revised his Bitcoin price predictions, indicating a steeper descent than previously expected: “My earlier assumptions of a low $50ks were probably too lenient, and we may experience a more drastic drop to around $40ks.” He cautioned that this decline could inflict substantial harm on the market, potentially leading to several months of price stability and a downward trend before any potential recovery.

During a conversation with renowned macro and crypto analyst Alex Krüger, the topic delved into the depths of open interest (OI) in the derivatives market, an essential element for interpreting market sentiment and identifying directional tendencies. Krüger emphasized, “A significant portion of that open interest isn’t aligned with clear directional bets,” indicating a more intricate and nuanced market dynamic beyond simple long and short positions.

In response to the query, Kang explained that each component of OI consists of one long position and one short position. He clarified, “I have a long position in every unit of OI, accompanied by a corresponding short position. This setup holds true even with basis trade shorts on the short end. To answer your question directly, yes, there are fewer directional shorts involved.”

Krüger asked for information regarding the market maker positions, to which Kang replied, “Rest assured, the number of market makers maintaining delta-neutral long perpetual contracts and short spot positions with funding/borrowing costs on both sides for a net negative carry trade in the Open Interest is quite limited.”

What Happened In May 2021?

The concern among experts about the possibility of another Bitcoin price crash following the one in May 2021 is growing deeper. In April 2021, Bitcoin reached a peak price of approximately $64,000. However, by the end of June, its value had dropped by around 56%, making for a significant loss. Various reasons contributed to this crash. Regulatory actions in China and concerns over Bitcoin’s environmental impact from figures like Tesla CEO Elon Musk were among these factors. These developments led to widespread panic selling from both individual and institutional investors, ultimately causing the price drop.

Reflecting on the events of May 2021, it’s clear now that investor sentiment underwent a dramatic change in a short period of time. This shift was triggered by external shocks and intensified by the substantial amount of leverage in the market. As an analyst, I’m observing similar conditions emerging today. The high levels of debt and prolonged price stability are raising concerns that another severe downturn could be imminent.

At press time, BTC traded at $58,736.

Bitcoin Price Could Massively Crash Like In May 2021, Warns Fund Manager

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2024-07-04 11:10