Markets on Edge as Bulls Retreat

23.10.25 01:28 AM By Stormrake

To receive the Morning Note in your inbox, subscribe here: https://stormrake.substack.com/
It’s tense. The bulls are spooked as the bears look to capitalise on the failed breakout rally. Investor sentiment remains shaky, with many still hesitant to re-enter. The past 72 hours have seen aggressive liquidations with little genuine spot activity. Price action has largely been manipulated to flush out overleveraged positions, which continue to dominate the market while sidelined spot holders stay out amid ongoing fear and uncertainty.

The current sentiment is fearful. It briefly dipped into extreme fear yesterday, with the Fear & Greed Index hitting 25, before ticking up slightly to 27 today, even as Bitcoin slipped lower over the past 24 hours. That decline dealt another blow to the bulls, resulting in a lower low and further strengthening the bears’ grip on the market.

While investors remain cautious on Bitcoin, gold has posted its third consecutive red day, extending its pullback to nearly 7% from its all-time high as profit-taking accelerates. Over the last two days, gold has shed $2.5 trillion in market cap, roughly equivalent to Bitcoin’s entire market cap, marking its worst 48-hour period since 2013. But this profit-taking is not flowing into crypto or other risk-on assets. Both the S&P 500 and Nasdaq also closed red, reflecting broad risk aversion across markets.

With the US government shutdown still in effect, the Bureau of Labor Statistics has been unable to publish key macro data, including unemployment figures. However, an exception has been made for this Friday, when CPI inflation data is set to be released just four days ahead of the Federal Reserve’s interest rate decision on the 29th. This print will be critical, giving the Fed a fresh data point instead of relying on outdated figures from September. Expect volatility tomorrow night, as markets have been running data-blind for weeks.

Stormrake Spotlight: Hyperliquid (HYPE) ($36.62)

HYPE gained nearly 2.5% yesterday, attempting to set a double bottom and form a bullish ‘W’ pattern. The bulls are trying to establish a base while the bears still hold short-term control, but without managing to drive the price significantly lower. If Bitcoin can regain upward momentum, this setup could play out favourably.

BTC/USD Key Levels and Price Action:

Bitcoin has broken below its recent higher low, printing a fresh lower low and failing to reclaim bullish market structure. With the bears firmly in control, $104K is the next key support to watch. Bulls would need to reclaim $109.5K to flip momentum, but that will not be an easy feat.

BTC Total ETF Flows for 22 Oct: $ - 175.0 million

(ETF flow data is sourced from https://farside.co.uk/btc/ and reflects figures at the time of writing.)
To receive the Morning Note in your inbox, subscribe here: https://stormrake.substack.com/

*All prices are denominated in USD unless stated otherwise*

Written by Alexandar Artis

Create a brokerage account today

No Advice Warning 

The information in this newsletter is general only. It should not be taken as constituting professional advice from the author - Stormrake PTY LTD.
Stormrake is not a financial adviser and does not provide financial product advice. You should consider seeking independent legal, financial, taxation or other advice to check how the information relates to your unique circumstances. Stormrake is not liable for any loss caused, whether due to negligence or otherwise arising from the use of, or reliance on, the information provided directly or indirectly, by this newsletter.
 

Disclaimer 

All statements made in this newsletter are made in good faith and we believe they are accurate and reliable. Stormrake does not give any warranty as to the accuracy, reliability or completeness of information that is contained here, except insofar as any liability under statute cannot be excluded. Stormrake, its directors, employees and their representatives do not accept any liability for any error or omission in this newsletter or for any resulting loss or damage suffered by the recipient or any other person. Unless otherwise specified, copyright of information provided in this newsletter is owned by Stormrake. You may not alter or modify this information in any way, including the removal of this copyright notice.

Copyright © 2024 Stormrake Pty Ltd, All rights reserved

Stormrake