QCP Capital has observed a notable recalibration in global market expectations regarding Federal Reserve policy, marked by the 10-year Treasury yield ascending to 4.8%—its highest level since late 2023.

QCP Advises Caution While ‘Shrimp’ Investors Quietly Amass 17,600 Btc Monthly, Defying Market Turbulence

In an adjustment that reflects shifting sentiment, markets now foresee no rate cuts before Oct. 2025. According to QCP Capital analysts, this shift contributed to a 1.5% decline in equity futures and a temporary slide in bitcoin prices below $90,000, though the cryptocurrency later rebounded above $95,000.

On Tuesday, QCP said it forecasts that upcoming data on the Producer Price Index (PPI) and Consumer Price Index (CPI) could challenge conventional expectations, suggesting the persistence of a prolonged high-interest-rate regime. Analysts also point out ongoing speculation around the possibility of additional rate hikes.

As yields push higher, pressures on market durability continue to grow. QCP describes a cautious atmosphere within the cryptocurrency sector, noting bearish signals in bitcoin options activity. Investors are rolling put options to levels below the key $90,000 threshold, reflecting widespread apprehension.

Meanwhile, elevated levels in front-end volatility and the VIX index indicate that financial markets may remain turbulent through January, QCP commented on Tuesday. Despite these headwinds, the firm pointed to opportunities for renewed market optimism as conditions evolve. “Still, there’s hope for a catalyst,” the market update notes.

QCP added:

Reports suggest Trump may sign executive orders on day one, addressing ‘de-banking’ and repealing a contentious crypto accounting policy, which could provide a boost to the market.

Meanwhile, onchain analytics firm Glassnode reveals that smaller bitcoin holders, affectionately termed “Shrimps” (those owning less than 1 BTC), are amassing bitcoin at an extraordinary rate. After a phase of distribution during bitcoin’s previous all-time highs, these investors are now accumulating an impressive 17,600 BTC each month. “The cohort now holds around 1.36M BTC, equivalent to 6.9% of the circulating supply,” Glassnode reported on Monday.

As markets contend with heightened volatility and macroeconomic uncertainties, analysts note that this wave of accumulation by smaller participants reflects both the intricate nature and the opportunities within the cryptocurrency sphere. The dance between climbing yields, fluctuating markets, and shifting investment patterns signals a pivotal juncture for global finance and digital assets. Over the coming weeks, the balance between caution and optimism may shape the trajectory of these multifaceted conditions.

Source: news.bitcoin.com.