Intermarket analysis
Intermarket Analysis: A Beginner's Guide
Welcome to the world of cryptocurrency trading! You've likely learned about Technical Analysis and Fundamental Analysis, but there's another powerful tool traders use to gain an edge: Intermarket Analysis. This guide will break down what it is, why it's useful, and how you can start using it, even as a complete beginner.
What is Intermarket Analysis?
Imagine you're trying to predict the weather. You wouldn't *just* look at the clouds, right? You'd also look at the wind speed, temperature, humidity, and maybe even what's happening with weather patterns in nearby regions.
Intermarket analysis is similar. It's the study of relationships between different financial markets – not just cryptocurrencies. It's based on the idea that all markets are interconnected. What happens in one market can often give us clues about what might happen in another.
Instead of focusing solely on crypto charts, we look at how other asset classes, like stocks, bonds, commodities (like gold and oil), and currencies, are behaving. This wider view can help you make more informed trading decisions.
Why Use Intermarket Analysis?
- **Confirmation:** If your crypto analysis suggests a price move, intermarket analysis can *confirm* that move is likely.
- **Early Signals:** Sometimes, other markets will signal a potential shift *before* it's visible in crypto.
- **Risk Management:** Understanding how markets correlate can help you manage your risk. For example, if you know crypto tends to fall when stocks fall, you might reduce your crypto holdings during a stock market downturn.
- **Identifying Opportunities:** Disconnects between markets can point to potential trading opportunities.
Key Markets to Watch
Here are some key markets to pay attention to when doing intermarket analysis for crypto:
- **Stock Market (S&P 500, Nasdaq):** Often considered a 'risk-on' asset, like crypto. When stocks are doing well, crypto often does too. Register now
- **US Dollar Index (DXY):** Measures the value of the US dollar relative to other currencies. A stronger dollar can sometimes put downward pressure on crypto (and vice versa).
- **Gold:** Often seen as a 'safe haven' asset. When investors are fearful, they tend to flock to gold, which can sometimes mean selling off riskier assets like crypto.
- **Treasury Bonds (10-Year Treasury Yield):** Bond yields reflect investor confidence. Rising yields can sometimes indicate a stronger economy and less demand for crypto.
- **Oil Prices:** While the connection isn’t always direct, oil price fluctuations can impact overall economic sentiment, which can influence crypto.
- **Volatility Index (VIX):** Also known as the "fear gauge", the VIX measures market expectations of volatility. Higher VIX generally means more fear and can impact crypto.
Common Intermarket Relationships
Here's a table summarizing some common relationships. Keep in mind these aren't rules, just tendencies.
Market 1 | Market 2 | Typical Relationship |
---|---|---|
Stocks (S&P 500) | Bitcoin | Positive Correlation (move in the same direction) |
US Dollar Index (DXY) | Bitcoin | Negative Correlation (move in opposite directions) |
Gold | Bitcoin | Variable – often inverse, but can both rise in times of economic uncertainty |
Treasury Yields | Bitcoin | Generally Inverse – rising yields can pressure crypto |
Another table showing how different market conditions can impact crypto:
Market Condition | Likely Crypto Impact |
---|---|
Strong US Dollar | Potential downward pressure |
Rising Stock Market | Potential upward momentum |
Increased Gold Demand | Potential for crypto consolidation or pullback |
High VIX (Fear) | Potential for crypto sell-off |
Practical Steps to Get Started
1. **Choose Your Markets:** Start with 2-3 markets to monitor. The S&P 500, DXY, and Gold are good starting points. 2. **Find Reliable Data Sources:** Use reputable financial websites like TradingView, Bloomberg, or Yahoo Finance to track these markets. 3. **Look for Divergences:** This is key! A divergence happens when markets *aren't* moving in their typical relationship. For example, if stocks are going up but Bitcoin is going down, that's a divergence and could signal a potential reversal in crypto. 4. **Consider the 'Why':** Don't just see a divergence; try to understand *why* it's happening. Is there a specific news event? A change in economic policy? 5. **Combine with Other Analysis:** Intermarket analysis should *supplement* your Candlestick Patterns, Moving Averages, or other Technical Indicators. Don't rely on it alone. 6. **Paper Trade:** Before risking real money, practice your intermarket analysis skills with a Demo Account on an exchange like Register now or Start trading.
Example Scenario
Let's say you're looking at Bitcoin and the S&P 500. Normally, they move together. However, you notice the S&P 500 is making new highs, but Bitcoin is struggling to break through a resistance level. This is a divergence.
You then read that the US Federal Reserve is hinting at raising interest rates. Higher interest rates typically make stocks more attractive than riskier assets like crypto. This explains the divergence. You might then consider taking profits on some of your Bitcoin holdings or being more cautious about entering new long positions.
Resources and Further Learning
- Correlation Trading: Understanding how to profit from correlated assets.
- Macroeconomics: The study of the overall economy and its impact on markets.
- Risk Management: Protecting your capital.
- Trading Psychology: Managing your emotions.
- Order Book Analysis: Understanding trading volume and liquidity.
- Fibonacci Retracement: Identifying potential support and resistance levels.
- Elliott Wave Theory: Predicting price movements based on patterns.
- Bollinger Bands: Measuring volatility.
- Relative Strength Index (RSI): Identifying overbought and oversold conditions.
- Support and Resistance: Key price levels.
- Join BingX - Exchange for advanced trading.
- Open account - Another exchange option.
- BitMEX - For experienced traders.
Disclaimer
Intermarket analysis is a complex tool and doesn't guarantee profits. Market conditions can change rapidly, and unexpected events can always occur. Always do your own research and manage your risk carefully. This is not financial advice.
Recommended Crypto Exchanges
Exchange | Features | Sign Up |
---|---|---|
Binance | Largest exchange, 500+ coins | Sign Up - Register Now - CashBack 10% SPOT and Futures |
BingX Futures | Copy trading | Join BingX - A lot of bonuses for registration on this exchange |
Start Trading Now
- Register on Binance (Recommended for beginners)
- Try Bybit (For futures trading)
Learn More
Join our Telegram community: @Crypto_futurestrading
⚠️ *Disclaimer: Cryptocurrency trading involves risk. Only invest what you can afford to lose.* ⚠️