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Price analysis 9/22: BTC, ETH, BNB, XRP, ADA, DOGE, SOL, TON, DOT, MATIC
Bitcoin and the major altcoins are down from their weekly highs, but the bulls are trying to form a higher bottom, indicating buying on dips.
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Bitcoin and the major altcoins are down from their weekly highs, but the bulls are trying to form a higher bottom, indicating buying on dips.
The Federal Reserve did not hike interest rates in its meeting on Sep. 20 but hinted that rates could remain higher for longer. At the post-meeting press conference, Fed Chair Jerome Powell cautioned that “the process of getting inflation sustainably down to 2% has a long way to go.”
This possible scenario may have triggered the sell-off in the United States equities markets and also in the cryptocurrency space. Risk assets typically tend to underperform in a high-interest-rate environment.
While the S&P 500 is down more than 2% and the Nasdaq about 3% this week, Bitcoin (BTC) has a remained flat.
The altcoins have been unable to hold on to their intra-week gains due to a risk-off sentiment. Still, an encouraging sign is that Bitcoin and the major altcoins have largely managed to stay above their crucial support levels. The price action over the next few days is critical as it is likely to witness a tough battle between the bulls and the bears.
Will bears seize the initiative and drag Bitcoin and the major altcoins lower or could buyers regroup and push prices higher? Let’s study the charts of the top 10 cryptocurrencies to find out.
Bitcoin price analysis
Bitcoin has been trading between the moving averages for the past few days. This tight-range trading indicates indecision between the bulls and the bears about the next directional move.
Buyers are attempting to keep the BTC/USDT pair above the 20-day exponential moving average ($26,520). If the price rises from the current level, the bulls will again try to overcome the barrier at the 50-day simple moving average ($27,050). If they are successful, the pair could surge to the next resistance at $28,143.
In contrast, if the price plummets below the 20-day EMA, it will suggest that the bears are back in command. That will increase the possibility of a retest of the pivotal support at $24,800.
Ether price analysis
Ether (ETH) turned down from the 20-day EMA ($1,628) on Sep. 20, indicating that the bears continue to sell on rallies.
The bears will try to solidify their position further by pulling the price below the vital support at $1,530. If they manage to do that, the ETH/USDT pair could start a downward move toward the next major support at $1,368.
Contrarily, if the price turns up from the current level or rebounds off $1,530, it will suggest that lower levels are attracting buyers. The first sign of strength will be a break and close above $1,670. That will clear the path for a potential rally to $1,745.
BNB price analysis
BNB (BNB) turned down from $220 on Sep. 18 and broke below the 20-day EMA ($214) on Sep. 20. This suggests that the price may consolidate between $203 and $220 for a while longer.
If the price sustains below the 20-day EMA, the bears will make one more attempt to tug the BNB/USDT pair below the crucial support at $203. If they succeed, it will indicate the resumption of the downtrend. The next support on the downside is at $183.
On the upside, the bulls will have to clear the hurdle at the 50-day SMA ($222) to signal a comeback. The pair could first rally to $235 and subsequently attempt an up-move to $250. This level is expected to attract sellers.
XRP price analysis
XRP (XRP) rose above the 20-day EMA ($0.51) on Sep. 19 but the bulls are struggling to sustain the recovery.
The price has again dropped to the 20-day EMA, which is an important support to keep an eye on. If the price turns up from the current level, it will suggest a change in sentiment from selling on rallies to buying on dips. The bulls will then again attempt to kick the price above the overhead zone between the 50-day SMA ($0.53) and $0.56.
On the contrary, if the 20-day EMA gives way, the pair could fall to the uptrend line. This is an important level for the bulls to defend because a break below it will invalidate the bullish pattern.
Cardano price analysis
Cardano’s (ADA) price action of the past few days has formed a descending triangle pattern, which will complete on a break and close below $0.24.
The gradually downsloping moving averages suggest advantage to bears but the bullish divergence on the RSI indicates that the bearish momentum may be slowing down. Buyers will have to quickly shove the price above the downtrend line to prevent a breakdown. If they do that, the ADA/USDT pair will be well-positioned for a relief rally to $0.30.
If the price continues lower and breaks below $0.24, it will complete the bearish setup and set the stage for a fall to $0.22 and eventually to the pattern target of $0.19.
Dogecoin price analysis
Dogecoin (DOGE) turned down from the 20-day EMA ($0.06) on Sep. 21, indicating that the bears are aggressively defending the level.
However, the bears have not been able to strengthen their position by yanking the price below the formidable support at $0.06. This suggests that the bulls are buying on dips. The DOGE/USDT pair may swing between $0.06 and the 20-day EMA for some more time.
If bulls kick the price above the 20-day EMA, it will indicate the start of a sustained recovery to the 50-day SMA ($0.07) and then to $0.08. On the downside, if the $0.06 level cracks, the pair risks a potential decline to $0.055.
Solana price analysis
Solana (SOL) rose above the 20-day EMA ($19.57) on Sep. 18 but the bulls could not push the price to the 50-day SMA ($21.01). This suggests that the bears are active at higher levels.
The 20-day EMA is witnessing a tough battle between the bulls and the bears. If the sellers sustain the price below the 20-day EMA, the SOL/USDT pair could slump to $18.50 and thereafter to the next support at $17.33.
Related: Bitcoin blasts past its 2021 all-time high in Argentina, but hyperinflation outpaces gains
On the other hand, if the price sustains above the 20-day EMA, it will suggest that the bulls have flipped the level into support. That could increase the possibility of a retest of the overhead resistance zone between the 50-day SMA and $22.30.
Toncoin price analysis
Toncoin’s (TON) failure to rise above $2.59 on Sep. 19 and 20 may have tempted short-term traders to book profits.
The immediate support on the downside is at $2.25. If this level is violated, the TON/USDT pair could drop to the 20-day EMA ($2.08). If bulls want to retain the positive sentiment, they must defend this level. A strong rebound off the 20-day EMA could keep the pair stuck inside the large range between $2.07 and $2.59.
Another possibility is that the price snaps back from $2.25. If that happens, it will suggest that traders are not waiting for a deeper correction to buy. That will increase the likelihood of a break above $2.59. The pair may then jump to $2.90.
Polkadot price analysis
The bears are fiercely guarding the breakdown level of $4.22 in Polkadot (DOT), indicating that every minor relief rally is being sold into.
The downsloping moving averages and the RSI in the negative territory indicate that the bears have the upper hand. If the price continues lower and skids below $3.90, it will suggest the start of the next leg of the downtrend toward $3.58.
A minor advantage in favor of the bulls is that the RSI is showing early signs of forming a positive divergence. This suggests that the selling pressure could be reducing. A break and close above $4.22 will open the doors for a possible rally to the downtrend line.
Polygon price analysis
Polygon (MATIC) closed above the 20-day EMA ($0.54) on Sep. 19 but the bulls failed to build upon the momentum. This suggests that demand dries up at higher levels.
The bears pulled the price back below the 20-day EMA on Sep. 21. The sellers will try to sink the pair below the strong support at $0.49. If they manage to do that, the MATIC/USDT pair could resume its downtrend. The next support on the downside is $0.45.
Alternatively, if the price rebounds of the $0.50 support with strength, it will suggest that lower levels are attracting buyers. The bulls will have to propel and sustain the price above $0.55 to signal the start of a stronger recovery.
This article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision.
sp 500 nasdaq equities cryptocurrency bitcoin btc xrp bnb
Uncategorized
One city held a mass passport-getting event
A New Orleans congressman organized a way for people to apply for their passports en masse.
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While the number of Americans who do not have a passport has dropped steadily from more than 80% in 1990 to just over 50% now, a lack of knowledge around passport requirements still keeps a significant portion of the population away from international travel.
Over the four years that passed since the start of covid-19, passport offices have also been dealing with significant backlog due to the high numbers of people who were looking to get a passport post-pandemic.
Related: Here is why it is (still) taking forever to get a passport
To deal with these concurrent issues, the U.S. State Department recently held a mass passport-getting event in the city of New Orleans. Called the "Passport Acceptance Event," the gathering was held at a local auditorium and invited residents of Louisiana’s 2nd Congressional District to complete a passport application on-site with the help of staff and government workers.
'Come apply for your passport, no appointment is required'
"Hey #LA02," Rep. Troy A. Carter Sr. (D-LA), whose office co-hosted the event alongside the city of New Orleans, wrote to his followers on Instagram (META) . "My office is providing passport services at our #PassportAcceptance event. Come apply for your passport, no appointment is required."
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The event was held on March 14 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. While it was designed for those who are already eligible for U.S. citizenship rather than as a way to help non-citizens with immigration questions, it helped those completing the application for the first time fill out forms and make sure they have the photographs and identity documents they need. The passport offices in New Orleans where one would normally have to bring already-completed forms have also been dealing with lines and would require one to book spots weeks in advance.
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According to Carter Sr.'s communications team, those who submitted their passport application at the event also received expedited processing of two to three weeks (according to the State Department's website, times for regular processing are currently six to eight weeks).
While Carter Sr.'s office has not released the numbers of people who applied for a passport on March 14, photos from the event show that many took advantage of the opportunity to apply for a passport in a group setting and get expedited processing.
Every couple of months, a new ranking agency puts together a list of the most and least powerful passports in the world based on factors such as visa-free travel and opportunities for cross-border business.
In January, global citizenship and financial advisory firm Arton Capital identified United Arab Emirates as having the most powerful passport in 2024. While the United States topped the list of one such ranking in 2014, worsening relations with a number of countries as well as stricter immigration rules even as other countries have taken strides to create opportunities for investors and digital nomads caused the American passport to slip in recent years.
A UAE passport grants holders visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 180 of the world’s 198 countries (this calculation includes disputed territories such as Kosovo and Western Sahara) while Americans currently have the same access to 151 countries.
stocks pandemic covid-19 grantsUncategorized
Fast-food chain closes restaurants after Chapter 11 bankruptcy
Several major fast-food chains recently have struggled to keep restaurants open.
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Competition in the fast-food space has been brutal as operators deal with inflation, consumers who are worried about the economy and their jobs and, in recent months, the falling cost of eating at home.
Add in that many fast-food chains took on more debt during the covid pandemic and that labor costs are rising, and you have a perfect storm of problems.
It's a situation where Restaurant Brands International (QSR) has suffered as much as any company.
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Three major Burger King franchise operators filed for bankruptcy in 2023, and the chain saw hundreds of stores close. It also saw multiple Popeyes franchisees move into bankruptcy, with dozens of locations closing.
RBI also stepped in and purchased one of its key franchisees.
"Carrols is the largest Burger King franchisee in the United States today, operating 1,022 Burger King restaurants in 23 states that generated approximately $1.8 billion of system sales during the 12 months ended Sept. 30, 2023," RBI said in a news release. Carrols also owns and operates 60 Popeyes restaurants in six states."
The multichain company made the move after two of its large franchisees, Premier Kings and Meridian, saw multiple locations not purchased when they reached auction after Chapter 11 bankruptcy filings. In that case, RBI bought select locations but allowed others to close.
Image source: Chen Jianli/Xinhua via Getty
Another fast-food chain faces bankruptcy problems
Bojangles may not be as big a name as Burger King or Popeye's, but it's a popular chain with more than 800 restaurants in eight states.
"Bojangles is a Carolina-born restaurant chain specializing in craveable Southern chicken, biscuits and tea made fresh daily from real recipes, and with a friendly smile," the chain says on its website. "Founded in 1977 as a single location in Charlotte, our beloved brand continues to grow nationwide."
Like RBI, Bojangles uses a franchise model, which makes it dependent on the financial health of its operators. The company ultimately saw all its Maryland locations close due to the financial situation of one of its franchisees.
Unlike. RBI, Bojangles is not public — it was taken private by Durational Capital Management LP and Jordan Co. in 2018 — which means the company does not disclose its financial information to the public.
That makes it hard to know whether overall softness for the brand contributed to the chain seeing its five Maryland locations after a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing.
Bojangles has a messy bankruptcy situation
Even though the locations still appear on the Bojangles website, they have been shuttered since late 2023. The locations were operated by Salim Kakakhail and Yavir Akbar Durranni. The partners operated under a variety of LLCs, including ABS Network, according to local news channel WUSA9.
The station reported that the owners face a state investigation over complaints of wage theft and fraudulent W2s. In November Durranni and ABS Network filed for bankruptcy in New Jersey, WUSA9 reported.
"Not only do former employees say these men owe them money, WUSA9 learned the former owners owe the state, too, and have over $69,000 in back property taxes."
Former employees also say that the restaurant would regularly purchase fried chicken from Popeyes and Safeway when it ran out in their stores, the station reported.
Bojangles sent the station a comment on the situation.
"The franchisee is no longer in the Bojangles system," the company said. "However, it is important to note in your coverage that franchisees are independent business owners who are licensed to operate a brand but have autonomy over many aspects of their business, including hiring employees and payroll responsibilities."
Kakakhail and Durranni did not respond to multiple requests for comment from WUSA9.
bankruptcy pandemicUncategorized
Industrial Production Increased 0.1% in February
From the Fed: Industrial Production and Capacity Utilization
Industrial production edged up 0.1 percent in February after declining 0.5 percent in January. In February, the output of manufacturing rose 0.8 percent and the index for mining climbed 2.2 p…
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Industrial production edged up 0.1 percent in February after declining 0.5 percent in January. In February, the output of manufacturing rose 0.8 percent and the index for mining climbed 2.2 percent. Both gains partly reflected recoveries from weather-related declines in January. The index for utilities fell 7.5 percent in February because of warmer-than-typical temperatures. At 102.3 percent of its 2017 average, total industrial production in February was 0.2 percent below its year-earlier level. Capacity utilization for the industrial sector remained at 78.3 percent in February, a rate that is 1.3 percentage points below its long-run (1972–2023) average.Click on graph for larger image.
emphasis added
This graph shows Capacity Utilization. This series is up from the record low set in April 2020, and above the level in February 2020 (pre-pandemic).
Capacity utilization at 78.3% is 1.3% below the average from 1972 to 2022. This was below consensus expectations.
Note: y-axis doesn't start at zero to better show the change.
The second graph shows industrial production since 1967.Industrial production increased to 102.3. This is above the pre-pandemic level.
Industrial production was above consensus expectations.
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