Why do you need to analyse the cryptocurrency market?
Cryptocurrency market analysis is not just a hobby for enthusiasts, it is a key skill for investors and traders. It helps to assess the potential for rising or falling prices, identify optimal moments to buy or sell, and even forecast future trends. Without in-depth analysis, the risks of investing in cryptocurrencies can be overwhelming.
Technical analysis
Technical analysis is a method of valuing assets in financial markets by analysing statistical data from trading and market activity. It is based on prices and transaction volumes. Technical analysts often use charts to visualise data and identify patterns and trends.
Cryptocurrency charts
Cryptocurrency charts are one of the key tools for analysing and predicting price movements. They provide information that can be extremely useful for both beginners and experienced traders. Here are some of the most popular types of charts:
Line charts: This type of chart is the simplest and easiest to understand. Line charts are constructed by connecting consecutive closing prices over a period of time.
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Estimation of the overall trend
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Suitable for long-term analysis
Candlestick charts (Candlesticks): Candlestick charts show opening, closing, maximum and minimum prices for a selected period.
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Study of short-term and long-term trends
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Volatility analysis
Indicators and oscillators
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Moving average (MA) indicators: The average of the price over a certain period of time.
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Relative Strength Index (RSI): An oscillator that measures the speed and change in price movements.
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MACD: An indicator used to find trend reversal points.
Patterns and figures in technical analysis
When analysing price charts, experienced traders and analysts often come across repeating shapes or “patterns” that can give indications of future price movements. Here are some of the most popular patterns and shapes in technical analysis:
1. Double top and double bottom
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Double top: This is an “M” shape on the chart and is typically interpreted as a signal of an impending reversal of an uptrend.
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Double Bottom: Looks like a “W” and may indicate a possible reversal of the downtrend.
2. triangles
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Ascending Triangle: Usually considered a Bull pattern and occurs when the resistance (horizontal) and support (ascending) lines converge.
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Downward Triangle: This is a bearish pattern where a horizontal support line and a descending resistance line converge.
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Symmetrical Triangle: The support and resistance lines converge at an angle, and the pattern can lead to either an upward or downward movement.
3. Flags and pennants (garlands)
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Flag: A small rectangle that is tilted against the preceding trend. It is a corrective pattern and usually precedes the continuation of the main trend.
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Pennant (garland): A small symmetrical triangle that forms after a strong price movement also portends a continuation of the original trend.
4. Head and shoulders
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Head and shoulders: The pattern is formed by three tops, where the middle one (head) is higher than the other two (shoulders). It is considered to be a harbinger of an uptrend reversal.
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Reverse Head and Shoulders: Similar to the regular pattern, but inverted. It is a sign of a potential reversal of the downtrend.
5. Round bottom and top
These patterns have a long, gradual transition from a downtrend to an uptrend (or vice versa), forming a semicircular shape.
Technical analysis strategies
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Trading on news
Although technical analysis frequently focuses on charts, news can cause sudden movements that are visible on a chart.
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Trend following
Trading in the direction of the main trend is often considered the safest strategy.
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Countertrend trading
This strategy involves entering a position against the current trend in anticipation of its reversal.
The importance of discipline and psychology
Technical analysis requires strict discipline and emotional control. One of the biggest risks is overconfidence and neglecting risk management.
Technical analysis is not just a collection of indicators and charts; rather, it is an art that requires an understanding of market psychology, discipline, and experience. It offers tools for a systematic approach to trading and, if applied correctly, can significantly increase the chances of success in the highly volatile cryptocurrency market.
Fundamental analysis
Fundamental analysis is a method of evaluating an asset to determine its intrinsic, or “true”, value. This type of analysis focuses on examining various economic, financial and other qualifying indicators. The basic idea is to determine whether an asset is undervalued or overvalued relative to its true value.
The main components of fundamental analysis:
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Economic Indicators: Includes macroeconomic data such as inflation rates, interest rates, economic growth of a country, etc.
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Company Statements: Analysing company statements helps in identifying the financial health of the company. It includes income statements, balance sheet, cash flow statement, etc.
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Industry factors: It is important to understand the current state of the industry in which the company or asset operates and its prospects.
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Quality of management: The reliability and competence of the management team can have a significant impact on the success of the company.
In the context of cryptocurrencies, fundamental analysis can also include:
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Technological Aspects: Learning the basics of technology such as blockchain and how a particular cryptocurrency uses this technology.
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Regulatory Factors: Understanding the current regulatory climate for cryptocurrencies in different countries.
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Project roadmap and achievements: What milestones the project has already passed and what are its plans for the future.
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Community: A strong and active community can play a key role in the success of a cryptocurrency project.
Fundamental analysis is a powerful tool that can provide traders and investors with an in-depth understanding of an asset. However, it is best used in conjunction with other analysis techniques, such as technical analysis, to get the most complete picture of the market situation.
Major errors in the analysis
Market analysis is a complex and multifaceted process, and even experienced investors can make mistakes. Here are a few of the most common ones:
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Confirmation of their own biases
Many traders tend to look for information that confirms their own views or predictions. This can lead to underestimating data that may contradict their point of view. -
Overcomplicating the analysis
Sometimes traders use too many indicators and models trying to make a perfect forecast. This can lead to analysis paralysis, when decision-making becomes almost impossible. -
Ignoring context
Focusing on specific data or trends without considering the broad economic and market context can give a distorted view of an asset's prospects. -
Lack of long-term perspective
Especially for fundamental analysis, it is important to take a long-term view. Reacting too often to short-term fluctuations can lead to a loss in the long term. -
Emotional decisions
Trading and investing should be devoid of emotions. However, not everyone knows how to control their feelings, especially during periods of high volatility. -
Lack of or failure to follow a strategy Lack of a
well-defined trading strategy or deviation from it regularly leads to unsuccessful investment decisions. -
Underestimating risks
Many traders, especially beginners, often do not pay proper attention to risk management, which can lead to serious financial losses. -
Neglecting fundamental analysis or technical analysis
Both types of analysis have advantages and disadvantages, and the best results are often achieved by combining them.
To avoid these and other mistakes, traders and investors need to approach market analysis in a systematic and disciplined manner. It is important to constantly improve your skills, keep abreast of the latest news and data, and be able to adapt to changing market conditions.
Analysing the cryptocurrency market is a complex but necessary process. By mastering this skill, you can significantly reduce risks and increase the chances of successful investment.
FAQ
📌 Where to start if you are new to analysing the cryptocurrency market?
- Learn the basic principles of blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies. - Familiarise yourself with the basic principles of technical and fundamental analysis. - Start with small investments and practice on demo accounts.
📌 What tools will you need to analyse?
There are many tools available, but the main ones are price charts, indicators (e.g. MACD, RSI) and analysis platforms (e.g. TradingView).
📌 Where can you learn to analyse the cryptocurrency market?
Many resources are available online, including courses, books, webinars, articles, and forums.
📌 Are there any risks involved?
The cryptocurrency market is characterised by high volatility and risks. Investing in cryptocurrencies can lead to loss of capital.