In the current trading week, Bitcoin gained strong upside momentum, retested $28,500, and stayed firm above the $27,000 mark. Its rally was driven by a local decline in the US dollar amid deteriorating labor market conditions. These factors in turn raised expectations of an extended pause in the Fed's aggressive monetary policy, thus supporting risky assets, including BTC.

As of October 5th, Bitcoin and other digital assets have every chance of extending gains. However, investors are waiting for clearer and more comprehensive data that will provide a complete picture of what is happening. Therefore, we are witnessing a relative calm in the crypto market, which may soon turn into upside momentum.

US labor market as Achilles heel of Fed policy

In addition to on-chain data, a significant decline in the labor market is another factor suggesting a potential rally in the crypto market. Yesterday, investors were caught off guard when ADP reported that private job growth totaled 89,000, well below the 154,000 estimate. This indicator is not decisive in shaping a perception of the labor market but indicates a significant deterioration and a looming recession in the US economy.

Also, the ADP raised hopes of an extended pause in interest rate hikes. Moreover, today's data on jobless claims may heighten these expectations. US initial claims for unemployment benefits are expected to edge up to 211,000 versus 204,000 a week earlier. If the indicator meets the consensus estimate, risky assets will continue to recover, with the US dollar entering a deeper downward correction.

Analysts at Morgan Stanley note that the negative impact of a stronger dollar on the profits of American companies is becoming more apparent. Meanwhile, thirty-year Treasury yields crossed above 5% for the first time since the 2008 crisis, indicating high risks for the US economy. At the same time, the US national debt grew by a whopping $275 billion in just one day, setting a new record and triggering a spike in the price of credit default swaps.

BTC/USD Analysis

Yesterday, Bitcoin recovered slightly and approached the psychological level of $28,000. Today, BTC/USD is trading near the $27,600 mark, with daily trading volumes at around $10.5 billion. Trading activity is rather subdued as market participants are awaiting more comprehensive data confirming weakness in the labor market.

Today's report on jobless claims may provoke a rise in risky assets, including Bitcoin. If data meets forecasts, BTC/USD will most likely advance to the area of $28,000-$28,200. Technical indicators do not show significant changes compared to yesterday, which also confirms a lull in the cryptocurrency market.

At the same time, an active accumulation period continues. The number of BTC coins on exchanges is 2.9 million and continues to decrease. Meanwhile, the volume of Bitcoin held by long-term traders amounts to over 15 million coins. In conjunction with a constant rise in stablecoin volumes on exchanges, this may lead to another strong rally in BTC.

Conclusion

The current situation is extremely favorable to Bitcoin. The asset is being supported by macroeconomic statistics indicating a weakening US economy and a pause in the Fed's aggressive policy until at least December 2023. Thus, the most likely short-term scenario suggests a rise to $30,000. At the same time, more data is needed, indicating the formation of a stable upward movement with increasing volumes, independent of news factors.