Experts Discuss Navigating Crypto Market Instability and Future Economic Challenges

Market Mavericks is trader Gareth Soloway’s platform to speak to Bloomberg Intelligence Senior Commodity Strategist Mike McGlone and the Wolf of All Streets, Investor Scott Melker and pick their brains about the markets.

Related: ASIC Commissioner Unveils Strategy To Tackle Blockchain’s Regulatory Trilemma

In the most recent episode Mike McGlone expresses concern about the current market dynamics, pointing to economic indicators that suggest potential instability ahead. He highlights the unusual situation where retail sales, adjusted for inflation, are negative alongside historically high federal funds rates—a scenario he finds troubling for the market’s outlook.

McGlone notes that volatility is potentially bottoming out at levels not seen since 2007, a period he recalls personally from his trading days. This observation leads him to anticipate a mean reversion in the market, suggesting that the current low volatility could precede significant market adjustments.

It’s just one of those things that’s happening and I feel very concerned that this is going to have some mean reversion.

Mike McGlone

Melker Says Crypto Correction Likely Done for Now

Turning to crypto, Melker observes Bitcoin’s close ties to market dynamics and Federal Reserve decisions, noting its recent reactions to FOMC announcements. He highlights the speculative frenzy in cryptocurrencies, such as the recent memecoin craze which included unchecked investments on social media where people just bet large sums on a whim.

He also raises concerns about market overvaluation and bearish trends, noting erratic fund movements in Bitcoin ETFs—yet sees strength in overall cryptocurrency markets through sustained net inflows amid corrections. But, he is not in a hurry to see new highs any time soon:

I would love to just go sideways for six months. I would love it because it would be more healthy than flying straight up.

Scott Melker

Will We See a Broader Economic Recession?

Meanwhile, McGlone expresses significant concern about the potential for a recession, citing a continuous rally in the markets as a deceptive “suck em in” phenomenon that often precedes sharp declines.

He anticipates a necessary market correction, suggesting it could trigger or coincide with the onset of a recession, as indicated by weakening retail sales and diesel demand. McGlone advises investors to remain agile, exploring strategic trades to navigate the looming downturn effectively.

But we gotta get through that test from a trader standpoint which is what our focus is. That’s why I think you have to be nimble.

Mike McGlone

Highlighting broader economic challenges, McGlone points to the growing US deficit and lessons learned from past excess liquidity and inflation, which hit average-income individuals the hardest.

Related: CNA Weekly Roundup

He suggests that the era of easy Federal Reserve policies might be reevaluated due to these inflationary repercussions. McGlone also touches on the rapid increase in national debt, implying that political considerations might influence fiscal policy ahead of the upcoming US election, potentially impacting investments in gold and Bitcoin.

McGlone ultimately sees the political response to the economic situation—particularly the national debt—as critical, with younger generations likely to bear the long-term consequences. He contrasts the interest in digital currencies like Bitcoin with traditional assets like gold, suggesting a shift towards digital in the context of a changing economic landscape.