icon
icon
icon
icon
$300 Off
$300 Off

News /

Articles /

5 Must-Know Risks Before You Buy Bitcoin in May

Edwin FosterFriday, May 2, 2025 6:37 am ET
3min read

Bitcoin’s ascent toward $100,000 in early 2025 has drawn renewed investor interest, but its trajectory in May hinges on navigating a complex web of risks. From regulatory shifts to macroeconomic pressures, the crypto market’s volatility demands careful scrutiny. Below are the five critical risks investors must assess before committing capital.

Ask Aime: Is Bitcoin's $100,000 surge imminent, or are regulatory hurdles holding it back?

1. Regulatory Uncertainty and SEC Policy Shifts

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has emerged as a pivotal player in shaping Bitcoin’s regulatory landscape. While the SEC recently dismissed lawsuits against exchanges like coinbase and halted enforcement actions against Binance, its newly formed Crypto Task Force is redefining compliance standards.

The Task Force’s focus on distinguishing securities from non-securities under the Howey test could indirectly affect Bitcoin’s classification. Though Bitcoin is generally treated as a commodity, any regulatory misstep by adjacent markets—such as stablecoins under the proposed GENIUS Act—could spill over. Investors must monitor SEC rulings on meme coins and crypto lending platforms, as these decisions may expose systemic vulnerabilities.

2. Federal Reserve Policy and Inflationary Pressures

The Fed’s stubborn adherence to a 2% inflation target—historically extreme given the Core PCE’s average of 3.24% since 1960—has delayed rate cuts. As of May 2025, traders priced a 63% chance of a 25-basis-point cut by June, but the Fed faces a “lose-lose” dilemma: cutting rates risks reigniting inflation, while inaction could deepen the looming recession.

Bitcoin’s performance is inversely tied to real yields. If the Fed fails to pivot, risk assets like Bitcoin could face prolonged headwinds. Analysts warn that stagflation—a mix of high inflation and rising unemployment—could erode Bitcoin’s appeal as a store of value.

3. Market Volatility and Leverage-Driven Corrections

Despite Bitcoin’s recovery to $95,000 in April, May has seen a pullback to $58,000 amid profit-taking. On-chain metrics reveal mixed signals: whale accumulation (entities holding >10,000 BTC) hit near-maximum scores, yet Bitcoin’s Net Unrealized Profit/Loss (NUPL) index fell to 0.42, signaling widespread holder losses.

The dominance of institutional inflows—$3.3 billion weekly via ETFs like BlackRock’s iShares—adds another layer of risk. A sudden outflow, triggered by macroeconomic shocks or ETF liquidity concerns, could amplify volatility.

4. Geopolitical Risks and Trade Policy Uncertainty

President Trump’s tariffs have exacerbated inflationary pressures, with Q1 GDP growth falling below expectations. A “Trumpcession” now ranks as the base-case scenario, with unemployment and trade imbalances worsening.

Geopolitical tensions, particularly in energy and tech sectors, could disrupt Bitcoin’s narrative as a “global reserve asset.” The U.S. Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, announced in Q1 2025, may offer stability but also politicizes the asset, introducing new regulatory risks.

5. Technical and On-Chain Weakness

Despite bullish fundamentals, Bitcoin’s technical indicators are flashing caution. Its Relative Strength Index (RSI) dipped to 42—near oversold territory—while the 50-day moving average ($60,500) acts as critical resistance.

Ethereum’s resilience (gas fees up 12% to 25 Gwei) contrasts with Bitcoin’s retail hesitancy, as active addresses fell 3.2% to 620,000. A prolonged failure to breach $60,000 could trigger a deeper correction, especially if the Fed’s June meeting delivers a hawkish surprise.

Conclusion: Navigating the Crossroads

Bitcoin’s May outlook is a high-wire act between institutional optimism and systemic risks. While ETF inflows and whale activity suggest long-term bullishness, the Fed’s inflation fixation, regulatory ambiguity, and geopolitical instability pose clear threats.

Key Data Points to Monitor:
- Fed Rate Cut Probability (June 2025): A cut below 50% could trigger a 15–20% Bitcoin selloff.
- SEC Crypto Task Force Updates: A securities ruling impacting stablecoins could spill over to Bitcoin’s ecosystem.
- On-Chain Metrics: A sustained RSI below 50 or a drop in whale accumulation scores would signal bearish momentum.

Investors should consider dollar-cost averaging, hedging via inverse ETFs, or waiting for a Fed pivot before committing significant capital. Bitcoin’s May performance will test whether its narrative as a decentralized hedge holds—or if old risks outweigh new opportunities.

In the words of the market: “Don’t fight the Fed, but don’t ignore the whales.”

This analysis synthesizes regulatory, macroeconomic, and technical data to underscore the critical risks shaping Bitcoin’s May trajectory. Investors must weigh these factors carefully—or risk being swept by the next wave of volatility.

Comments

Add a public comment...
Post
User avatar and name identifying the post author
tRICKSTER1620
05/02
$COIN trying to break out of cup and handle on daily chart looks promising but might not happen
0
Reply
User avatar and name identifying the post author
RiPFrozone
05/02
$COIN EOD
0
Reply
User avatar and name identifying the post author
Swing_Fickle
05/02
Rosenblatt has upgraded COINbase Global ( $COIN ) to Buy with a target price of 260.
0
Reply
User avatar and name identifying the post author
BlackBlood4567
05/02
BTC's RSI says "caution," but I'm HODLing
0
Reply
User avatar and name identifying the post author
2strange4things
05/02
$TSLA and $AAPL got me covered for quick flips. Bitcoin's my long-term bet, but careful there.
0
Reply
User avatar and name identifying the post author
LividAd4250
05/02
Market whispers say: "Don't fight the Fed, but don't ignore the whales." Sage advice or just noise? 🤷♂️
0
Reply
User avatar and name identifying the post author
LordFaquaad
05/02
@LividAd4250 Whale wisdom: "Buy the dip, but watch the Fed's lips." 🐳📉
0
Reply
User avatar and name identifying the post author
Quiet_Maybe7304
05/02
Fed's inflation game is wild. Rate cuts or no cuts, Bitcoin might feel the pinch. 🤔
0
Reply
User avatar and name identifying the post author
Regime_Change
05/02
Fed's inflation game: watch out below
0
Reply
User avatar and name identifying the post author
ttforum
05/02
Fed's inflation game is strong, but rates might drop soon. Cut probability below 50% could hit Bitcoin hard.
0
Reply
User avatar and name identifying the post author
Argothaught
05/02
SEC's Crypto Task Force = Wildcard Risk
0
Reply
User avatar and name identifying the post author
kenton143
05/02
On-chain metrics say "watch out," but I'm holding strong. DCA and patience are my allies.
0
Reply
User avatar and name identifying the post author
Hoshigetsu
05/02
@kenton143 How long you planning to hold? Curious if you've got a target in mind or just riding it out.
0
Reply
User avatar and name identifying the post author
_Ukey_
05/02
Geopolitical drama: just noise or market mover?
0
Reply
User avatar and name identifying the post author
mrdebro44
05/02
Stacking sats, hedging with $TSLA dividends
0
Reply
User avatar and name identifying the post author
Frozen_turtle__
05/02
Geopolitical drama? More like a circus. I'm eyeing Bitcoin's resilience but staying cautious.
0
Reply
User avatar and name identifying the post author
NEYO8uw11qgD0J
05/02
Regulatory vibes feel sketchy, SEC's Crypto Task Force might shake things up. Watch those stablecoin rulings.
0
Reply
Disclaimer: The news articles available on this platform are generated in whole or in part by artificial intelligence and may not have been reviewed or fact checked by human editors. While we make reasonable efforts to ensure the quality and accuracy of the content, we make no representations or warranties, express or implied, as to the truthfulness, reliability, completeness, or timeliness of any information provided. It is your sole responsibility to independently verify any facts, statements, or claims prior to acting upon them. Ainvest Fintech Inc expressly disclaims all liability for any loss, damage, or harm arising from the use of or reliance on AI-generated content, including but not limited to direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages.
You Can Understand News Better with AI.
Whats the News impact on stock market?
Its impact is
fork
logo
AInvest
Aime Coplilot
Invest Smarter With AI Power.
Open App