The commencement of the Mt Gox Repayment process has sparked significant instability in the Bitcoin market, creating a sense of uncertainty. Nonetheless, analysts still perceive Bitcoin as a long-term investment option to counter the weakening of fiat currencies.
The much-anticipated Mt Gox repayments, which began recently, have generated mixed reactions among crypto enthusiasts due to their substantial impact on BTC’s price. While the initial concerns among Bitcoin investors regarding a massive sell-off are diminishing, skepticism continues to pervade the crypto market.
Looking back, the collapse of the crypto exchange in 2014 resulted in a massive loss of 150,000 BTC. Since then, the process of recovery has been arduous, filled with ongoing discussions. Ultimately, the repayment process has commenced, although the timing varies.
According to a recent document from the trustee, Mt. Gox creditors can expect to receive their Bitcoin (BTC) or Bitcoin Cash (BCH) repayments within a range of 14 to 90 days, depending on the chosen crypto exchange. For example, Kraken will take up to three months to process payouts, while Bitbank and SBI VC Trade will complete them within two weeks.
The purpose of this significant payout schedule for Bitcoin and Bitcoin Cash is to mitigate the risk of a substantial price collapse, a fear that has gripped crypto investors. However, the total amount being distributed, estimated to be around $2.71 billion worth of BTC, is substantial enough to cause unease in the market.
At the time of writing, BTC is currently trading at $56,874.25, representing a 7.72% decrease in price over the past week. In response to the news about Mt Gox, Bitcoin experienced a minor downward surge, with its price hovering just below the $54,000 level. This led investors to liquidate their assets, with a total value exceeding $665 million across various exchanges. This event is reminiscent of the volatility witnessed during the FTX collapse.
However, the price has since rebounded above the crucial support level of $56,000, indicating that the initial concerns among investors have gradually faded. Furthermore, the fear and greed index, a key sentiment indicator, also reflected this anxiety, dropping from a neutral 44 to a fearful 29 within 24 hours.
Despite the immediate turbulence, some analysts remain optimistic about Bitcoin’s long-term price trajectory. As previously reported, Chris Wood, Chief Strategist at Jefferies Investment Bank, highlighted the potential advantages of Bitcoin in the face of a weakening US dollar.
Wood encouraged investors to view Bitcoin as a long-term hedge against the devaluation of traditional currencies, rather than a short-term speculative asset. This perspective aligns with the broader narrative of Bitcoin’s growing adoption as a mainstream investment vehicle.
Wood noted that the allocation to Bitcoin was introduced because it represents a legitimate alternative for risk-averse capital seeking a store of value, given the mounting evidence over the past two decades of currency debasement policies in the G7 world.
In summary, the Mt Gox repayment plan has injected uncertainty into the crypto market. Although the initial fears of a sell-off appear to be diminishing, the staggered payout schedule and ongoing volatility suggest continued risks for investors.