Since the beginning of 2024, India has experienced a surge in demand for cryptocurrencies, leading to significant increases in trading volumes on exchanges. Despite the absence of clear regulations and high taxes on crypto gains, Indians are increasingly embracing the digital asset sector. As anticipation grows for Bitcoin’s upcoming halving in April 2024, the cryptocurrency community in India is closely monitoring the potential impacts on market dynamics and investor behavior.
According to industry experts, including Edul Patel, CEO & Co-founder of Mudrex, the market post-halving is expected to witness a complex interplay of forces. While previous halving events have resulted in price surges followed by corrections, this time Bitcoin has already hit a new all-time high, indicating a possible correction around the halving.
Historically, halving events have triggered bullish cycles, but this year, factors such as institutional demand and Bitcoin’s record high before halving suggest a different market cycle. Patel believes that we are currently in Bitcoin’s fifth market cycle, with each cycle extending beyond its predecessor’s duration. This trend leads him to predict a continued bull market post-halving, potentially pushing Bitcoin’s price to $100,000 by the end of the year.
2024 is set to be the year of Bitcoin ETFs, with the US approving multiple spot ETF products for Bitcoin. This move is expected to further boost Bitcoin’s surge, making investment more accessible and expanding the investor base. The Indian market’s response to the halving is anticipated to mirror the global trend, with reduced supply and increased scarcity enhancing Bitcoin’s appeal to Indian investors and driving further adoption.
Sumit Gupta, co-founder of CoinDCX, also believes that Bitcoin ETFs will play a crucial role in increasing adoption and market activity in India. The arrival of these financial instruments, particularly from institutional investors in the US, is seen as a significant endorsement that could drive legitimacy and encourage more investment and participation in the market.
Rahul Pagidipati, CEO of Zepay, remains optimistic about the growth of the retail sector in the cryptocurrency market following the halving. He expects an increase in market activity, transactions, and volumes in India, supported by reliable exchanges and widespread knowledge dissemination. Pagidipati also anticipates a rise in retail market participation due to potential reforms in the taxation framework, which is currently seen as a deterrent to wider adoption in India.
Overall, the Bitcoin halving event is expected to bring about significant changes in the cryptocurrency market, both globally and in India. With the potential for increased adoption, market activity, and investor participation, the future looks promising for cryptocurrency enthusiasts in India.