BNB (BNB), the native token of the Binance crypto exchange, is under threat of undergoing a significant price correction in the coming weeks, based on a mix of technical and fundamental indicators.
BNB triangle breakdown continues
From a technical perspective, BNB has entered the breakdown stage of its multi-month ascending triangle pattern, a trend continuation indicator. The breakdown could last until the price reaches the level that comes to be at the length equal to the triangle's maximum height.
In other words, BNB's ascending triangle breakdown target is near $170, down about 30% from the current price levels, as shown below. The BNB/USD pair could drop to the said level by January 2023.
BNBUSD three-day price chart featuring ascending triangle breakdown. Source: TradingViewFor now, BNB's breakdown move appears to be halting near $222, which has served as a strong support level in recent history, including the declines witnessed in the aftermath of the Terra (LUNA) collapse in May 2022.
BNB could retest the $222 as support, based on a rising wedge technical setup forming on the four-hour chart, as shown below.
BNB/USD 4H price chart featuring rising wedge breakdown setup. Source: TradingViewBNB shorts gain momentum
The bearish technical setup for BNB gets further cues from an increasing number of short positions.
Notably, the BNB's price decline witnessed in recent days has coincided with a rise in its open interest (OI), which reached over $415 millio on Dec. 18, its highest level since November 2021. A rising OI and falling price suggest that traders have been opening new short positions in the BNB market.
BNB/USD daily price chart versus aggregate open interest. Source: TradingViewWick, an options trader-cum-analyst, said BNB could be in "big trouble" if Bitcoin (BTC) falls more. The daily correlation coefficient between BNB and BTC has been mostly positive throughout their history.
"First target is $197," he tweeted.
Binance insolvency fears drive exchange withdrawals
From a fundamental perspective, BNB looks weaker due to its parent platform Binance's mounting legal issues. Binance could face potential criminal charges concerning money laundering and sanctions violations.
Related: Binance.US set to acquire Voyager Digital assets for $1B
In addition, the FTX debacle also created skepticism among investors toward Binance. Many speculate that, like FTX, Binance may have used BNB as collateral for loans. While Binance has denied such rumors, its clarification has done little to help BNB snap its downtrend.
BNB/USD daily price chart. Source: TradingViewMoreover, the growing uncertainty prompted customers to withdraw $3.6 billion worth of cryptocurrencies in a week, according to data revealed by Nansen on Dec. 13. Later, the exchange halted withdrawals of USD Coin (USDC), a stablecoin backed by its rivals Circle and Coinbase, which exacerbated rumors that it might become insolvent.
Bitcoin balance on Binance. Source: GlassnodeOn Dec. 14, Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao downplayed insolvency risks by noting that the exchange had experienced bigger withdrawals during the Terra and FTX crashes, adding that their ability to meet the withdrawal requests points toward healthy "stress tests."
"Now deposits are coming back in," Zhao said.
This article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision.
