LTC/USD is likely to break above $200 and target recent highs near $250
Litecoin (LTC) has spiked by more than 11% in the past 24 hours, reaching intraday highs of $196. The LTC/USD pair is bouncing higher a day after it was revealed that Grayscale Investments purchased 174,000 LTC in February.
As per the data, the purchase accounted for nearly 80% of all mined LTC in the month. Grayscale Litecoin Trust has increased its holdings in assets under management to $244.5 million worth of LTC.
The fundamental signal has added to an improving technical picture, with the short-term move likely to see Litecoin’s price break above $200 again. If it does, bulls could target highs near $250. On the contrary, a strong rejection could send prices plummeting towards $176.
Litecoin price outlook
LTC/USD has traded higher on the day as bulls push for more gains after breaking above the 50-day simple moving average at $176. The upside also includes a break above the horizontal resistance line at $181 and $189, the latter hurdle marked by the 0.382 Fibonacci retracement level of the decline from $247 to lows of $153.
At the moment, bulls are battling selling pressure near the 100 SMA ($198), which is also flanked by the 0.5 Fib level ($200). If buyers make it above these hurdles, they are likely to reclaim $211 (0.618 Fib level) and $227 (0.786 Fib level).
The 4-hour chart has the MACD line looking to increase above the signal line. The RSI is also seeking an upward flip above 60, which could accelerate LTC’s uptrend if bulls take over fully. A fresh rally above $200 will therefore push LTC/USD towards $250, with short-term targets extending to $280 and $300.
On the downside, failure to take charge above $200 will expose bulls to renewed bearish pressure. If this scenario unfolds, a significant drop would see LTC prices retreat towards the main support area near $175.
Here we have the 50 SMA located at $176 and the 0.236 Fibonacci retracement level currently just below at $175. The horizontal line near $171 provides the next bearish target, with any more losses likely to extend LTC prices towards $150.