The LTC/USD closed at $145.000, after reaching a high of $154.900, and a low of $145.000. LTC/USD continued its bearish streak for the fourth consecutive session, amid the prevailing negative market sentiment and the strength of the US dollar.

The recent announcement from the People’s Bank of China, banning all services related to cryptocurrencies, including trading in crypto derivatives, put additional pressure on the whole cryptocurrency market. Along with all major coins, the leading currency faced pressure and declined, turning the entire market mood negative.

The greenback gained further strength because all of the officials backed the statement that inflation and employment goals were moving towards substantial further progress, that would result in a reduction in asset purchases by the central bank. The strength of the US dollar weighed on the LTC/USD pair, dragging its prices further to the downside, as the two are negatively correlated.

The LTC/USD pair is trading with a bearish bias at 145.19, facing immediate resistance at 146.31. Closing of candles below 146 supports the chances of a selling trend in the LTC/USD pair.

On the lower side, the LTC/USD pair may find immediate support at the 143.16 level, and a bearish breakout at this level would open up additional room for selling, until 139.70 and 134.23.

On the higher side, the downward trendline is extending resistance at the 146.31 level. Thus, a bullish breakout at the 146 level would expose the pair to to resistance levels at 148 and 152. Further towards the upside, the 50 periods SMA (simple moving average) extends resistance at the 155 level. Let’s keep an eye on the 146 level below this, where the LTC/USD may exhibit a selling trend and vice versa. Good luck!