New trends in finance, especially in digital assets, are forcing even the most conservative institutions, such as central banks, to reassess their reserve-management approaches. A recent remark by the head of the Czech National Bank, in which he allowed for the possibility of including Bitcoin in strategic reserves, is a notable development, reflecting an evolution in views on cryptocurrencies.

There is a rational core to this, despite the proposal seeming paradoxical at first glance, and it lies in basic asset-management principles. Central banks, tasked with ensuring financial stability, have traditionally followed conservative strategies. However, as the CNB governor rightly noted, looking to the future and adapting to a changing landscape is equally important. Analysis conducted by the Czech central bank showed that even a small allocation to Bitcoin —1% of a portfolio— can, statistically, improve returns while maintaining a normal risk profile.

A key factor behind this effect is Bitcoin's low correlation with traditional financial assets, such as equities, bonds, or gold. In periods of market uncertainty, when traditional markets decline, Bitcoin has demonstrated the potential to behave differently, thereby enhancing overall portfolio diversification and, over time, reducing portfolio volatility. This characteristic makes it an attractive tool for hedging and optimization.

Of course, Bitcoin's risks cannot be ignored, including high volatility and the possibility of large price swings, up to total loss of value. However, as the CNB governor observed, similar risks exist for other, more traditional assets. The risk-management strategy here is not to avoid innovation, but to allocate capital wisely and diversify.

The Czech central bank's decision to launch a two-year pilot portfolio including Bitcoin underscores a pragmatic approach. This will allow a practical assessment of the claimed benefits, and reveal potential risks under real market conditions.

Trading recommendations:

Regarding Bitcoin's technical picture, buyers are currently targeting a return to $77,700, which opens a direct route to $79,100, and from there to $80,900. The most distant target is the high near $83,100, breaching which would signal attempts to return to a bullish market. In case of a decline, I expect buyers at $76,300. A drop below that area could quickly push BTC toward $75,000. The furthest target there would be around $73,100.

Regarding Ethereum's technical picture, a clear consolidation above $2,353 opens a direct route to $2,394. The most distant target is the high near $2,459, breaching which would indicate strengthening bullish sentiment and a return of buyer interest. In case of a decline, I expect buyers at $2,301. A return of the instrument below that area could quickly send ETH toward $2,245. The furthest target there would be around $2,162.

What we see on the chart:

- Red lines indicate support and resistance levels where either a price slowdown or active growth is expected;

- Green lines indicate the 50-day moving average;

- Blue lines indicate the 100-day moving average;

- Light green lines indicate the 200-day moving average.

A crossover, or a price test of moving averages, typically either halts the move or sparks fresh market momentum.