Activity in the cryptocurrency market is gradually increasing amid investors' strong confidence that the key interest rate will not be raised at the upcoming Fed meeting. The market is becoming more positive, which could lead to a strong upward movement in the near future. Yesterday, Bitcoin managed to make an upward leap above the $27k level thanks to growing buying activity.
As the date of the Fed meeting approaches, volatility in the crypto market will continue to rise, so we can expect an increase in such impulsive movements. It's quite likely that BTC will respond to the positive news in advance, and the reaction on September 20th will be minimal. However, the more interesting question is whether Bitcoin can use this positive period to establish a sustainable upward trend.
Tension is Rising
The Fed meeting is already scheduled for tomorrow, so today, on September 19th, the level of volatility in the crypto market will continue to grow by leaps and bounds. According to CME data, 99% of investors are confident that the interest rate will remain at the current level. These surveys, along with statements from analysts at leading U.S. banks, form the basis of positivity in the markets. Recently, JPMorgan reported that the Fed had completed its rate hike cycle, and yesterday, Goldman Sachs analysts assured that the regulator would leave the rate unchanged both this time and in November.
Even without the Fed's decisions, the U.S. dollar feels great, exerting pressure on risky assets, including digital ones. It is reported that net foreign investments in long-term and short-term U.S. Treasury bonds, as well as banking products, amounted to a net inflow of $140.6 billion by the end of July. This is one of the highest figures in the last three years, and the U.S. dollar responded to the news by strengthening close to the 105 level.
At the same time, there are rumors that SEC Chairman Gary Gensler wants to approve one or more BTC spot ETFs and remain the head of the regulatory agency. Despite being rumors, they are supported by Bloomberg's statements about a 75% chance of approving a spot crypto product in the U.S. in October–November. Taken together, these factors have a positive impact on market sentiment and contribute to increased buying activity.
Are Bullish Sentiments Strengthening?
Santiment notes that the outflow of BTC and ETH coins from cryptocurrency platforms has resumed. As of September 19th, long-term investors already control 75.8% of the total BTC volume. In addition, the circulation of USDT has significantly increased, and stablecoin volumes have continued to grow over the past two weeks. This is a positive signal indicating a high probability of another upward period in the cryptocurrency market and for Bitcoin.
CoinShares points out yet another week of outflows from crypto products. The total amount of funds withdrawn over the past week reached $54 million. At the same time, the dominance of BTC has risen above 50% again, indicating a resurgence of buying interest and, consequently, the potential for cryptocurrency price growth in the near future.
BTC/USD Analysis
As of September 19th, daily trading volumes for BTC have increased to $15 billion, which is quite unusual. On September 18th, Bitcoin made a bullish move towards the $27.4k level, but after gathering liquidity, the asset's price returned to the $26.5k–$26.8k range. However, this impulsive movement confirmed the presence of strong buying pressure in the BTC market and significantly increased the likelihood of further movement towards the $27.5k–$28k range.
Among the immediate targets on the way to $28k, it is worth highlighting the $27k–$27.5k range as a key platform for further upward movement. If market positivity continues and is supported by news of the end of the rate hike cycle or approval of a spot ETF on BTC, the range of bullish targets may expand. However, Bitcoin is within a downward trend, and a rapid return of quotes to the $26.5k level confirms the strong bearish positions.
Conclusion
The market has been engulfed by a wave of positivity, supported by growing buying activity and the activation of large capital. In the near future, we can expect a retest of the $27k level and an attempt to move even further. At this stage, it is important to see growing buying volumes since seller pressure will not diminish. Based on the movement from yesterday, we have not seen increasing bullish volumes, so it's still too early to talk about even a local reversal.
