Crypto Markets Cautious as Altcoins Gain Momentum
September 19, 2025
The cryptocurrency market is moving cautiously as traders await fresh catalysts following the Federal Reserve’s recent rate cut. Bitcoin (BTC) has remained in a tight trading range, with $118,000 marking a key resistance level that bulls need to break.
Open interest in BTC futures has climbed to 149,000 BTC, ending a two-month decline. The rise indicates renewed capital entering the futures market, potentially on the bearish side, while the three-month annualized premium remains subdued below 10%.
Smaller tokens are showing notable strength, raising hopes for a broader altcoin season. In the last 24 hours, IMX, NEAR, and HASH each surged over 10%, standing out as the only top-100 coins to achieve double-digit gains.
Timothy Misir, head of research at BRN, advised traders to maintain disciplined risk management.
“Institutional flows and large accumulation activity support the bullish case; record options open interest and dense supply near $118,000 create tangible pinch points. Trade the market as it is: keep position sizes prudent, manage leverage tightly, and use $115,200 as the primary tape guardrail while watching $118,000 for a clear breakout signal,” Misir said.
