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Briefing

Bitcoin’s market maintains a delicate balance following the recent FOMC rate cut, with derivative markets signaling a shift towards more neutral positioning. While spot markets saw mild selling, perpetual futures absorbed this pressure through short squeezes, indicating active speculation. The most critical data point supporting this thesis is Bitcoin trading above the $115.2k cost basis for 95% of its supply, a key level for sustaining demand-side momentum.

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Context

Many investors are wondering about Bitcoin’s true market health and future direction after the recent FOMC meeting and subsequent price movements. Is the market truly stable, or is underlying fragility present? This data helps clarify whether current price levels are sustainable and what factors are driving short-term sentiment.

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Analysis

This analysis focuses on key on-chain and derivative metrics to understand Bitcoin’s post-FOMC market. Perpetual Open Interest (OI) measures the total value of outstanding futures contracts, indicating market leverage and speculative activity. A peak in OI followed by a pullback, as seen from 395k BTC to 380k BTC, suggests that highly leveraged traders were flushed out by volatility. Options Open Interest, which tracks outstanding options contracts, surged to a record 500k BTC, highlighting increased hedging and speculative interest.

When options OI is high, especially around a major expiry like September 26th, it can amplify spot price volatility as market makers adjust their hedges. On-chain, the Supply Quantiles Cost Basis model shows that Bitcoin currently trades above $115.2k, which is the average price at which 95% of the existing supply was acquired. This indicator measures the aggregate cost of coins held by different investor cohorts. When price stays above this level, it signals strong underlying demand and conviction from a large portion of the market, reinforcing upward momentum. A drop below this level, conversely, suggests weakening conviction and potential selling pressure.

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Parameters

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Outlook

The current market structure suggests that Bitcoin’s stability above the $115.2k cost basis is paramount for sustaining its recent demand-driven momentum. If this level holds, it could extend the current upside. However, the record options open interest and the significant September 26th expiry introduce potential for heightened volatility, especially around the $110k max pain point.

A confirming signal to watch is sustained trading volume above $115.2k, indicating strong buyer conviction. A counter-signal would be a decisive break below this level, which could trigger a contraction towards the $105.5k ∞ $115.2k range, signaling renewed selling pressure.

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Verdict

Bitcoin’s market stability is precariously balanced on key on-chain support, with derivatives poised to amplify future price movements.

Signal Acquired from ∞ glassnode.com

Glossary

derivative markets

Definition ∞ Derivative markets are financial arenas where contracts derive their value from an underlying asset, such as cryptocurrencies.

price movements

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options open interest

Definition ∞ Options open interest represents the total number of outstanding options contracts that have not been settled or exercised.

selling pressure

Bitcoin's recent price rebound, fueled by macro optimism, is now challenged by profit-taking and softening demand, signaling market fragility.

open interest

Definition ∞ Open interest quantifies the total number of outstanding derivative contracts, such as futures or options, that have not yet been settled.

options

Definition ∞ Options are financial derivatives that grant the holder the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell an underlying asset at a predetermined price before a specified expiration date.

on-chain support

Bitcoin navigates a delicate post-FOMC landscape, with derivatives activity and a critical on-chain cost basis dictating its immediate future.

fomc meeting

Definition ∞ An FOMC meeting refers to a scheduled gathering of the Federal Open Market Committee, the principal monetary policymaking body of the United States Federal Reserve.

cost basis

Definition ∞ The original purchase price of a digital asset, including any associated fees or commissions.

pressure

Definition ∞ Pressure, in a market context, refers to the forces that influence the price of a digital asset, often indicating a tendency towards upward or downward movement.

stability

Definition ∞ Stability, in the context of digital assets, refers to the relative consistency of an asset's price or a system's operational predictability.