Bitcoin News Today: Bitcoin consolidates in $115,000–$121,000 range amid liquidity shifts and institutional buying

Bitcoin continues to trade within a 18-day consolidation range between $115,000 and $121,000 despite a sharp decline below the $116,000 level following the release of the Federal Reserve’s FOMC minutes and Chair Jerome Powell’s press conference[1]. The event triggered heightened volatility, with traders navigating an environment marked by indecision and liquidity imbalances. A 15-minute candlestick chart displayed long wicks on both ends, signaling market hesitation[1].

Hyblock Capital analysts described the price movement as a liquidity hunt, highlighting that the bid-ask ratio at 10% orderbook depth turned red, increasing the likelihood of price testing the liquidation level at $115,883[1]. The liquidation heatmap for BTC/USDT perpetual contracts on Binance and Bybit shows short liquidations accelerating above $120,000, while longs remain at risk of being liquidated below $115,000[1].

Orderbook data from TRDR further indicates the formation of sell walls at $121,100 and significant buy orders emerging at $111,000[1]. This structural buildup suggests the market is positioning itself for a potential breakout, either to the upside or downside, depending on the prevailing liquidity balance.

On Wednesday, Cointelegraph analysts noted signs of an impending range expansion, citing Bitcoin’s compressed price action and reduced leverage in the futures markets[1]. The narrowing of Bollinger Bands and BTC trading above the 20-day moving average have reinforced traders’ expectations of a bullish breakout[1]. However, the market has instead chosen to target the downside, challenging the optimistic outlook.

Charles Edwards of Capriole Investments highlighted positive developments in the Bitcoin treasury buying activity, noting that more than three companies are buying Bitcoin daily and that the monthly buyer-to-seller ratio has reached 100:1[1]. These buying pressures signal sustained institutional interest, even amid price declines.

Meanwhile, Bitcoin spot ETF inflows have resumed following a $285 million outflow the previous week, with SoSoValue data showing $641.3 million in net inflows since July 23[1]. The White House’s recent crypto report and SEC Chair Paul S. Atkins’ speech outlined a clear framework for the Trump administration and regulators to promote the growth of the crypto sector in the U.S., reinforcing institutional confidence in the asset class[1].

Looking ahead, if sellers continue to dominate, Bitcoin could dip into the $111,000–$115,000 range to absorb long liquidity. A strong bid at $111,000 with high-volume buying could reestablish the range above $116,000. A more favorable outcome for bulls would see both spot and perpetual futures CVD turn positive, with buyers pushing for a close above $120,000 resistance[1].

Source: [1]Bitcoin range chop continues, but a breakout is brewing (https://cointelegraph.com/news/bitcoin-range-chop-continues-but-a-breakout-is-brewing?utm_source=rss_feed&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss_partner_inbound)