Bitcoin News Today: Bitcoin Traders Defend $114,700 as Bearish Momentum Grows

Bitcoin’s price held steady at $115,025 on Aug. 18, 2025, as bullish traders defended the $114,700 psychological level amid a backdrop of increasing bearish momentum [1]. The cryptocurrency’s total market capitalization stood at $2.29 trillion, but intraday volatility remained pronounced, with the 24-hour range stretching from $114,706 to $118,514 and daily trading volume reaching $34.93 billion [1]. Despite this resilience, the price has been unable to sustainably reclaim key resistance levels above $119,000, suggesting a shift in market dynamics.

On the daily chart, Bitcoin recently pulled back from a local high of $124,517, forming a pattern of lower highs that signals growing bearish pressure [1]. The $115,000 level has now become a critical short-term support zone, with the $111,919 region identified as the next immediate historical support should the price break below $115,000 [1]. Traders looking for potential long setups may monitor the $112,000–$113,000 range, especially if accompanied by a surge in volume [1]. However, if the price fails to reclaim the $119,000–$120,000 zone, further declines could accelerate.

The 4-hour chart reflects a clear tilt toward the downside, with a sharp rejection from the $124,517 high leading to a swift drop to $114,706 [1]. Attempts to consolidate near $118,000 were unsuccessful, reinforcing a bearish structure marked by lower highs and lower lows. A failure to reclaim levels above $119,000 confirms the short- to mid-term bearish trend [1].

On the 1-hour chart, Bitcoin’s price action shows signs of indecision. After a strong rejection at $118,626, the price fell to $114,706 and has since consolidated within a narrow range between $114,500 and $115,500 [1]. This consolidation is often a precursor to a breakout, with downside more likely if the $114,500 level gives way on high volume [1]. If the support holds, a limited rebound toward $116,000–$117,000 may occur, though resistance remains strong in that region.

Momentum indicators provide a mixed picture. The RSI at 45, the stochastic oscillator at 35, and the CCI at −38 all suggest a neutral market [1]. However, the momentum oscillator at −1,641 and MACD at 536 issue bearish signals, indicating waning strength. The ADX at 21 confirms a weak trend environment, while the Awesome oscillator remains neutral at 685 [1].

Moving averages reinforce the prevailing bearish pressure. The 10-day to 50-day EMA and SMA are all aligned with negative trends, currently at $117,516 and $118,381, respectively [1]. In contrast, the 100-day and 200-day EMAs and SMAs remain positive, indicating that the long-term bullish structure is still intact. This divergence highlights the tug-of-war between short-term bearish sentiment and long-term bullish fundamentals.

Bitcoin now faces a critical juncture, with the $114,500–$115,000 zone serving as a key battleground for market direction [1]. Buyers may find opportunities in the $112,000–$113,000 range if volume surges, but sellers remain in control below $119,000. A decisive move above $120,000 could shift momentum in favor of bulls, but until that happens, caution is warranted.

Source: [1] Bitcoin.com, https://news.bitcoin.com/bitcoin-price-watch-bulls-defend-114-7k-as-bearish-momentum-builds/