Crypto Market on Edge: What Bitcoin and Ethereum’s Calm Before the Storm Means for Your Wallet!
18-Sep-2025
Imagine waking up to check your portfolio and seeing Bitcoin and Ethereum holding steady, but the market feels like it’s on the edge of something big. Whether you are a seasoned trader or a curious investor, understanding today’s crypto moves-not just the prices but the forces behind them-can be your edge in seizing or preserving profits before the Fed’s big announcement hits. This daily review unpacks everything vital from price shifts to on-chain metrics so you’re always a step ahead.
Key Market Developments
The crypto markets have seen cautious trading with Bitcoin and Ethereum maintaining ranges as traders await macroeconomic cues, notably the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) interest rate decision. There is anticipation of heightened volatility but without a clear directional move just yet. Most altcoins have pulled back slightly, reflecting a general risk-off sentiment ahead of the Fed’s announcement. The overall cryptocurrency market cap stands around $4.19 trillion with a slight 1.2% change in the last 24 hours, showing modest activity.
Bitcoin and Ethereum Price Movements
Bitcoin (BTC): Bitcoin price hovered between a 24h range of approximately $114 724 to $117 950, currently near $117 282, showing a slight 0.5% increase over 24 hours. BTC remains in a consolidation phase within a large trading range roughly between $107 000 and $124 474, with support around $115 500 and resistance near $117 910.
Ethereum (ETH): Ethereum traded around $4 590 currently, up about 2.2% in the last 24 hours. ETH pulled back to key technical support near its 20-day EMA (~$4 450), indicating solid demand at this level. Bulls aim to break overhead resistance between $4 770 and $4 957 to potentially push prices towards $5 500.
Here are the key on-chain Bitcoin metrics for the last 24 hours:
Bitcoin currently rests on a strong long-term support zone near its average purchase price for large investors (New Whales Realized Price), around $111 000+ level, creating a robust defensive area that is crucial for mid-term bullish prospects. A break below this would signal a potential bearish turn.
The Bitcoin Bull Score Index, which aggregates multiple on-chain indicators such as Market Value to Realized Cap (MVRV) Ratio and Stablecoin Liquidity, has surged from 20 to 50 in the last four days, signaling a transition from bearish to neutral/bullish market sentiment.
The realized capitalization of Bitcoin has reached an all-time high of $889 billion, reflecting strong cumulative capital inflows into the network. This metric has increased by around 2.1% over the past month, indicating ongoing accumulation.
Net realized profit and loss metrics show that capital inflows have been strong, with over $1 billion/day of net inflows in recent weeks. Most investors holding coins acquired above $96 000 are currently sitting tight, and realized losses make up just 1–2% of total activity, signaling low capitulation and sustained confidence.
On-chain liquidity appears to be rising with a steady wave of capital inflow and profit-taking activity, pointing to active investor engagement absorbing supply in the market.
Additionally, larger transaction sizes and reduced retail volatility have been observed, suggesting a maturation of the Bitcoin market and greater presence of institutional investors.
These metrics collectively show that Bitcoin’s on-chain fundamentals are strong, with a solid support zone, improving market sentiment, robust capital inflows, and investor confidence prevailing over the last 24 hours.
Raise the stop-loss order for the Bitcoin position to @114 870:
Key on-chain Ethereum metrics for the last 24 hours include:
Ethereum’s network continues robust growth with over 130 million transactions processed in Q3 2025, averaging about 1,500 transactions per second, marking a 30% year-over-year increase largely driven by Layer 2 adoption which reduces congestion and expands Ethereum’s utility.
Staking remains strong with roughly 35 million ETH (around 30% of total supply) locked in staking contracts, limiting liquidity and supporting upward price pressure. Institutional confidence is high, supported by regulatory clarity around staking, with $270 billion total value locked (TVL) in DeFi on Ethereum.
Despite this, over the last 24 hours, Ethereum price has remained relatively range-bound near $4 536 due to volatile exchange behaviors such as ETF inflows/outflows and futures open interest dynamics. Notably, $465 million ETF outflows recently caused price stagnation, but renewed inflows signal returning confidence.
On-chain profit-taking shows about 98.14% profit supply in Ethereum, indicating most holders are in profit. About $185 million of whale accumulation happened in early September, suggesting strong conviction among large investors.
Open interest in Ethereum futures remains high (~$8.7 billion), paired with declining funding rates. Which suggests traders are positioning for possible volatility or reversal. Price support zones around $4 350 to $4 485 are critical short-term levels to watch.
Overall, Ethereum’s on-chain data signals robust network growth, high staking participation, institutional accumulation. And mixed short-term exchange volatility, placing ETH in a strong but cautious position currently
Lower the stop loss order for the Ethereum position to $4 647.40. At this level, a buy long order is also placed:
Best Performing Altcoin of the Day
The best performing altcoin in the past 24 hours is Vine (VINE), which surged approximately 86.7% with a price of around $0.1476 and substantial volume.
Market and Price Predictions
For Bitcoin, analysts expect sustained range-bound trading between $107 000 and $124 474 in the near term. Some predict a possible dip towards $104 000-$92 000 before a potential rally to new highs. While bullish views anticipate Bitcoin gradually climbing toward the all-time high.
Ethereum is forecasted to rally to around $5 500 by mid-October after brief dips, reflecting strong seasonal and macro catalysts.
Market experts foresee a „monster move” for both BTC and ETH within the next three months. Influenced by the Fed’s interest rate decisions and strong seasonal trends.
High Growth Potential Crypto Projects
For Bitcoin, the focus remains on Bitcoin itself as a strong store of value with upcoming catalysts.
Ethereum continues to lead in smart contract applications and DeFi growth, presenting medium-term upside.
Among emerging projects, Sui (SUI) is highlighted as a promising layer-1 blockchain with strong developer interest and potential for growth.
What will Bitcoin’s price be in 24 hours? (Vote now!)
Conclusion
So there you have it-Bitcoin and Ethereum are playing the classic wait-and-see game, altcoins are dancing to their own beat. And the crypto market is holding its breath like it’s watching a suspense thriller. Remember, patience in crypto is like waiting for pizza delivery: slightly painful but usually worth the wait. Until tomorrow, keep your stop losses close and your coffee closer!
Crypto Market on Edge: What Bitcoin and Ethereum’s Calm Before the Storm Means for Your Wallet! was originally published in Coinmonks on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.
