Markets brace for September’s endgame as Bitcoin leads post-Fed crypto Rally

  • Bitcoin reclaims $117K as the Fed’s long-awaited rate cut revives trader optimism and risk appetite.
  • Ethereum, Solana, XRP, and Dogecoin post strong price action, fueling hopes of further breakouts.
  • September’s $4.5B token unlocks cast volatility across altcoins, shifting capital flows in the sector.

The crypto market put on an energetic display this Friday, shaking off recent bouts of uncertainty with a strong overnight rally powered by fresh optimism.

Major tokens, led by Bitcoin surged after the US Federal Reserve delivered a long-awaited rate cut, sparking renewed risk appetite among traders.

The mood was lively as Bitcoin reclaimed key levels and Ethereum, Solana, XRP, and Dogecoin each posted dynamic price swings.

This rebound arrives amid swirling sentiment, as traders balance bullish momentum against lingering macroeconomic headwinds.

Blue-chip movers: BTC, ETH, SOL, XRP, DOGE

At the top of the board, Bitcoin (BTC) hovered above $117,000 in Friday trading, enjoying a lift after the Fed’s quarter-point rate cut put risk assets back in focus.

Bitcoin’s performance set the tone, showing about a 1% daily gain and signaling renewed comfort for bulls who had watched levels slip to near $115,000 earlier in the week.

Ethereum followed suit, trading at roughly $4,600 and holding above psychological support as technical analysts flagged signs of short-term resistance, but mostly positive undercurrents.

Solana (SOL) charged ahead to around $247, buoyed by talk of a potential breakout if its historic $250 resistance falls as traders are watching that level closely for momentum.

Meanwhile, XRP remained pressed just above $3.10; analysts noted a robust daily RSI and possible breakout if it clears this threshold, eyeing targets above $3.20 if upside volume persists.

Dogecoin (DOGE) slipped slightly, last seen around $0.28 after an initial morning pop; the meme coin is consolidating with active speculation about another upswing if key technical support holds.

Altogether, the major cryptos painted an optimistic but cautious technical picture as the day unfolded.

Markets brace for September’s endgame

Beyond the price action, several big stories have traders sitting up straight.

The Fed’s long-discussed interest rate cut was far and away the top catalyst, delivering a tailwind to the entire risk-asset space and providing a confidence boost at a time when global markets are searching for stability.

Industry insiders also watched closely as September’s scheduled token unlocks, totalling over $4.5B began to cast their shadow mid-month, stoking some sector-specific volatility and shifting flows among altcoins.

Regulatory winds were swirling as the SEC and CFTC neared new clarity on digital assets, sparking hope among institutions for more definitive rules of the road, adding another undercurrent of optimism for long-term industry maturation.

This blend of macro and sector developments means the stage is set for potentially explosive moves as Q4 approaches.

The upshot for traders and industry-watchers is clear: September’s endgame is shaping up as a moment of high drama.

With macro drivers, critical token dynamics, and regulatory headlines all hitting at once, the coming days could offer firm direction, whether that brings further upside or a new round of volatility remains the question hanging in the air.

The post Markets brace for September’s endgame as Bitcoin leads post-Fed crypto Rally appeared first on CoinJournal.

Bitcoin calm, altcoins surge: Fed cut ushers in new chapter for crypto markets

  • Bitcoin steady at $116K as Ethereum, Dogecoin, Solana, and XRP rally strong.
  • XRP and Dogecoin ETFs debut in US, unlocking fresh mainstream investor demand.
  • Fed rate cut sparks hope for a new crypto rally not seen since the 2021 bull run.

The crypto market woke up to a new monetary landscape after the US Federal Reserve delivered its long-awaited rate cut, lowering borrowing costs by 25 basis points.

Unlike past years when central bank decisions would send digital assets lurching in one direction, Wednesday’s policy pivot sparked a measured response from market heavyweights, even as traders searched for the next big catalyst.

Bitcoin steady, altcoins lead gains

Bitcoin proved its maturity by brushing off early choppiness. The world’s leading crypto hovered just above $116,000 for most of the day, slipping a modest 0.35% in a session marked by tight range-trading and lower-than-average spot volumes.

For seasoned market watchers, the calm felt telling: Wall Street’s risk radar may be shifting, but Bitcoin continues to march to its own beat.

Ethereum took the baton and ran with it. The second-largest cryptocurrency jumped 2.5%, breaking through the $4,600 mark in early trade.

Bulls pointed to optimism that cheaper money will revive DeFi and NFT activity, while a pickup in staking metrics added further tailwind.

Meme coin faithfuls celebrated a minor breakout as Dogecoin surged 5.5%. Blame it on lighter liquidity, or credit it to the social media machine, either way, DOGE’s run was the day’s standout among retail traders.

Solana, meanwhile, snapped back 3.9% to trade near $245, with bullish developer news propelling fresh capital into the ecosystem.

Not to be left out, XRP managed a 1.8% pop, riding a string of solid inflows and a brewing rumor mill over new ETF products.

Investors will be watching closely: if the Fed signals more cuts ahead, the tide for high-beta risk assets could turn decisively, something crypto bulls haven’t had in their favor since 2021.

New XRP, DOGE ETFs shine; LayerZero makes waves

While prices grabbed headlines, the day was just as busy beyond the charts.

For starters, US investors got their first taste of XRP and Dogecoin ETFs, thanks to listings from REX Shares and Osprey Funds.

It’s a landmark moment for altcoin access on mainstream platforms, and early volume figures suggest significant pent-up demand among both retail and institutional players.

Elsewhere, LayerZero, an up-and-comer in the cross-chain arena sealed its $110 million acquisition of Stargate, with overwhelming backing from the Stargate DAO.

The move was widely interpreted as a signal that decentralized finance is firmly in “consolidate and build” mode as competition heats up just below the major protocols.

With macro currents swirling and new products landing on the scene, digital assets are poised for a lively finish to September, one in which both the cautious and the bold can find opportunity.

All eyes are now on the next signals from Washington and Wall Street to see if crypto’s comeback rally truly has legs.

The post Bitcoin calm, altcoins surge: Fed cut ushers in new chapter for crypto markets appeared first on CoinJournal.

Bitcoin leads rally amid Fed rate cut hopes, major ETFs boost crypto outlook

  • Bitcoin rallies over 4%, fueled by hopes of a Fed rate cut.
  • Solana, Dogecoin, and XRP gain momentum on upgrades and ETF excitement.
  • Token unlocks and Fed easing are set to reshape crypto markets this quarter.

Crypto markets woke up on Wednesday with a spring in their step, charging higher as investors braced for a major central bank event.

Bitcoin set the pace, rallying over 4% to clear the $116,000 mark, fueled in large part by growing bets that the US Federal Reserve is finally ready to deliver an interest rate cut on Wednesday.

As rate-cut speculation took center stage, Bitcoin’s market cap soared to well over $2 trillion, cementing the number-one crypto’s dominance after weeks of volatile swings.

Markets eye Fed-driven breakout

Ethereum, the world’s top smart-contract platform, held strong above the $4,500 threshold. Investors have been piling into ETH on prospects for a supply squeeze, as well as ongoing accumulation by institutional players positioning ahead of the Fed’s meeting.

Traders argued that a successful breakout above the stubborn $4,800 technical resistance could spark a new phase of risk-on flows across crypto, especially if macro conditions cooperate in the coming weeks.

Solana added even more energy to the rally, gliding near $240, as a string of protocol upgrades and surging developer momentum fueled optimism about the network’s long-term prospects.

Major exchanges reported large spot inflows, and Solana’s rapid-fire transaction speeds kept it in the conversation as a serious contender among the leading altcoins.

Meme-friendly Dogecoin, ever the wild card, hovered around $0.27, down slightly on the day, but still up more than 100% from a year ago.

Increased social activity and new integrations have helped Dogecoin keep its playful reputation, as trade volumes remain lively whenever the broader market shifts.

Meanwhile, XRP is holding just under $3, stuck in a tight range as markets anxiously anticipate the launch of the first US spot XRP ETF on September 18.

Speculation around the ETF’s potential inflows and its possible effect on price has helped XRP stay in focus despite the broader sector’s roller-coaster action.

Technical watchers say a rally through $3.18 could unleash a new round of bullish momentum for Ripple’s token.

Crypto industry poised for Q4 shakeup

It isn’t just price charts and volatility levels dictating sentiment this week: all eyes remain locked on Washington as the US Federal Reserve kicks off its most consequential policy meeting in recent memory.

With inflation trending lower and unemployment ticking up, markets broadly expect Fed Chair Jerome Powell to announce a 25 basis point rate cut, the first since 2020.

For crypto, where high-growth bets are directly tied to easier money, the Fed’s pivot could drive a decisive shift in market psychology.

“Fed easing typically gives permission for the crypto rally to keep going,” said one strategist.

Many in the industry expect fresh liquidity to spark increased inflows, particularly into blue-chip tokens like Bitcoin and Ethereum, and may even encourage more institutional adoption as risk appetite returns.

Away from the Fed drama, September is seeing a tidal wave of token unlocks, as over $4.5 billion in coins come into circulation across high-profile projects like Sui, Aptos, Ethena, and Arbitrum.

While some worry about the impact of new supply, others view it as a crucial stress test for market depth and investor demand.

Finally, excitement around the pending debut of the first US-based spot XRP ETF may mark a turning point for altcoins.

If the ETF attracts robust inflows, along the lines of Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs launched earlier this year, it could shift the narrative and trigger sustained price rallies in the sector.

The post Bitcoin leads rally amid Fed rate cut hopes, major ETFs boost crypto outlook appeared first on CoinJournal.

Bitcoin tests $116K resistance ahead of Fed decision; new token launches stir market

  • Bitcoin stalls near $116K as Fed’s policy decision draws focus.
  • Major altcoins trade sideways amid low volumes and uncertainty.
  • Velora (VLR) and Project Merlin (MRLN) set to redefine DeFi ecosystems.

Bitcoin is once again testing the nerves of crypto market participants as its price hovers near $1,16,000, battling a stubborn resistance just as the global spotlight turns to the US Federal Reserve’s mid-September policy meeting.

In the early hours of September 16, Bitcoin traded at $1,15,200, trimming modest overnight gains amid lower trading volumes and a cautious risk mood.

The benchmark cryptocurrency’s market cap stands at a robust $2.29 trillion, with 24-hour volumes just over $52 billion, evidence that, while enthusiasm has tempered, the appetite for digital gold remains very much alive.

The shadow of the Fed’s upcoming decision has left broader markets listless, and crypto is no exception. Investors remain on high alert for clues around possible rate adjustments after a string of resilient US inflation data.

Any shift in policy or surprise rhetoric could produce short, sharp moves across all risk assets, with Bitcoin particularly sensitive given its recent struggle to clear the $1,16,000 threshold.

Bullish momentum still elusive

Ethereum, the second-largest digital asset by market cap, followed suit, changing hands at $4,522.

Ether has struggled to regain bullish momentum since its recent spike to $4,609 and is now trading in a narrow band with tepid demand from larger holders.

Despite a record high in stablecoin activity on its chain last week, ETH appears tethered to macro narratives, quietly mirroring Bitcoin’s cautious trajectory.

XRP, meanwhile, steadied at $2.99 after pulling back from recent local highs.

Recent treasury movements from notable digital asset management firms have steadied sentiment but haven’t sparked breakout momentum, as regulatory debates around the token continue to play out in key jurisdictions.

Solana is also in the spotlight, with its price down slightly to $233.67 following last week’s rally.

The token, known for its fast and low-cost transaction capabilities, has seen volatility creep back in, as short-term traders wade in to capture swings on the back of the broader market’s uncertainty.

Technical analysts note the next major support levels sit close to $220, underscoring the need for positive catalysts to maintain current valuations.

Dogecoin, always the wildcard, is trading at $0.2677 after a 24-hour spell that saw the meme coin flirt with both $0.26 support and $0.28 resistance.

While DOGE’s narrative is often ruled by social media and celebrity hype, the current environment has left even seasoned “shibes” trading cautiously, awaiting clearer signals from both the Fed and broader risk markets.

With key resistance levels drawing closer across major coins, market eyes will remain glued to the outcome of the Fed meeting.

Until then, expect crypto prices to oscillate around their current bands, with Bitcoin eyeing that crucial $1,16,000 break as the catalyst for renewed bullish conviction or yet another test of market resolve.

New launches fuel crypto buzz

Several major crypto launches and ecosystem upgrades are about to shake up the market, promising to unleash a new spark of trading action.

On Tuesday, all eyes are on Velora (VLR) and Project Merlin (MRLN) as they make their much-anticipated debuts.

Velora’s launch signals a push into the next generation of DeFi, with its $VLR token powering intent-based cross-chain trading and unlocking gasless staking and community rewards.

Meanwhile, Project Merlin steps onto the scene offering an all-in-one Web3 ecosystem that connects blockchain entrepreneurs, communities, and investors, complete with a robust launchpad, crowdfunding, and freelance ecosystem, all tied together by the $MRLN token and launching with airdrops across major exchanges.

These releases are more than just hype; they reflect how the industry is charging ahead with technical innovation and shifting toward tailored, ecosystem-first infrastructure.

But it’s not just token launches grabbing investor attention. On the regulatory front, Hong Kong just locked in fresh banking capital guidelines for digital assets, set to take effect in January 2026.

The big shift? Banks are facing a 1:1 capital provision for any exposure to “permissionless” blockchains.

The move is expected to bolster confidence for institutional players looking for a safer entry into crypto markets.

Added to that, Ripple is making headlines via a new partnership in Japan that brings its RLUSD stablecoin further into the nation’s payments rails, underscoring digital assets’ climb toward mainstream financial integration.

The post Bitcoin tests $116K resistance ahead of Fed decision; new token launches stir market appeared first on CoinJournal.

Bitcoin price braces for liftoff: Can a Fed’s rate cut spark a $200K rally?

  • Fed rate cut hopes fuel optimism for a powerful Q4 Bitcoin price rally.
  • Whales, ETFs, and PayPal integration boost institutional demand.
  • Analysts see BTC hitting $140K–$200K this year, with $250K possible if flows persist.

Bitcoin is once again at a crossroads. After touching an all-time high of $124,128 in August, the price of the world’s largest cryptocurrency has pulled back to trade just below $115,000.

But the pullback has done little to dampen enthusiasm.

With a Federal Reserve interest rate cut now widely expected, optimism is building that Bitcoin could be gearing up for its next explosive leg higher, possibly toward $200,000 and beyond.

Over the recent days, the price has been stuck in a narrow band between $114,000 and $116,000 for the past week.

Market analysis hints at $115,000 being a critical resistance level that will shape the next major move.

According to analysts at CoinLore, if Bitcoin clears $116,000 and holds above $117,500, it could unlock a rally toward the $122,000–$130,000 range in the short term and $135,000 or even $140,000 in the long term.

Fed decision looms large

Notably, the immediate catalyst for a BTC price breakout could come as soon as September 17, when the Fed is expected to cut interest rates.

Lower borrowing costs generally boost liquidity and favour risk assets such as crypto.

Sean Dawson, head of research at Derive, in a note to investors, told investors that the market is “only halfway through what could be a very powerful Q4 rally.”

He predicts Bitcoin’s price could reach $140,000 by year-end, with $200,000 as a conservative cycle peak if institutional flows continue.

Options data supports this bullish trend with Deribit showing heavy open interest clustered between $140,000 and $200,000 for December contracts, with calls outnumbering puts.

At the same time, US spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have seen $2.3 billion in inflows over the past five days, underscoring robust institutional demand.

Whales and institutions step in

On-chain data indicates that whales have resumed accumulation, adding to the buying pressure. Stablecoin liquidity and steady ETF inflows are providing additional fuel.

Volatility, however, remains likely because the market depth near resistance is thin, although whales and large holders could anchor Bitcoin’s next surge.

Institutional positioning is also strengthening, with PayPal recently announcing plans to integrate Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) into its revamped peer-to-peer (P2P) payment system, allowing users to send crypto across PayPal, Venmo, and other wallets.

PayPal’s move signals a step toward mainstream adoption and adds to the narrative that Bitcoin is becoming more deeply embedded in global payments.

Galaxy Digital’s Mike Novogratz signals an altcoin season

While Bitcoin consolidates, altcoins are drawing attention.

Galaxy Digital’s Mike Novogratz argues that the “real fireworks” are in alternative assets and corporate treasuries tied to coins like Solana (SOL).

Novogratz pointed to Forward Industries’ $1.6 billion raise as evidence of fresh institutional capital flowing into crypto outside of Bitcoin.

Even so, Novogratz insists Bitcoin remains “digital gold” with a long-term trajectory that points higher.

Wall Street’s interest is also growing, with Nasdaq recently filing to list tokenised versions of stocks and ETFs on-chain, while SEC Chair Paul Atkins has pledged to “move all markets on-chain.”

Together with faster, more secure blockchains, the regulatory pivot is laying the groundwork for broader adoption across traditional finance.

So, can Bitcoin’s price really hit $200,000?

Despite an 8% pullback from August’s high, sentiment remains firmly bullish.

Industry voices from Arthur Hayes to analysts at Bitwise, Bernstein, and Standard Chartered have all predicted Bitcoin will reach at least $200,000 this cycle.

Hayes goes further, projecting $250,000, while Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong sees the possibility of $1 million Bitcoin by 2030.

Sceptics, however, warn that heavy leverage in derivatives and potential whale sell-offs could spark turbulence.

But falling rates, strong ETF inflows, and corporate adoption are fueling expectations that this is not the cycle top.

Instead, traders and institutions alike are preparing for Bitcoin’s next move, with $200,000 now firmly in view.

The post Bitcoin price braces for liftoff: Can a Fed’s rate cut spark a $200K rally? appeared first on CoinJournal.