BTC and ETH “Likely to Trade in Ranges,” Analyst Says as Futures Leverage Remains High

Monday, 18/08/2025 | 12:39 GMT by Tareq Sikder
  • Bitcoin expected to hold between $112K–$118K and Ethereum around $4.1K–$4.6K, according to Ryan Lee of Bitget.
  • Macro factors, including the Fed’s September decision, remain key drivers for crypto sentiment.
Bitcoin BTC
A Bitcoin coin leaning against a laptop screen. Source: Unsplash

Bitcoin and Ethereum are trading lower today, retreating from recent highs as profit-taking and broader market caution weigh on sentiment. Bitcoin slipped back toward the $115,000 level after briefly topping $124,000 last week, while Ethereum fell below $4,300 despite strong inflows into newly launched ETFs.

The moves highlight growing volatility, with analysts split between further correction risks and the potential for renewed momentum if key resistance levels are broken.

Defined Trading Ranges

Ryan Lee, Chief Analyst at Bitget crypto exchange, said that “Bitcoin and Ethereum look poised to trade within defined ranges over the coming week, with Bitcoin consolidating between $112,000 and $118,000 and Ethereum likely holding in the $4,100 to $4,600 zone. Ethereum’s strong run has invited some profit-taking, which may limit immediate upside momentum and instead set the stage for consolidation.”

BTCUSD, H1 Chart, Source: TradingView
BTCUSD, H1 Chart, Source: TradingView

Leverage Risks in Futures Markets

He added that “record levels of open interest in futures markets underscore how much leverage has built up across crypto. That leverage cuts both ways: it can accelerate gains if momentum continues, but it also amplifies volatility, leaving both BTC and ETH vulnerable to sharper swings on any shift in sentiment.”

You may find it interesting at FinanceMagnates.com: Bitcoin Faces Intraday Pullback; This Analyst Eyes $128K on Rebound.

ETHUSD, H1 Chart, Source: TradingView
ETHUSD, H1 Chart, Source: TradingView

Macro Factors in Focus

According to Lee, macroeconomic factors will remain pivotal. “Particularly with investors focused on the Federal Reserve’s September decision and the release of meeting minutes.”

Read More: How Low Can Bitcoin Go? Arthur Hayes' BTC Pric.e Prediction Suggests That Crypto May Go Down And Hit $100K.

“Any hint of hawkishness or delay in rate-cut expectations could pressure risk assets, while dovish signals may extend crypto’s current momentum. For now, the ranges for Bitcoin and Ethereum reflect a market balancing optimism with caution, navigating both structural demand and heightened speculative exposure,” Lee added.

DeepSeek AI Outlines Three Bitcoin Scenarios

DeepSeek AI has identified three possible scenarios for Bitcoin in 2025. In a base case, the cryptocurrency could trade between $100,000 and $150,000.

A more optimistic projection sees Bitcoin reaching $350,000, while a high-end “black swan” scenario puts the price as high as $500,000. These forecasts assume increased institutional adoption and wider acceptance of blockchain across global financial markets.

Bitcoin and Ethereum are trading lower today, retreating from recent highs as profit-taking and broader market caution weigh on sentiment. Bitcoin slipped back toward the $115,000 level after briefly topping $124,000 last week, while Ethereum fell below $4,300 despite strong inflows into newly launched ETFs.

The moves highlight growing volatility, with analysts split between further correction risks and the potential for renewed momentum if key resistance levels are broken.

Defined Trading Ranges

Ryan Lee, Chief Analyst at Bitget crypto exchange, said that “Bitcoin and Ethereum look poised to trade within defined ranges over the coming week, with Bitcoin consolidating between $112,000 and $118,000 and Ethereum likely holding in the $4,100 to $4,600 zone. Ethereum’s strong run has invited some profit-taking, which may limit immediate upside momentum and instead set the stage for consolidation.”

BTCUSD, H1 Chart, Source: TradingView
BTCUSD, H1 Chart, Source: TradingView

Leverage Risks in Futures Markets

He added that “record levels of open interest in futures markets underscore how much leverage has built up across crypto. That leverage cuts both ways: it can accelerate gains if momentum continues, but it also amplifies volatility, leaving both BTC and ETH vulnerable to sharper swings on any shift in sentiment.”

You may find it interesting at FinanceMagnates.com: Bitcoin Faces Intraday Pullback; This Analyst Eyes $128K on Rebound.

ETHUSD, H1 Chart, Source: TradingView
ETHUSD, H1 Chart, Source: TradingView

Macro Factors in Focus

According to Lee, macroeconomic factors will remain pivotal. “Particularly with investors focused on the Federal Reserve’s September decision and the release of meeting minutes.”

Read More: How Low Can Bitcoin Go? Arthur Hayes' BTC Pric.e Prediction Suggests That Crypto May Go Down And Hit $100K.

“Any hint of hawkishness or delay in rate-cut expectations could pressure risk assets, while dovish signals may extend crypto’s current momentum. For now, the ranges for Bitcoin and Ethereum reflect a market balancing optimism with caution, navigating both structural demand and heightened speculative exposure,” Lee added.

DeepSeek AI Outlines Three Bitcoin Scenarios

DeepSeek AI has identified three possible scenarios for Bitcoin in 2025. In a base case, the cryptocurrency could trade between $100,000 and $150,000.

A more optimistic projection sees Bitcoin reaching $350,000, while a high-end “black swan” scenario puts the price as high as $500,000. These forecasts assume increased institutional adoption and wider acceptance of blockchain across global financial markets.

About the Author: Tareq Sikder
Tareq Sikder
  • 1989 Articles
  • 32 Followers
About the Author: Tareq Sikder
A Forex technical analyst and writer who has been engaged in financial writing for 12 years.
  • 1989 Articles
  • 32 Followers

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