From institutional moves to new altcoin buzz, the stage is set for a decisive week in crypto
The cryptocurrency market today shows both stability and nervousness as investors watch key levels. Bitcoin is currently trading near $111,524, marking a decline of about 1.3% from the previous close. During the day, the price touched a high of $113,419 and a low of $111,379. Ethereum, the second-largest cryptocurrency, is priced at $4,480.48, reflecting a fall of about 2.1%. Its intraday range has been between $4,438.98 and $4,626.50.
Across the broader market, the global cryptocurrency market capitalization stands between $3.87 trillion and $3.95 trillion depending on the data source. Daily trading volumes are hovering around $140 to $165 billion, showing steady participation from traders and institutions. Bitcoin’s dominance over the total crypto market is firm at around 56%–57%, showing its continued leadership role.
Other major coins are also experiencing fluctuations. XRP is trading close to $2.93 to $3.00. Solana (SOL) is steady at about $217 to $218. BNB, the native token of Binance, is trading between $871 and $872. Together, these movements underline a phase of consolidation after weeks of sharp price swings.
Bitcoin Holds Key Levels
Bitcoin has been regaining some ground after recent corrections. Earlier this month, it had crossed above $124,000, but selling pressure brought it back closer to $110,000. At present, the coin is stabilizing just above $111,000. Analysts believe that the crucial support level for Bitcoin lies near $109,000. If the price slips below this level, it could trigger wider corrections across the market. On the other hand, maintaining this support could provide a base for a new rally.
Investor sentiment has been slightly positive over the past two days, which has helped Bitcoin climb back near $113,000. Traders are closely watching the next resistance range between $114,000 and $116,000. A break above this zone could attract fresh buying and push the market higher in the short term.
Impact of Options Expiry
A significant factor adding to market uncertainty is the upcoming Bitcoin options expiry worth $13.8 billion scheduled for August 29, 2025. This expiry includes options with strike prices between $114,000 and $116,000, making these levels critical. If Bitcoin moves sharply above this band, it may force option sellers to buy back their positions, creating strong upward pressure. If prices remain stuck around these levels, the expiry could keep Bitcoin trading sideways.
Alongside Bitcoin, Ethereum also faces a large expiry. About $3.2 billion worth of ETH options are set to expire, with most clustered near the $3,800 strike price. Such expiries often create sudden volatility in the days before and after settlement. Many traders expect sharp price moves as both Bitcoin and Ethereum navigate this crucial event.
Performance of Major Altcoins
While Bitcoin and Ethereum continue to dominate market attention, altcoins are showing mixed performance. XRP is trading near $3.00, showing signs of recovery after falling close to $2.95. Although some traders expect further gains, technical indicators also warn of possible downside risks if momentum weakens.
Among meme and speculative coins, PEPE has recently seen a fall of more than 20%. Despite this correction, analysts suggest it could still deliver gains of three to five times if Bitcoin manages another rally. Another coin gaining attention is LayerBrett (LBRETT). Currently in its presale phase at $0.005, it combines meme coin branding with Ethereum Layer-2 features. The project promises unusually high staking rewards of over 1,000% annual yield, alongside community giveaways. Some market watchers believe it has potential for massive gains if hype continues.
There is also rising interest in a potential Litecoin ETF, though expectations are modest compared to the excitement seen around Bitcoin ETFs. Litecoin, being a larger and relatively stable altcoin, is unlikely to deliver dramatic short-term gains, but ETF approval could improve its credibility in institutional circles.
Another token making headlines is Remittix (RTX). Positioned as a PayFi token for cross-border payments, it has been attracting institutional interest. With upcoming exchange listings and a unique use case, some forecasts suggest it could deliver gains of up to 3,200% in the coming months. This positions it as one of the altcoins with strong growth narratives beyond speculation.
Institutional Moves and Policy Changes
Institutional activity continues to shape the crypto landscape. Recently, the Trump family announced a $6.42 billion expansion in the crypto sector. This initiative involves a partnership with Crypto.com and other players, integrating the CRO token into Trump Media’s services and developing new wallet infrastructure. The announcement immediately pushed the CRO token higher, gaining more than 115% within days.
On the regulatory front, the passing of the GENIUS Act in July 2025 marks an important step. This law allows banks to issue fiat-backed stablecoins, provided they are backed by high-quality collateral such as US Treasuries. By formalizing stablecoin issuance under banking rules, the Act strengthens investor trust and increases demand for government securities.
Another significant development is the establishment of a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve by the United States. Through an executive order earlier in 2025, the US Treasury has been directed to retain forfeited Bitcoin and possibly other assets such as Ethereum, Solana, Ripple, and Cardano as sovereign reserves. This move signals growing recognition of digital assets as part of national financial strategy.
Market Sentiment and Outlook
The overall sentiment in the crypto market remains cautiously optimistic. Bitcoin’s recovery from near $110,000 to over $111,500 shows that buyers are active. However, the upcoming options expiry is expected to be the biggest short-term driver of price action. If Bitcoin manages to close above $116,000, momentum could push it higher into September. If not, sideways trading or a pullback toward $109,000 remains possible.
Ethereum’s price, currently at $4,480, may also face turbulence due to the $3.2 billion options expiry. A decisive move in Bitcoin will likely influence Ethereum and other altcoins as well.
For altcoins, narratives remain diverse. Some, like XRP and Solana, are stabilizing at important levels. Others, like LayerBrett and Remittix, are gaining attention due to speculative hype and new use cases. Investors continue to balance between established assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum and riskier bets in smaller tokens.
Final Thoughts
Today’s crypto market reflects a mix of consolidation, speculation, and anticipation. Bitcoin is holding above $111,000, Ethereum is consolidating near $4,480, and the global market cap is around $3.9 trillion. Trading volumes remain healthy, while Bitcoin continues to dominate with more than half of total market value.
The coming days will be crucial. The massive $13.8 billion Bitcoin options expiry on August 29 will test the market’s resilience. A break above $116,000 could trigger a new bullish wave, while a drop below $109,000 might spark wider corrections. Altcoins are expected to follow Bitcoin’s lead, though some like LayerBrett and Remittix may see outsized moves.
Regulatory changes such as the GENIUS Act and the creation of a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve highlight how digital assets are becoming mainstream. Institutional interest, combined with speculative retail demand, ensures that the crypto market remains highly dynamic. As prices consolidate today, the stage is set for potentially sharp moves in the days ahead.