The Cryptocurrency Market on September 15, 2025: Bitcoin Tests $120,000, Ethereum Approaches $5,000, Altcoins Show Growth. A Review of the Top 10 Cryptocurrencies, Market Sentiments, Predictions, and Institutional Investments.
As of the morning of September 15, 2025, the cryptocurrency market maintains a strong upward trend amidst a favorable fundamental backdrop. Bitcoin is consolidating around its recently reached peak values, on the brink of surpassing the psychologically significant mark of $120,000 due to expectations of imminent easing of US monetary policy. Improving macroeconomic conditions and investors' faith in a decrease in the Federal Reserve's base rate are fueling the appetite for riskier assets. At the same time, key altcoins led by Ethereum are showing leading growth: many coins in the top ten have added between 5% to 10% in price over the past few days. Institutional investors continue to increase their presence in digital assets, evidenced by record inflows of capital into crypto funds and successful public offerings by crypto companies. The regulatory environment across the globe is becoming increasingly clear and favorable, boosting market participants' trust. The total cryptocurrency market capitalization has surpassed $4.2 trillion.
Bitcoin Aims for Growth Amid Expectations of Fed Decision
The flagship cryptocurrency Bitcoin (BTC) is trading around $118,000, receiving an upward momentum from external macroeconomic factors. The latest inflation data in the US indicates a slowdown: the core Producer Price Index has decreased for the first time in many months, while the annual Consumer Price Index remains within manageable levels. These signals strengthen market confidence that the Federal Reserve will lower the key rate at its upcoming meeting on September 17 (the probability of such a decision, according to futures markets, exceeds 90%). Expectations of a transition to a more accommodative monetary policy are prompting capital inflows into riskier assets, with Bitcoin as "digital gold" enjoying increased demand. As a result, BTC has risen approximately 5% over the past week, confidently surpassing the critical threshold of $114–115,000 and is currently consolidating above $115,000, striving towards the $120,000 mark.
Experts note that the current bullish trend for Bitcoin is supported by a combination of macroeconomic and regulatory drivers. In the US, there is a favorable approach toward cryptocurrencies: President Donald Trump's administration has allowed the inclusion of digital assets in 401(k) retirement plans this year and initiated the establishment of a strategic state reserve of Bitcoin. These steps have significantly increased institutional investors' trust in the sector. Additionally, major public companies continue to bolster their BTC reserves—recently, MicroStrategy under the leadership of Michael Saylor purchased hundreds of Bitcoins during the correction, signaling long-term confidence from corporate players. The market capitalization of BTC is currently estimated at approximately $2.4 trillion, accounting for about 58% of the total cryptocurrency market capitalization. The nearest target for bullish investors is a confident breakout above $120,000: according to several analysts, surpassing this level could pave the way for Bitcoin toward new peaks near $130,000–140,000. On the flip side, strong support is located in the $109–110,000 range; should a correction occur, large buy orders are concentrated there, and buyers will aim to hold prices above $110,000.
Ethereum Approaching New Highs
Following Bitcoin, the second-largest crypto asset, Ethereum (ETH), continues to rise. During the recent rally, the price of Ethereum soared to approximately $4,800, getting close to its all-time high (~$4,890, reached in November 2021). As of the morning of September 15, Ethereum is trading near $4,650, having increased about 8% over the last week. Ethereum still accounts for around 13–14% of the total market capitalization, remaining the largest altcoin and foundational platform for numerous decentralized applications (DeFi, NFT, GameFi, etc.). High investor interest in Ethereum is fueled by expectations surrounding the launch of the first spot ETF for Ether in the US. In 2025, regulators have already approved the first exchange-traded funds for Bitcoin, and now market attention has shifted to Ethereum—several applications for launching Ether-ETFs are under review, adding optimism. Analysts point out that the successful launch of a spot ETF for ETH could attract new institutional capital inflows and serve as a catalyst for updating price highs.
Altcoins on the Rise: Signs of a New "Altseason"
The broad altcoin market is exhibiting superior growth rates, indicating the beginning of what is often termed "altseason." Over the past few days, the total capitalization of alternative cryptocurrencies has been growing faster than that of Bitcoin. Many major altcoins are recording double-digit percentage increases within a matter of weeks, while specific tokens are experiencing sharp price spikes. For instance, the meme cryptocurrency Dogecoin (DOGE) has risen approximately 20% over the week, while Solana (SOL) and several other platform tokens have outpaced Bitcoin in growth rates. Investors are actively reallocating capital to more lucrative altcoins as confidence returns to the market. Analysts believe that such widespread strengthening of altcoin positions is typical of market phases when participant sentiment improves, and they are willing to take on increased risk. This dynamic usually serves as an indicator of an emerging new altseason, although it is accompanied by increasing volatility in certain low-liquidity assets.
Cardano Surpasses $1 on ETF Optimism
A particular highlight is the cryptocurrency Cardano (ADA), which has crossed the psychologically significant level of $1.00. Over the past 24 hours, ADA has surged amid increasing demand: the daily trading volume of the coin has spiked, indicating a strong bullish sentiment among market participants. At the same time, long-term Cardano holders are not rushing to sell, maintaining their positions and thereby demonstrating the community's confidence in the project's growth potential. The catalyst for ADA's rally has been news regarding expectations for the launch of a spot exchange-traded fund tied to this asset. Investment firm Grayscale has previously registered a trust based on Cardano (aiming to convert it into an ETF), and the NYSE Arca has filed a proposal with the SEC for listing a spot ETF related to ADA. Analysts estimate that the likelihood of such an instrument being approved by the end of the year exceeds 80%. Riding on these expectations, investors are actively purchasing ADA, anticipating increased demand if the ETF is launched. Technically, the area around $1.00 now serves as a support level for Cardano; observers believe that maintaining a confident level above $1 will open the token up to further price increases.
Institutional Investments Hit Record Levels
One of the key trends of 2025 remains the rapidly growing institutional involvement in the cryptocurrency market. The emergence of the first regulated spot ETFs for Bitcoin and Ethereum in the US has significantly simplified access for large investors to digital assets. Recent data shows a record capital inflow into these funds: for the current week, the net inflow of funds into Ethereum ETFs has exceeded $2.3 billion, while Bitcoin ETFs have seen around $350 million. Asset managers, hedge funds, and even pension schemes continue to increase the share of cryptocurrencies in their portfolios, viewing them as a promising asset class. Moreover, applications for ETFs based on other cryptocurrencies (including Solana and Cardano) are also under consideration by regulators, indicating a broader institutional interest in the market as a whole.
Market Sentiment and Volatility
The dramatic rise in prices is accompanied by increased short-term volatility and emotional trading. The Fear and Greed Index for cryptocurrencies is currently around 70 out of 100, in the "Greed" zone, approaching the boundary of "Extreme Greed." This indicates that investor sentiment is highly optimistic. Historically, such high values of the index have indicated a market that is overbought and have often preceded periods of correction. Experts warn that euphoria could lead to profit-taking: market participants need to exercise caution and adhere to risk management.
Derivative exchanges’ statistics affirm the heightened volatility. Over the last 24 hours, the total volume of liquidations of margin positions on cryptocurrency exchanges amounted to approximately $420 million, with more than $120 million of that related to short positions in Bitcoin. According to industry analysts, during this period, the positions of tens of thousands of traders were forcibly closed. The mass "short squeeze" amid Bitcoin's surge accelerated the price increase, yet such episodes underline the risks for players using high leverage.
Predictions and Expectations
Many analysts maintain a bullish sentiment and forecast the continuation of the upward trend. The investment bank Standard Chartered recently significantly raised its price targets: according to its updated forecast, the price of Bitcoin could reach around $200,000 by the end of 2025, while Ethereum could rise to about $7,500. This implies several times of price increases from current levels. Similar views are echoed in certain crypto funds: for instance, experts at Tephra Digital note that if the historical correlation of Bitcoin with the M2 money supply and gold prices holds, BTC could rise to $170,000–180,000 by early 2026. Even more conservative specialists admit that the deceleration of inflation and the likely decrease in interest rates create uniquely favorable conditions for the continuation of the crypto rally.
Of course, the future dynamics of the market will depend on a complex set of factors: actions from regulators, the global macroeconomic environment, and the sentiments of the investors themselves. A number of experts indicate that after such a rapid ascent, a consolidation phase is likely in the near future—this is a healthy process of profit-taking and forming a new base for the next growth phase. Nevertheless, the overall trend for the second half of 2025 is assessed as positive. Some industry veterans and major investors refer to the current cycle as an emerging "supercycle"—pointing to the formation of durable bullish patterns on long-term charts and confidently asserting that the market will see new historical highs in the coming quarters. Remarkably, many bold forecasts from a year ago have already materialized: for example, the Pantera Capital fund had predicted Bitcoin's price to be around $120,000 by August 2025—this level has practically been reached. Now, market participants keenly observe how the ambitious targets of $150,000–200,000 for BTC in the next year will materialize.
Top 10 Most Popular Cryptocurrencies
As of the morning of September 15, 2025, the ten largest and most popular cryptocurrencies by market capitalization include the following digital assets:
- Bitcoin (BTC) – the first and largest cryptocurrency. BTC trades around $118,000 after a recent surge, not far from its record values; market capitalization is around $2.4 trillion (≈58% of the total market). Bitcoin retains its status as "digital gold" and a key indicator of sentiment in the crypto market.
- Ethereum (ETH) – leading altcoin and smart contract platform. The price of ETH hovers around $4,650, close to historical highs; its capitalization is estimated at approximately $570 billion (≈13–14% of the market). Ethereum serves as a base for DeFi, NFTs, and many decentralized applications, reinforcing its position as number 2.
- Ripple (XRP) – the token of the Ripple payment network for cross-border settlements. XRP is trading near $3.15; market capitalization is around $175–180 billion. Investors positively assess the legal clarity of XRP’s status in the US following the conclusion of legal disputes, allowing the token to regain its place in the top three.
- Tether (USDT) – the largest stablecoin pegged to the US dollar at a 1:1 ratio. USDT is widely used for trading and hedging; its capitalization is about $160 billion, with the coin’s price consistently maintained at $1.00.
- Binance Coin (BNB) – the coin of the largest cryptocurrency exchange Binance and the native token of the BNB Chain ecosystem. The price of BNB is approximately $950, recently setting a historical high; its capitalization exceeds $130 billion. Despite regulatory pressure on Binance, the token remains in the top 5 due to its broad applicability on the exchange and in the DeFi sector.
- Solana (SOL) – a high-performance blockchain platform for decentralized applications. SOL is trading around $250 (capitalization ~$125 billion), reaching its highest levels since late 2021. Interest in Solana is supported by rumors of potential approval in the US for the first ETF based on it, as well as the growth of the ecosystem of projects built on this network.
- USD Coin (USDC) – the second-largest stablecoin, backed by reserves of US dollars (issued by Circle). The price of USDC is fixed at $1.00, with capitalization around $65 billion. USDC is widely used by institutional investors and DeFi protocols due to transparency of reserves and compliance with regulations.
- Dogecoin (DOGE) – the most famous meme cryptocurrency, originally created as a joke. DOGE is around $0.28 (capitalization ~ $40 billion), showing growth with the overall rally of altcoins. The coin is supported by a dedicated community and occasional celebrity attention. Despite high volatility, Dogecoin has once again risen in ranking and remains among the top ten coins, demonstrating remarkable investor interest stability.
- Cardano (ADA) – a blockchain platform evolving with a focus on a scientific approach. ADA is trading just above $1.00 (capitalization ~ $36 billion) following a recent price surge. Cardano draws attention primarily due to discussions of launching its own ETF, as well as an active community that believes in the long-term success of the project.
- TRON (TRX) – a platform for smart contracts and multimedia dApps, especially popular in Asia. TRX is trading around $0.34; market cap ~ $32 billion. TRON remains in the top 10 largely due to its wide use for issuing stablecoins (a significant portion of USDT circulates on the Tron blockchain).
The Cryptocurrency Market on the Morning of September 15, 2025
- Major cryptocurrency prices: Bitcoin (BTC) — $118,000; Ethereum (ETH) — $4,650; XRP — $3.15; BNB — $950; Solana (SOL) — $250; Cardano (ADA) — $1.02.
- Market indicators: total cryptocurrency market cap ~ $4.22 trillion; Bitcoin's share – 58.0%; Fear and Greed Index – 70 (Greed).
- Leaders in change over 24 hours: growth – Toncoin (TON) — +11%; drop – Conflux (CFX) — –5%.
- Analysis: Bitcoin and Ethereum remain near their recently reached levels, signaling a temporary stabilization after a sharp rally. The indicator of Greed has increased slightly compared to last week, reflecting sustained optimism, although there is still a margin before reaching the "Extreme Greed" zone. The leader of the growth, TON, indicates a local spike in investor interest (possibly amid news regarding the TON ecosystem), while the drop in CFX may be related to profit-taking or specific negative news regarding that project.
