Bitcoin Open Interest Turns Positive Again – Still Far From The Leverage Frenzy Of 2024

Bitcoin is once again at a pivotal point in its cycle, reclaiming the $110,000 level in a strong bullish move that reignites hopes of a fresh leg higher. After months of consolidation and volatility, the leading cryptocurrency is now testing critical resistance, with analysts watching closely for a breakout into price discovery. A move beyond current highs could mark the beginning of an expansive phase that drives broader market momentum.

Top analyst Axel Adler shared new data underscoring renewed trader confidence. Following record spikes in open interest (OI) — with growth of 79% in spring 2024, 59% in autumn, and 36% in May — the last 30 days have seen a notable shift. OI change has moved from a negative -9% to a positive +5%, signaling that traders are once again building futures positions, albeit with more caution and less leverage than in past phases.

This shift in derivatives positioning comes as macro conditions improve and risk appetite gradually returns to the crypto space. However, bulls will need a catalyst — whether technical or macroeconomic — to breach resistance and sustain a breakout. The coming days could define Bitcoin’s trajectory for the remainder of the quarter.

Bulls Eye Breakout As Bitcoin Nears All-Time Highs

Bitcoin is approaching a critical moment as it flirts with its $112,000 all-time high. With bullish momentum accelerating, many investors believe the market is preparing for a new expansive phase. However, as BTC trades near record levels, the risks of a failed breakout grow. Sentiment remains broadly positive, supported by rising equity markets and a reduction in macroeconomic uncertainty. Yet, analysts warn that unless Bitcoin decisively clears resistance soon, the probability of a correction into lower levels will increase.

The US stock market hitting new all-time highs adds to the optimism, often acting as a tailwind for crypto. Still, a breakout above $112K will require more than technical strength — it needs a catalyst. Axel Adler points to the derivatives market for early signs of conviction. Open interest (OI) growth, which saw record spikes of 79% in spring 2024, 59% in autumn, and 36% in May, has now moved from -9% to +5% over the past 30 days. This shift suggests traders are cautiously re-entering the market, though with less aggressive leverage.

Bears, meanwhile, are expected to defend the ATH zone. For bulls to succeed, a strong narrative — such as presidential support, dovish Fed signals, or macro triggers — may be necessary to awaken risk appetite and send Bitcoin decisively into price discovery.

BTC Price Action: Near Breakout Point

The 12-hour BTC/USDT chart shows Bitcoin attempting a critical breakout above the $109,300 resistance level. After multiple rejections in June and early July, BTC has once again surged, printing a strong candle that now flirts with price discovery just below the $112,000 all-time high. Momentum has shifted in favor of the bulls after a successful defense of the $103,600 support zone, which coincided with a bounce off the 100 and 50-day SMAs, currently converging around the $106,200 level.

This moving average cluster acted as dynamic support, validating short-term bullish strength. Volume also increased slightly during the recent push, a positive signal after weeks of fading conviction. A clean and sustained break above $109,300 would open the path toward retesting ATHs and potentially entering a new expansive phase.

However, traders should be cautious of potential fakeouts. This level has acted as a firm resistance for nearly two months, and a rejection could send BTC back toward the $106,000 support cluster or even the $103,600 level. For now, bulls hold the upper hand, but follow-through above resistance with rising volume will be key to confirm a true breakout and continuation toward new highs.

Featured image from Dall-E, chart from TradingView