More than $9B in USDT and USDC inundate crypto exchanges before FOMC: Is BTC USD heading to $130,000?
As the eagerly awaited FOMC meeting approaches later today, the overall trading market capitalization has risen by a respectable 0.5% to exceed $4.1 trillion. The price of Bitcoin remains stable above $116,000, and traders exhibit a positive outlook, anticipating BTC USD to soar past $118,000 and toward the historic highs achieved in mid-August.
While optimism is strong, the trajectory of Bitcoin’s price increase significantly hinges on macroeconomic conditions. This time, attention is focused on Jerome Powell and the FOMC. Aside from the decision regarding interest rates, their insights on the economy and monetary policy for the upcoming months leading to year-end will greatly influence capital flows not only into BTC but also into other top crypto investments.
As of September 17, the leading cryptocurrency has increased by nearly +4% over the past week, according to Coingecko. On Coinglass, Bitcoin USDT trading activity shows decent volume. Over $21 million in leveraged Bitcoin USD short positions have been closed in the last 24 hours. Simultaneously, the funding rate is positive, indicating that the general crypto market sentiment is optimistic, as long positions are compensating shorts to maintain their positions.
(Source: Coinglass)
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Over $9B in Stablecoins Inundate Leading Crypto Exchanges
Analyzing on-chain data suggests that 
Bitcoin ▲0.83%, top altcoins, and even several of the most popular Solana meme coins will also rise, pushing funding rates further into positive territory.
Recent on-chain insights reveal that in the 36 hours leading up to the FOMC meeting, around $9 billion in major stablecoins, such as USDT and USDC, were transferred to crypto asset exchanges.
In the last 1.5 days before the FED meeting, nearly $9 billion in stablecoins flowed onto exchanges. pic.twitter.com/dD1WwK2tlv
— Axel
Stablecoins serve a crucial function in the digital currency ecosystem, permitting traders to gain exposure to significant coins while acting as a secure haven during volatile periods. When stablecoins are transferred to exchanges like Binance, Coinbase, and Bybit, it may indicate that holders are eager to purchase, which is a favorable sign for holders.
Conversely, when altcoins, such as ETH or BNB, are funneled to exchanges, it can be interpreted as bearish. Substantial inflows to exchanges may lead to a decline in token prices in the subsequent days.
In the past 1.5 days, a single transfer of $2 billion in stablecoins occurred to Binance, marking the largest transaction in over a year.
$2B WORTH OF STABLES JUST GOT DUMPED INTO BINANCE.
RIGHT BEFORE FOMC.
PRICE SWINGS INCOMING. pic.twitter.com/YIjEYrv1tT
— Kyle Chassé / DD
An analyst on X pointed out that these inflows clearly indicate buying intentions and “fresh powder” that could spark significant movement in the market.
And it happens right before the FOMC.
You don’t transfer that magnitude without purpose.
It’s fresh funds, and it’s now available on-exchange.— Alex Soh (@AlexSoh14) September 17, 2025
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Will Bitcoin USD Surge to New All-Time Highs Above $130,000?
Traders eagerly await the FOMC’s decision on interest rates. If they decide to cut rates and indicate additional cuts in the upcoming months, BTC USD could potentially rise above $124,500, reaching new all-time highs.
On X, an analyst has already noted that the Bitcoin price is currently trading at a +7% premium compared to its short-term cost basis, with traders setting their sights on $130,000.
The price is currently trading at a 7% premium to Short-Term Cost Basis, target = $130K pic.twitter.com/w2oeS62cS1
— Axel
Currently, BTC USD has risen +7% from the average price at which short-term investors acquired it. Short-term holders are identified as any addresses that have purchased Bitcoin in the last 155 days. At this moment, this group of Bitcoin investors is profiting.
Meanwhile, the Bitcoin Risk index, which evaluates trading market susceptibility, stands at +23%, a low figure by historical comparisons. This value suggests that the crypto market is stable, thereby decreasing the likelihood of abrupt price drops or liquidations.
Bitcoin Risk Index – a higher value indicates more risk in the current market configuration over the last 3 years, with a heightened chance of rapid pullbacks or liquidations.
Presently, the index is at a low of 23%, indicating a calm environment and a lower risk of significant market disruptions… pic.twitter.com/RDSjxfTWVg
— Axel
Historically, BTC USD could potentially surge by an additional +40%, positioning the Bitcoin price above $150,000 by
