August 20, 2025

Trading Desk Insights


BTC slipped below its 50-day moving average and is now pressing against the early August lows near $112,000, underscoring the market’s clear pivot to risk-off. A decisive break below this level could open the door to $109,000, with $105,000 in play if momentum builds. The move looks driven by short-term profit-taking, especially from recent entrants, and ETF flows have not helped, Tuesday alone saw nearly $1 billion in combined net outflows from spot BTC and ETH products.

A broader liquidity squeeze is also adding weight. The U.S. Treasury’s General Account has climbed from $320 billion to over $500 billion since late July, draining liquidity as it rebuilds. Markets are now bracing for another $500–$600 billion in issuance over the coming months, which would tighten conditions further.

Ethereum tracked Bitcoin lower, with profit-taking kicking in after its recent rally. But under the surface, institutional interest remains steady. Spot ETF demand for ETH continues to show up, and treasury allocations are ticking higher. Still, open interest across futures markets is near record highs, raising the risk of outsized swings on any sentiment shift.

Macro watchers are eyeing the Fed’s July meeting minutes due at 2pm ET. While no hike was delivered at that meeting, the tone could shape rate expectations into September.

Crypto Charts

ETF Flow

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This research is for informational use only. This is not investment advice. Other than disclosures relating to Secure Digital Markets this research is based on current public information that we consider reliable, but we do not represent it is accurate or complete, and it should not be relied on as such. The information, opinions, estimates, and forecasts contained herein are as of the date hereof and are subject to change without prior notification. We seek to update our research as appropriate.

Any forecasts contained herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not to be relied upon as advice or interpreted as a recommendation. The price of crypto assets may rise or fall because of changes in the broad market or changes in a company's financial condition, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably. Past performance is not a guide to future performance, future returns are not guaranteed, and a loss of original capital may occur. Fluctuations in exchange rates could have adverse effects on the value or price of, or income derived from, certain investments. We and our affiliates, officers, directors, and employees, excluding equity and credit analysts, will from time to time have long or short positions in, act as principal in, and buy or sell, the securities or derivatives, if any, referred to in this research.

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