The recent inflation data has aligned with expectations, boosting the appetite of cryptocurrency traders. Bitcoin (BTC) 
$103,020 has once again surpassed the 100,000 dollar mark, while altcoins are starting to reclaim their previous levels. What is the current situation in the cryptocurrency markets, and what can traders expect?
Bitcoin (BTC)
This year has seen discussions about the potential for double-digit surprises in price declines even during upward trends. Recent significant drops to 90,500 and 94,000 dollars serve as prime examples. The excessive liquidity in futures trading leads to liquidations at certain points, followed by a resurgence in cryptocurrency prices.
As this article is being prepared, the price of Bitcoin is above 100,000 dollars, quickly rebounding to confirm that declines in bullish markets are temporary. In the last 24 hours, 193 million dollars in short positions have been liquidated, indicating a cleansing of high-leverage positions that were anticipating deeper corrections.
However, more is needed as BTC targets 120,000 dollars, and larger cleansings of short positions should be expected during the next major price surge. With mining companies and MicroStrategy continuing their billion-dollar BTC purchases, the impact of profit-taking remains limited.
Altcoin Insights
As this article is prepared, the price of ETH is hovering above 3,900 dollars, showing a 7% increase, which is good news for altcoin traders. If ETH can remain above 4,000 dollars, we may see larger gains in altcoins alongside the continued easing of BTC dominance. The fear and greed index has surpassed 80 again, and the total market capitalization of cryptocurrencies has increased by 5.3% to 3.63 trillion dollars.
Among the top 100 cryptocurrencies, SUI and AAVE Coin lead gains with increases of 33% and 32%, respectively. LINK Coin has returned to the 30 dollar threshold, with a price increase approaching 30% in the last 24 hours. Although XDC and MOG experienced slight declines in the past 24 hours, they have retained weekly gains in the 30-35% range.
As the Federal Reserve meeting on December 18 approaches, the market is solidifying expectations for a 25 basis point rate cut. However, potential comments regarding inflation increases could temper this optimism, suggesting a pause in rate cuts.
