Top Traders Reveal: How to Trade Bitcoin Precisely Before and After the September FOMC Meeting?

As the Federal Reserve (FED) FOMC interest rate decision on September 17 approaches, the price of Bitcoin (BTC) fluctuates around $115,000, with market sentiment tense. Ostium Research analyst Nik Patel has released a “tiered trigger” trading strategy, targeting the key range of $112,000 to $120,000, to help traders capture long and short opportunities before and after the policy announcement.

Market Landscape Before FOMC: Key BTC Price Levels Locked In

According to Nik's observations, after Bitcoin recovered to 115,300 USD in August, the short-term bottom line has moved up to 112,000 USD. If the weekly closing price falls below this level, it will open up the possibility of retracing to 107,000 USD or even 99,000 USD; conversely, if it breaks through 117,500 USD and stays above 120,000 USD, it is expected to quickly refresh the historical high, with 123,000 USD being the first major resistance level on the daily chart.

Currently, the BTC price is consolidating in the range of 114,000 to 119,000 USD, and the market is waiting for the FOMC catalyst to break the deadlock.

Bullish Strategy: Wait for a Manageable Pullback Before Counterattack

(Source: Trading View)

Nik suggests that bulls observe whether a “liquidity sweep” occurs before the meeting—meaning the price may briefly dip to around 113,500 USD, but the daily close remains steady at 112,000 USD. In this case, one can gradually establish long positions, with the first target (TP1) at 117,500 USD and the second target (TP2) between 119,000 USD and 120,000 USD.

He emphasized that the core of this strategy is “fall first, then rise,” using the short-term panic of market sentiment to complete low-position layouts.

Short Strategy: Look for Shorting Opportunities at High Reversals

(Source: Trading View)

If BTC breaks directly through the range of 119,000 to 120,000 USD before the meeting, Nik suggests looking for shorting opportunities in that range and adding positions when the price drops back below 117,500 USD after the meeting, with the first target at 112,000 USD. If there is structural weakness, it may further test down to 107,000 USD or even lower.

This strategy relies on the price structure of “rising and falling back”, suitable for counter-trend operations when chasing overheating in the derivatives market.

Macroeconomic Catalysts: Interest Rate Cuts and Powell's Statement

The market generally expects that this FOMC will cut interest rates by 25 basis points, lowering the rate range from 4.50% to 4.25%. However, the real key lies in Powell's policy guidance and the latest “dot plot,” which will affect whether there will be further rate cuts before the end of the year.

If the tone leans dovish, it may drive BTC to break through 120,000 USD; if it leans hawkish, it may trigger selling pressure that could cause it to drop below 114,000 USD.

Conclusion

Nik Patel's strategy provides traders with clear long and short trigger points: bulls wait for a pullback to $113,500 and hold above $112,000, while bears focus on a high reversal between $119,000 and $120,000. As the FOMC meeting countdown begins, BTC's range consolidation may be broken, and traders must strictly implement risk control and respond flexibly to policy-induced volatility. For more real-time market data and professional analysis, please follow the official Gate platform.