Bitcoin (BTC) price extends lead over altcoins as open interest and volume surge

As open interest and volume surge, Bitcoin shows immense potential to trigger a move to $100,000.

Cryptocurrency market sustains a market-wide bullish outlook at the time of writing on Tuesday, led by Bitcoin (BTC) and select altcoins, including Virtuals Protocol (VIRTUAL), Floki, and Hyperliquid (HYPE). Global markets continue to respond positively to the possibility of trade tensions de-escalation between the United States (US) and China.

Bitcoin price extends lead over altcoins

Interest in digital assets surged significantly following statements from President Donald Trump's administration that tariffs on Chinese goods could be reduced. Bitcoin price held above $90,000 last week before extending gains to $95,631, buoyed by record spot BTC ETF net inflows of $3.06 billion in the week ending April 25.

The increase in the Bitcoin price has led to many short traders being liquidated. Over the past 24 hours, approximately $33 million in short positions were forcibly closed compared to about $20.5 million in long positions. Moreover, a 2.18% increase in the derivatives' Open Interest (OI) to $63.3 billion points to growing trader interest, potentially amplifying the rally toward $100,000.

Bitcoin derivatives' open interest | Source: Coinglass

Virtuals Protocol tops trending coins as price soars

Virtuals Protocol's price maintains the lead among altcoins, gaining over 38% in the last 24 hours, 157% in the last seven days, and 142% in the last month, trading at $1.4228 at the time of writing.

The token holds above the 50, 100, and 200-day Exponential Moving Averages (EMAs), signaling a stronger tailwind. Interest in the token remains despite overbought conditions, with the Relative Strength Index (RSI) indicator's position at 84.14.

Breaching the key resistance at $1.5000 is essential to sustain the upward momentum toward $2.0000 (a support level from January) and $2.5000 (a resistance/support zone last seen in December and January).

VIRTUAL/USDT daily chart

Floki poised for breakout above $0.0001

Floki's price is currently in the green, and it is aiming to build on its 24-hour gains, which have surpassed 11.5%. The bullish momentum behind the meme coin can be attributed to the stability in the broader crypto market and a recent technical breakout from a falling wedge pattern.

The 100-day EMA at $0.000086 immediately supports the token, which is currently hovering at $0.000087. A daily close above this level could encourage traders to seek more exposure while anticipating FLOKI to push above $0.0001 before completing the falling wedge pattern's 98% breakout, aiming for $0.0001075.

FLOKI/USDT daily chart

The 200-day EMA position at $0.0001110 could challenge the bullish momentum. Moreover, the RSI indicator is overbought at 73.82, hinting at a potential trend reversal in the short term. In case of a pullback, the 50-day EMA at $0.000069 is expected to provide support.

Hyperliquid price consolidates gains

Hyperliquid's price is trading at $18.57, down 0.54% on the day. The token has recently surpassed a descending trendline resistance since early 2025, indicating the possibility of a lasting trend reversal.

Following a rejection slightly below $20.00, HYPE remains above the 100-day EMA at $18.35. Additionally, the token holds above a critical support zone (red-shaded area on the daily chart) and is backed by the 50-day EMA at $16.62.

HYPE/USDT daily chart

Based on the RSI indicator's neutral position at 60.25, Hyperliquid is yet to be overbought, implying there's still room for another leg up. Breaching the $20.00 resistance could affirm the bullish grip, prompting traders to hold their positions for gains to $24.00, a level last tested in February.