Bitcoin longs stack above $73K ahead of FOMC – Is short squeeze coming?

“Timing” in trading is everything, and right now, the market setup really proves that.

Technically, crypto has diverged sharply from the broader risk-off markets.

Over the past three weeks, nearly $400 billion has flowed into crypto, while traditional markets have shed over $2 trillion. This contrast highlights a clear shift, showing investors are rotating into risk assets.

As a direct result, Bitcoin [BTC] has rallied nearly 25% from its $60k floor, which naturally puts the $75k-$80k range in focus.

That said, the latest CryptoQuant report shows traders are already pricing in more upside, hinting that the market is bracing for a period of heightened volatility.

Looking at the chart above, long positions are stacking above the $73k level, with participants clearly expecting momentum to continue rather than fade.

That said, it’s important to separate smart, strategic positioning from hype-driven optimism to understand how this positioning might impact BTC.

Notably, this is where “timing” comes into play.

The upcoming FOMC meeting on the 18th of March will be the first since the Middle East conflict erupted, putting extra pressure on the U.S. economy as oil prices keep climbing. Against this backdrop, Bitcoin traders’ optimism could quickly backfire if the market reacts unexpectedly, making timing more important than ever.

On the flip side, though, with $1.3 billion in BTC shorts stacked around $80k, the current bullish positioning could turn strategic.

This naturally raises a question: If strong bid-side flows support this optimism, could bulls pull off a textbook bear trap and turn a short squeeze into the catalyst for Bitcoin’s breakout?

Time for bulls to protect Bitcoin’s place as a hedge

Bitcoin is clearly defying mainstream expectations, and that’s setting a bullish tone. 

According to FedWatch, there’s a 98.9% chance that interest rates stay unchanged at the upcoming FOMC, with just 1.1% pricing in a hike. Put simply, the broader market isn’t really betting on any rate cuts, but traders will be watching the Federal Reserve’s forward guidance closely.

In this context, Bitcoin’s 365-Day MVRV sits at +22.1%, meaning BTC is still trading well below long-term expectations for holders. This shows that, despite recent gains, there’s still significant upside potential for those holding over the months or years, making it a compelling opportunity for long-term buyers.

What’s interesting is that buyers seem to be following this playbook. 

On the 16th of February, Bitcoin’s 30-day moving average volume delta on Binance and Coinbase was deeply negative.

On the 18th of March, those numbers have flipped positive, roughly +$21 million on Binance and +$14 million on Coinbase, suggesting that buying pressure is coming back, with traders stepping in to support the rally.

Against this backdrop, BTC’s perpetual futures positioning looks pretty strategic. 

With volatility likely to spike after the FOMC, Bitcoin’s bid support seems strong enough to absorb short-term pressure. If this trend sticks, the $1.3 billion in BTC shorts could get squeezed, setting up a classic bear trap and clearing the path for a breakout past $80k.

Final Summary

• Bitcoin long positions are stacking above $73k, setting the stage for a potential volatility trap ahead of the upcoming FOMC.
• The Middle East crisis and rising oil prices add to the risk, but Bitcoin’s 365-Day MVRV ratio  and recent positive spot volume shifts point to long-term buying opportunities and resilient bullish momentum.