# Bitcoin FOMO Explodes to Highest Level Since 2024 as BTC Surges Toward $87K

- Link: https://alifnews.info/bitcoin-fomo-hits-highest-level-since2024/
- Published: 2026-09-23T15:08:07+00:00
- Author: alifnews

Bitcoin market excitement has surged dramatically as **BTC climbed toward the $87,000
mark**, triggering the strongest bullish social sentiment seen since late 2024. 
According to data cited from crypto analytics platform Santiment, Bitcoin-related
FOMO reached its highest level since **December 2024**, highlighting a major shift
in trader psychology.

The latest rally has attracted renewed attention from retail traders, institutional
participants, and derivatives investors. However, rapidly rising optimism and leverage
are also creating questions about whether the market can maintain its momentum without
a short-term correction.

## **󠀁[Bitcoin FOMO](https://alifnews.info/category/business/)󠁿** Reaches a Multi-Year High

Fear of missing out, commonly known as **FOMO**, occurs when investors rush into
an asset because they fear missing further gains.

Santiment’s social sentiment data showed a sharp increase in bullish Bitcoin discussions
as BTC accelerated higher on September 21. The level of bullish commentary was reportedly
the strongest since December 2024.

Bitcoin reached approximately **$87,395 on September 21, 2026**, its highest level
since late January, before pulling back from the intraday peak.

The combination of rising prices and increasingly bullish conversations across social
media indicates that market confidence has changed significantly compared with the
fear and uncertainty seen during earlier periods.

## Massive Short Squeeze Helps Push Bitcoin Higher

One of the biggest factors supporting Bitcoin’s latest rally has been a powerful**
short squeeze**.

A short squeeze happens when traders betting on lower prices are forced to close
their positions as the market rises. Closing these positions requires buying the
asset back, which can create additional upward pressure.

Reports surrounding the latest rally estimated that approximately **$648 million
in bearish crypto positions were liquidated over a 24-hour period**, while overall
cryptocurrency trading volume increased sharply.

This forced buying helped accelerate Bitcoin’s move toward $87,000 and encouraged
additional traders to enter the market.

## Rising Trading Activity Shows Renewed Crypto Interest

The Bitcoin rally has not occurred in isolation.

Trading activity across major cryptocurrencies has also increased significantly.
Santiment data cited by market reports indicated that combined trading volume among
Bitcoin and several major altcoins recently reached its strongest weekly level since
early March 2026.

This suggests that investors are returning not only to Bitcoin but also to the broader
digital asset market.

The total cryptocurrency market capitalization also moved back above **$3 trillion**
during the recovery, according to market data reported on September 23.

## Rising Open Interest Could Increase Market Volatility

Despite growing optimism, there are important risks investors should consider.

Open interest in cryptocurrency derivatives has risen alongside Bitcoin’s price.
Rising open interest means more futures and derivatives positions are being created,
often involving leverage.

Santiment-linked market data showed overall crypto open interest increasing by around**
7.6% during the rally**, suggesting traders continued adding exposure even after
a large wave of short liquidations.

Higher leverage can strengthen rallies when prices move upward, but it can also 
increase volatility.

If Bitcoin suddenly declines, heavily leveraged long positions could face liquidation,
potentially accelerating downward price movements.

## Is Extreme Bitcoin FOMO Bullish or a Warning Sign?

Strong market optimism can support further gains because it attracts capital and
increases trading participation.

However, extremely one-sided sentiment does not guarantee that Bitcoin will continue
climbing.

Historically, cryptocurrency markets can become vulnerable to short-term corrections
when traders become excessively confident and leveraged positions become crowded.
Santiment-related commentary surrounding the latest move has therefore emphasized
caution despite the strong bullish momentum.

The current FOMO reading should consequently be viewed as a measure of **market 
sentiment**, rather than proof that Bitcoin is guaranteed to reach a particular 
price.

## What Could Bitcoin Traders Watch Next?

The next phase of Bitcoin’s move may depend on whether genuine spot-market demand
continues supporting the rally after the initial short squeeze.

Traders are likely to watch whether BTC can maintain levels above the areas reclaimed
during the recent breakout, whether trading volume remains strong, and whether derivatives
leverage continues increasing.

Institutional flows could also remain important. Recent market reports have pointed
to renewed demand through U.S. spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds alongside the 
broader recovery.

If demand remains strong while leverage stays controlled, Bitcoin could maintain
positive momentum. On the other hand, rapidly increasing speculative positioning
could create greater liquidation risk if market sentiment changes.

## Final Thoughts

Bitcoin’s latest recovery has produced one of the most dramatic sentiment shifts
in the crypto market in nearly two years.

With BTC reaching around **$87,395** and Santiment’s social metrics showing the 
strongest bullish sentiment since **December 2024**, FOMO has clearly returned to
the cryptocurrency market.

At the same time, rising leverage means investors should distinguish between genuine
long-term demand and short-term speculative excitement.

Bitcoin’s next major move may reveal whether the current surge in enthusiasm represents
the beginning of a more sustained market recovery or simply another highly volatile
phase in the cryptocurrency cycle.

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