Bitcoin (BTC) has traded within a $102,000-$112,000 range since May, yet its On-Balance Volume (OBV) continues to trend higher. A crypto analyst believes the rising OBV suggests accumulating buying pressure could soon translate into bigger price moves.

Rising OBV Points to Accumulation Underneath

The divergence between Bitcoin’s price and its On-Balance Volume indicator signals growing “buying pressure,” according to market analyst Cas Abbé.

An analysis suggests that this rising OBV could contribute to sending Bitcoin’s price toward the crucial psychological $130,000–$135,000 barrier by the third quarter of 2025.

OBV gauges buying and selling pressure by tracking volume across successive closing prices. A rising trend signifies that total buying volume outpaces selling volume.

Divergence, where OBV forms higher lows while price consolidates, historically implies builder demand accumulating beneath the surface.

Similar OBV Divergence Led to Past Success

Historical precedent suggests Bitcoin often exhibits strong bullish moves when rising OBV confirms underlying buying pressure amid consolidation.

Between March and April 2025, during a sideways move between $76,000 and $84,000, BTC’s OBV started forming higher lows. This confirmed consolidation structure, ushering in a subsequent 57% rally to over $110,000 by May.

Should the current rising OBVization occur, it could validate analyst forecasts for a similar significant price appreciation.

Bull Flag Pattern Supports Forecast

Technical analysis also points towards a potential breakout, identifying a classic Bull Flag formation unfolding on the daily chart.

Forming after a surge towards near $112,000 from around $93,670, the price subsequently consolidated downwards inside a parallel channel, establishing the “flagpole” and “flag” pattern.

This structure reinforces the possibility of another significant upward leg. The target for such a move sits around the $130,000 price level, closely aligning with Abbé’s timeframe and Cas Abbé’s $130,000–$135,000 projection for Q3 2025.

Beyond OBV: Institutional Confidence and Broader Context

The forecast aligns not only with expert Cas Abbé but also with the views of prominent voices like Galaxy Digital founder Mike Novogratz, who anticipates Bitcoin driven by strong institutional flows potentially reaching $130,000-150,000.

Furthermore, analysts like Stockmoney Lizards eye even higher targets, suggesting a potential year-end run towards $200,000.

Adding to the bullish backdrop, there is also strengthening conviction from investment professionals, exemplified by recent statements. A CEO from Bitwise noted, “No one will sell their Bitcoin once it taps $130K,” further suggesting institutional comfort as a catalyst for sustained price appreciation.