Bitcoin Soars Past $100K: Institutional Demand and ETF Inflows Drive Record Rally
Spot Bitcoin ETFs in the U.S. saw a staggering $533 million in net inflows on Wednesday, according to recent data, with BlackRock’s IBIT crossing $50 billion in net assets for the first time.
Bitcoin broke through the historic $100,000 level early Thursday, nearly 15 years after its launch, marking a significant milestone in the cryptocurrency’s evolution. Traders predict this bullish momentum could persist, despite slight corrections.
In the past 24 hours, Bitcoin has surged by 7.2%, reaching an all-time high of $103,670 before retreating to $102,500 during Asian afternoon trading as some investors took profits. This rally propelled Bitcoin’s market capitalization to a record $2 trillion. Over the past 30 days, Bitcoin has climbed 50%, driven by a combination of factors: increasing institutional demand, robust ETF inflows, favorable sentiment in traditional financial circles, and optimism around Donald Trump’s anticipated presidency, which promises a pro-crypto agenda.
The rapid price surge has sparked concerns among market watchers about a potential local top, which could lead to a pullback as deep as $90,000. However, traders remain optimistic, citing the seasonally bullish holiday period, sustained demand from ETFs, and heightened media attention as drivers for continued upward momentum.
Traders Weigh In on Bitcoin’s Next Moves
- Min Jung, Investment Analyst at Presto Research:
“With Jerome Powell’s recent remark calling Bitcoin ‘digital gold’ and Paul Atkins’ appointment as SEC chair, BTC has finally broken the $100K barrier. However, the rally likely isn’t over. Crossing this psychological threshold has sparked broader public interest, and Bitcoin’s relatively small market size compared to other macro assets will attract more institutional investors. As these large players allocate meaningful capital, Bitcoin’s market cap growth could accelerate.” - Jeff Mei, COO at BTSE:
“Bitcoin’s move past $100K isn’t just a milestone; it’s a defining moment for the crypto industry. The regulatory environment in the U.S. is becoming more supportive, particularly with Paul Atkins leading the SEC. This regulatory clarity will likely boost institutional confidence, paving the way for more investment and adoption, and cementing Bitcoin’s status as a credible asset class.” - Nick Ruck, Director at LVRG Research:
“While some view $100K as a potential market top, on-chain metrics and macroeconomic trends suggest Bitcoin still has room to grow. The invalidation of bearish narratives—such as regulatory crackdowns or unfavorable election outcomes—supports continued bullish momentum. Long-term holders may take profits, but mainstream media coverage and retail investor interest are only now gaining steam. This could lead to a fresh wave of buying driven by FOMO.”
Outlook: Bullish or Cautious?
As Bitcoin reaches historic heights, the balance between institutional demand and profit-taking will likely define its trajectory. With the holiday season approaching and the spotlight on crypto brighter than ever, traders are closely watching whether BTC can sustain its bullish streak or face a temporary pullback.
