Bitcoin Holds Above $95K as ETF Inflows Surge to $1.8 Billion, Highest Since October

Strong ETF Demand Supports Bitcoin Price

Bitcoin is trading at approximately $95,500 after testing resistance above $97,000, supported by substantial institutional investment through exchange-traded funds ^[1][2]. U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded $1.8 billion in net inflows this week, representing the strongest weekly intake since early October 2025 ^[2][3].

The robust institutional demand comes as trading volume declined 16% to $55.8 billion, and overall cryptocurrency market capitalization dropped to $3.3 trillion ^[1]. According to data cited by market observers, over 17,700 BTC tokens—roughly $1.68 billion worth—have been accumulated by ETFs so far this week ^[1].

Despite the recent surge in inflows, total net assets under management across U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs currently stand near $125 billion, approximately 24% below their fourth quarter 2025 peak of $164.5 billion ^[2]. This indicates that recent institutional purchases have only partially offset earlier outflows.

Sustained Demand Needed for $100K Breakthrough

Analysts emphasize that sustained institutional buying over multiple weeks will be necessary for Bitcoin to break through the $100,000 psychological barrier. According to the Bitcoin macro intelligence newsletter Ecoinometrics, short bursts of ETF inflows have repeatedly led to brief price bounces followed by fading momentum ^[2].

"Bitcoin doesn't need a few good days. It needs a few good weeks," the newsletter stated, noting that cumulative ETF flows remain in a deep drawdown ^[2].

From a structural perspective, spot ETF demand continues to outpace new Bitcoin supply. Since U.S. Bitcoin ETFs launched in January 2024, they have purchased approximately 710,777 BTC, while the Bitcoin network has produced just 363,047 BTC over the same period ^[2]. Bitcoin's price has risen about 94% since the ETF launch, reflecting this supply-demand imbalance ^[2].

U.S. Senate Advances Crypto Legislation

Despite postponement of scheduled hearings, U.S. lawmakers expressed optimism about crypto legislation as negotiations progress toward consensus on market structure rules ^[1]. Senate Banking Committee Chairman Tim Scott continues leading discussions among committee members, the White House, and industry stakeholders ^[1].

Senator Cynthia Lummis stated, "Thanks to Chairman Scott's leadership, we are closer than ever to giving the digital asset industry the clarity it deserves. Everyone is still at the negotiating table, & I look forward to partnering with him to deliver a bipartisan bill the industry & America can be proud of" ^[1].

Senator Bill Hagerty expressed confidence that a consensus product would be reached in short order, praising the chairman's leadership and collaborative efforts across party lines ^[1]. If passed, the legislation would represent the most consequential regulatory restructuring of U.S. financial markets, designed to keep innovation onshore and strengthen long-term economic leadership ^[1].

Technical Outlook and Market Dynamics

Technical analysis shows Bitcoin holding strong above $93,500 support and the 0.236 Fibonacci Retracement level, with price action above the 50-day Simple Moving Average at $90,123 ^[1]. The Relative Strength Index stands at 64.51, indicating buyer control without reaching overbought conditions ^[1].

Bitcoin is attempting to find support near the $94,500 level, signaling positive sentiment among traders ^[3]. BitMEX co-founder Arthur Hayes predicted that Bitcoin will regain momentum in 2026 as dollar liquidity expands ^[3]. However, some analysts cautioned that Bitcoin needs to hold the $94,000 region, as a break below would create an unfavorable technical outlook ^[3].

Global Crypto Usage Expands

Meanwhile, international adoption continues to grow under challenging circumstances. According to Chainalysis data, Iran's crypto ecosystem reached $7.78 billion in 2025, with substantial increases in daily crypto transfers amid ongoing unrest ^[1]. The report indicates that Bitcoin has become both a tool for capital preservation and an element of resistance, providing liquidity in an increasingly restricted economic environment ^[1].