Bitcoin surged past $120,000 this week, reaching a high of $122,600, as institutional capital continued to pour into crypto-backed ETFs. The move followed a record-setting day of ETF inflows, with $1.18 billion entering the market on Thursday alone, marking the strongest buying activity of 2025.
Over the past six to eight weeks, institutional investors have funneled approximately $15 billion into Bitcoin ETFs, while retail participation has remained relatively muted.
Market momentum is being driven by a mix of regulatory optimism and long-term accumulation. U.S. lawmakers are entering a critical legislative phase, dubbed 'Crypto Week', with several bills on the table aimed at clarifying the digital asset landscape.
A bit one among them is the Genius Act, which could set foundational rules for stablecoins and authorize the issuance of digital dollars by private entities. Backed by the White House, these developments are widely seen as favorable to institutional players seeking legal clarity and risk mitigation.
What Does This Mean for Me?
Despite some downside risk from renewed trade tensions and potential Federal Reserve rate hikes, sentiment remains bullish. Bitcoin is expected to test $125,000 in the coming weeks, with some projecting year-end targets as high as $160,000.
For now, long-term holders continue to lock up supply, while ETF flows signal that corporate treasuries and asset managers are leaning in, not backing off. The current rally reflects more institutional alignment with a maturing asset class despite evolving regulation and macro uncertainty.