The world’s most popular crypto, Bitcoin (BTC), is nearing new all-time highs. While not that long ago, Bitcoin was measured in pennies, today it is valued in tens of thousands of dollars. In recent days, Bitcoin has hovered around $104,000, nearing its top in January, when it hit $106,000.
So why the big move when Bitcoin was in the mid-80s just a month ago?
Matteo Greco, Senior Associate & Research Analyst at Finequia, says it is because of the return to risk-on sentiment.
Greco reports that around $600 million in net inflows moved into spot BTC ETFs in the past week—the fourth week in a row that money was moving into Bitcoin instead of out. Total net inflows now top $41 billion.
Ethereum, too, made a solid move as ETH jumped by 39%, moving from $1,809 to around $2550.
Greco says the recent moves are driven more by “crypto native activity” instead of institutional money.
This has been buttressed by easing geopolitical and economic worries. As the UK and US announced a trade deal, followed by a 90-day pause regarding China tariffs (still keeping the 10%), markets breathed a sigh of relief—at least for the moment.
Meanwhile, the US labour market remains resilient, prompting the Federal Reserve to hold interest rates steady in its latest meeting. The Fed shared that a reduction in Quantitative Tightening (QT) is not currently being considered, due to “strong economic data as the reason for maintaining its policy stance.”
“This shift in expectations is largely due to the combination of positive developments in US-China trade talks, continued labour market strength, and stable inflation readings. Together, these factors point to an economy that may be able to sustain higher interest rates without faltering,” said Greco. “Earlier projections assumed that rising inflation, driven by Trump’s anticipated tariff increases, would force the Fed into action. However, the recent diplomatic progress with China has dampened inflation expectations, reducing the urgency for policy easing and alleviating fears of a full-blown commercial war.”
Receding fears of stagflation, rising unemployment, and higher prices have also lessened fears.
While Greco does not mention this, traditional markets have been on the rise, too, making people feel wealthier and encouraging money on the sidelines to be put to work, perhaps in crypto.
So, how high can Bitcoin go? Will it go to the moon? Will it move from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars? Heck, Michael Saylor, CEO of Bitcoin proxy firm Microstrategy, thinks Bitcoin will hit $13 million by 2045.
Some predict it can move into seven digits as soon as this year. Others are not as bullish, expecting it to take a bit longer. However, most sentiment is that Bitcoin will continue to move higher, just not in a straight line.