Bitcoin Tops $100K, Setting a New Record as Institutional Demand Soars
Bitcoin has reached a major milestone, breaking the $100,000 mark early Thursday, 15 years after its creation. The move comes as institutional interest continues to grow, driven by robust inflows into U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs and increasing optimism about regulatory clarity in the cryptocurrency sector.
The cryptocurrency briefly hit $103,670, pushing its market capitalization above $2 trillion for the first time before retreating to $102,500 during the Asian trading session as some traders locked in profits. Bitcoin has gained an impressive 50% over the past month, fueled by institutional demand, improved sentiment in traditional financial markets, and anticipation of pro-crypto policies under Donald Trump’s expected presidency.
Spot Bitcoin ETFs in the U.S. reported $533 million in net inflows on Wednesday, with BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) crossing $50 billion in net assets, marking a historic achievement for the fund.
Market Experts Share Their Perspectives
- Min Jung, Investment Analyst at Presto Research:
“Bitcoin’s rise past $100K is a landmark moment. The support from institutional players and high-profile endorsements, such as Powell’s statement calling Bitcoin digital gold, is reshaping market dynamics. With its relatively small market cap compared to traditional assets, Bitcoin is poised to attract even more institutional capital, potentially driving it higher.” - Jeff Mei, COO at BTSE:
“Breaking the $100K barrier cements Bitcoin’s position as a legitimate macroeconomic asset. Improved regulatory clarity, particularly with Paul Atkins at the helm of the SEC, is enabling large institutions to participate without fear of legal repercussions. This marks the beginning of a new wave of adoption and credibility for Bitcoin.” - Nick Ruck, Director at LVRG Research:
“While some see $100K as a possible market top, the data suggests otherwise. On-chain metrics indicate sustained demand, and institutional buying is far from over. Retail investors, spurred by growing media coverage and FOMO, are just beginning to enter the market. This could fuel further gains in the short term.”
Outlook: Opportunity or Caution?
Despite concerns about a potential pullback to $90,000, analysts remain optimistic about Bitcoin’s trajectory. Seasonal trends, strong ETF inflows, and increasing attention from mainstream media could drive continued momentum. For now, Bitcoin’s historic surge past $100K has firmly positioned it as one of the most significant assets in modern financial markets.
