Bitcoin News Today: Bitcoin's ETF-Fueled Rally Collides with Macro Uncertainty and Slowing Accumulation

Bitcoin's return rate in October 2025 plummeted to 0.39%, a stark contrast to its historical average of 21.89%, as a mix of institutional enthusiasm, regulatory shifts, and macroeconomic uncertainty shaped the crypto market. Despite record inflows into U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs and a price surge above $126,000, the asset's performance underscored a growing divide between short-term momentum and long-term fundamentals.

U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs saw $3.55 billion in weekly inflows in early October, with BlackRock's iShares Bitcoin Trust leading the charge, according to TradingView. Total inflows since interest rate cuts began reached $9.4 billion, while year-to-date inflows hit $30.2 billion. Institutional interest has surged, with public companies' Bitcoin holdings jumping from 476,000 BTC to 869,000 BTC in 2025. This demand pushed Bitcoin's price past $126,000 and lifted assets under management to $178.2 billion, according to TradingView.

However, the ETF-driven rally masked broader market fragility. Ethereum, for instance, recorded $168.7 million in outflows for the week, marking its first negative week in five, according to TradingView. Meanwhile, altcoins like Solana and XRP saw smaller inflows, signaling a concentration of capital in Bitcoin.

The deceleration in Bitcoin accumulation by major players has raised concerns. Michael Saylor's MicroStrategy (MSTR) added 778 BTC in October, a 78% drop from September's 3,526 BTC, as reported by Cointelegraph. Analysts attribute this slowdown to capital-raising challenges, with equity issuance premiums for MSTR collapsing from 208% to 4%. Despite the dip, 2025 remains MicroStrategy's most aggressive year for Bitcoin acquisitions, with $19.53 billion spent to date.

South Korea's Bitplanet, meanwhile, entered the fray, purchasing 93 BTC as part of a 10,000 BTC treasury plan. This marked the country's first regulated corporate Bitcoin purchase, reflecting a global trend of institutional adoption amid clearer regulatory frameworks.

The Federal Reserve's potential rate cuts could inject $7.4 trillion into risk assets by 2026, with Bitcoin poised to benefit, Coinpaprika reported. Money market funds, holding $7.39 trillion, may see a portion redirected to equities and crypto as yields decline. Bitcoin ETFs, already drawing $26 billion in 2025 inflows, could see further institutional rotation, with analysts speculating a 5% shift from money market funds could push Bitcoin toward $280,000–$350,000.

Yet, geopolitical tensions and macroeconomic volatility tempered optimism. Bitcoin's October struggles, dubbed the worst Uptober since 2014, saw a 6% decline for the month. Renewed U.S.-China trade frictions and a $19 billion liquidation event on Oct. 10 exacerbated risk-off sentiment, with Polymarket data showing a 52% probability of Bitcoin dropping below $100,000 by month-end.

While institutional demand and regulatory progress provide a floor for Bitcoin's price, macroeconomic headwinds and accumulation slowdowns highlight the asset's vulnerability. Analysts remain divided: some predict a rebound to $160,000 in 2025 if 0.2% of global assets shift to crypto, while others caution that Bitcoin's path to $115,000 remains precarious.

For now, the market watches for clarity on Fed policy, corporate Bitcoin treasury strategies, and the resilience of ETF inflows. As one analyst noted, "Bitcoin is no longer just a speculative play-it's a battleground for institutional capital, and the outcome will shape its trajectory for years to come."

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