Bitcoin News Today: Bitcoin's $90k Hurdle: ETF Inflows Clash with $3.5B November Redemptions

Bitcoin's recent price action has sparked intense debate among traders and analysts, with the cryptocurrency hovering near $86,600 as of late November 2025-approximately 30% below its October peak of $126,200. The market remains in a consolidation phase amid mixed signals from institutional flows and macroeconomic uncertainty. While spot Bitcoin ETFs saw a $238 million inflow following a month of outflows, broader market sentiment remains bearish, with $3.5 billion in ETF redemptions recorded in November alone. This tug-of-war between institutional participation and risk-off behavior has left Bitcoin in a critical juncture, with traders closely monitoring whether it can break above $90,000 or collapse further into support zones.

The current price scenario reflects a typical 4-year post-peak correction cycle, a pattern observed in prior Bitcoin bull runs. Technical analysis suggests that a move above $88,000 could reignite buying momentum, testing the $90,000 resistance level-a psychological and technical barrier that has repeatedly stalled upward progress. However, sustained ETF inflows will be crucial to fuel a meaningful rally. Conversely, failure to breach $90,000 and a drop below $85,000 could accelerate a descent toward $80,000, confirming an ongoing bear-cycle correction. This scenario aligns with broader risk-averse market conditions, as evidenced by the Crypto Fear and Greed Index remaining in "Extreme Fear" territory and major altcoins like XRP and Solana following Bitcoin's downward trajectory.

Institutional flows have become a double-edged sword. While the $238 million inflow into spot Bitcoin ETFs offers a temporary stabilizing effect, the broader trend of redemptions-particularly BlackRock's iShares Bitcoin Trust losing $523 million in a single day-highlights investor caution. Total November outflows now stand at $2.96 billion, with BlackRock accounting for over 70% of that figure. If this trend continues, November could match February's record outflows of $3.56 billion, a historically weak period for Bitcoin despite its typically strong seasonal performance. These developments underscore the fragility of market confidence, with ETF investors and long-term holders facing mounting losses as Bitcoin struggles to regain its footing.

The bearish narrative has gained traction among critics like economist Peter Schiff, who reiterated his stance that Bitcoin lacks utility as a medium of exchange and is structurally inferior to alternatives like stablecoins and tokenized gold. "The race to get out of Bitcoin is on," Schiff warned on social media, arguing that the cryptocurrency's volatility and lack of intrinsic value make it an unattractive store of value. Such commentary, combined with macroeconomic headwinds-such as thin liquidity and uncertainty over U.S. interest rate policy-has further exacerbated selling pressure.

Looking ahead, the short-term outlook hinges on Bitcoin's ability to hold the $80,000–$85,000 support zone. A successful defense could pave the way for a gradual rebound, but prolonged weakness below this range would likely deepen the correction. Analysts remain divided: some view the current consolidation as a natural part of the 4-year cycle, while others fear a more prolonged bear market if macroeconomic conditions deteriorate. For now, the market is in a waiting game, with ETF flows, macroeconomic data, and institutional sentiment serving as key catalysts for the next move.