Bitcoin News Today: Bitcoin Hits $123200 on SEC ETF Approval and Regulatory Clarity

Bitcoin’s price surged to an all-time high of $123,200 in late July 2025, fueled by a wave of regulatory developments in the United States that signaled growing institutional acceptance of the cryptocurrency. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approved in-kind creation and redemption mechanisms for Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs), a landmark decision that enhanced liquidity and mainstream adoption [1]. This regulatory clarity, combined with increased market confidence, spurred significant institutional participation, as major financial firms like BlackRock and Fidelity launched their own Bitcoin ETF products [2].

The momentum was further reinforced by the enactment of the “GENIUS Act” during Congressional “Crypto Week,” a legislative move that marked a pivotal step toward integrating digital assets into the U.S. financial system [2]. These developments contributed to a broader shift in investor sentiment, with institutional demand rising in tandem with clearer regulatory signals. Record inflows into Bitcoin ETFs reached $4.4 billion in July alone, highlighting the growing acceptance of crypto assets among institutional investors [6].

Despite the sharp price increase, Bitcoin’s market share experienced a minor decline as altcoins, particularly Ethereum, attracted increased liquidity and demand. Ethereum’s price climbed above $3,800, benefiting from the same regulatory tailwinds that boosted Bitcoin [6]. However, the broader crypto market faced downward pressure from token unlocks and shifting investor sentiment, with some short-term volatility observed during the month [9].

Bitcoin’s price fluctuated during July, with a brief dip below $115,200 following U.S. tariff announcements and profit-taking by traders. The dip triggered $630 million in liquidations and a 5% drop in Ethereum’s value before both assets rebounded [4]. By mid-July, Bitcoin stabilized above $118,000 and continued its upward trajectory, supported by favorable macroeconomic conditions, including a 3% GDP growth in the U.S. second quarter and a U.S. dollar index reaching a five-week high [3].

Analysts have noted that the SEC’s ETF approvals are likely to strengthen Bitcoin’s price resilience and attract further capital inflows. Some forecasts suggest that Bitcoin could reach between $150,000 and $200,000 by the end of 2025, though these remain speculative and not confirmed outcomes [7]. Institutional demand has grown amid clearer regulatory signals, reinforcing the ongoing bull market and signaling a shift toward long-term crypto adoption.

The surge in Bitcoin’s price has also rekindled interest in early adopters, with Satoshi Nakamoto’s estimated net worth reaching approximately $130 billion based on current prices [10]. Meanwhile, regulatory efforts continue to evolve, with former U.S. President Donald Trump’s crypto task force advocating for further reforms, including CFTC oversight, stablecoin legislation, and streamlined rules to enhance U.S. leadership in digital assets [11]. These developments underscore a broader trend of institutional and regulatory alignment, which may shape the trajectory of the crypto market in the months ahead.

Sources:

[1] Bitcoin Price Reclaims $118000 As SEC Approves In-Kind (https://bitcoinmagazine.com/markets/bitcoin-price-reclaims-118000-as-sec-approves-in-kind-creations-and-redemptions)

[2] Bitcoin surges to a fresh all-time high above (https://www.aol.com/bitcoin-touches-another-fresh-time-180421362.html)

[3] BTC Tentative, Dollar Index Hits 5-Week High as U.S. GDP (https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2025/07/30/btc-tentative-dollar-index-hits-5-week-high-as-u-s-gdp-grew-3-in-second-quarter)

[4] Bitcoin slips below $115200 as U.S. tariffs rattle markets (https://m.economictimes.com/markets/cryptocurrency/crypto-news/bitcoin-slips-below-115200-as-u-s-tariffs-rattle-markets-ethereum-solana-dogecoin-fall-up-to-8/articleshow/123038529.cms)

[6] July 2025 in Crypto: Prices rally on US regulatory clarity (https://trakx.io/resources/insights/july-2025-in-crypto-prices-rally-on-us-regulatory-clarity-and-renewed-fiscal-fears/)

[7] Bitcoin Nears $118K – Is 2025 Bull Market Losing (https://cryptonews.com/news/bitcoin-118k-2025-bull-market-momentum/)

[9] Bitcoin inches down but remains above $118000 (https://www.economies.com/crypto/news/bitcoin-inches-down-but-remains-above-$118000-46977)

[10] Bitcoin Surges Past $118000, Satoshi Nakamoto's Fortune (https://www.ainvest.com/news/bitcoin-surges-118-000-satoshi-nakamoto-fortune-reaches-130-billion-xrp-sees-institutional-inflows-dogecoin-sees-bullish-sentiment-10-drop-2507/)

[11] Trump Pushes Bold Crypto Reforms with New Federal Report (https://coincentral.com/trump-pushes-bold-crypto-reforms-with-new-federal-report/)