Bitcoin News Today: Bitcoin Surges to $117K as 401(k) Crypto Access Unlocks Trillions

U.S. household wealth is increasingly being viewed as a key driver for a potential surge in Bitcoin’s price. With trillions of dollars in investable assets held by American households—including cash, stocks, bonds, and retirement accounts such as 401(k)s—only a small fraction of these funds are currently allocated to cryptocurrencies. This untapped pool of capital could represent a major opportunity for Bitcoin if even a modest reallocation occurs [1].

The total value of U.S. household liquid investable wealth exceeds $60 trillion. If just 1% of that wealth were to be shifted into Bitcoin, it would result in hundreds of billions of dollars in new capital flowing into the market. Given Bitcoin’s capped supply of 21 million coins, even a small but sustained influx of demand could lead to significant price appreciation [1].

The introduction of spot Bitcoin ETFs in the U.S. is making this reallocation more feasible. These investment vehicles allow retirement accounts and other mainstream investors to access Bitcoin without the complexities of direct ownership or self-custody, lowering barriers to entry and increasing accessibility [1]. As a result, the asset is becoming a more realistic option for ordinary investors who are seeking diversification and protection against inflation and macroeconomic uncertainty.

The growing influence of younger, crypto-savvy investors is also shaping the landscape. This generation, which is increasingly open to alternative assets, is building wealth and beginning to make decisions that align with digital investment trends. As more of them gain access to retirement accounts that include Bitcoin, the market could see an influx of new demand from a broader demographic [1].

Financial institutions and advisors are also beginning to explore the role of Bitcoin in diversified investment strategies. Regulatory developments are playing a crucial role in legitimizing the asset class and encouraging institutional participation. The moment even a small portion of 401(k) and IRA funds begin flowing into Bitcoin, the market could experience a surge in buying pressure that reshapes its trajectory [1].

The recent executive action allowing cryptocurrencies to be included in 401(k) plans has already triggered a notable market response. Following the announcement on August 4, 2025, Bitcoin surged to $117,000, signaling strong investor confidence in the future of crypto as part of traditional portfolios [1]. This shift is part of a broader trend toward integrating digital assets into mainstream financial systems, which could unlock vast new sources of capital for the cryptocurrency market.

With U.S. households collectively holding hundreds of trillions in wealth, and a growing number of them expressing interest in alternative investments, the stage is set for a potential transformation in how Bitcoin is perceived and utilized. As more Americans begin to view Bitcoin not just as speculative risk but as a legitimate asset class, the market could enter a new phase of sustained growth and institutional acceptance [1].

Sources:

[1] Bitcoin Surges To $117K As Trump Signs 401(k) Crypto Order-Plans (https://bitcoinmagazine.com/markets/bitcoin-surges-to-117k-as-trump-signs-401k-crypto-order-plans)

[2] What's Wrong with the Housing Market? By Investing.com (https://www.investing.com/news/economy/whats-wrong-with-the-housing-market-4174698)

[3] 'Something weird's going on' in the economy as 6 new economic classes take shape (https://fortune.com/2025/08/09/something-weirds-going-on-in-the-economy-as-6-new-economic-classes-take-shape/)

[4] Bitcoin Surges on New Trump Measure to Allow Crypto in (https://finance.yahoo.com/news/bitcoin-surges-trump-measure-allow-151418093.html)

[5] JPMorgan Just Flipped on the Fed—Predicted to Fuel a Huge Bitcoin Price Boom (https://www.forbes.com/sites/digital-assets/2025/08/08/jpmorgan-just-flipped-on-the-fed-predicted-to-fuel-a-huge-bitcoin-price-boom/)