Bitcoin News Today: Bitcoin Surges Past $118K on $14.8B ETF Inflows, Hits $1T Realized Cap

Bitcoin’s price surged past $118,000 in July 2025, driven by historic institutional inflows and the launch of new exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Over $14.8 billion in ETF inflows were recorded during the period, signaling growing confidence from large-scale investors in Bitcoin’s long-term value proposition [1]. The cryptocurrency’s on-chain activity also reached a landmark milestone, with a realized capitalization of $1 trillion, reflecting sustained price stability above the $118,000 threshold after a significant $9 billion Bitcoin sale by a Satoshi-era whale [2]. The weekly gains underscored Bitcoin’s resilience, with a 1.45% daily rise extending its 30-day rally to 10.42% and year-to-date performance outpacing many traditional assets [3].

The surge has intensified debates about Bitcoin’s growth stage. Analysts like Peter Brandt caution against overreliance on digital assets, emphasizing the need for diversification and risk management, particularly for younger investors [4]. Meanwhile, bullish forecasts from institutions highlight Bitcoin’s potential to reach $250,000 by year-end, fueled by sustained institutional buying and macroeconomic trends such as global M2 growth, which is projected to expand 8–10% annually through 2025 [5]. Citi’s $199,000 price target under a bull scenario also points to the role of ETF inflows exceeding $15 billion and a 20% user growth rate [6]. However, these projections contrast with historical skepticism, as Bitcoin’s volatility remains a persistent concern despite its recent stability.

Regulatory clarity is increasingly seen as a catalyst for broader adoption. Unified policies could reduce uncertainty and attract further institutional capital, according to reports [7]. Yet, corporate allocations of Bitcoin remain contentious, with valuation expert Aswath Damodaran warning that such investments risk misusing shareholder capital without robust risk-aware strategies [8]. The cryptocurrency ecosystem’s maturation is also evident in the performance of altcoins, with projects like Zora and Sahara AI gaining traction as capital rotates into riskier assets, signaling a shift toward innovation [9].

Market dynamics remain mixed. While Bitcoin’s dominance stabilizes, volatility resurfaced in late July as a $585.86 million liquidation event pushed prices below $116,000 temporarily [10]. Nonetheless, over-the-counter (OTC) trading data indicates consolidation around the $118,000 level, with on-chain metrics suggesting strong institutional positioning [11]. Analysts remain divided between short-term corrections and long-term bullish scenarios, with some projecting a rapid rally to $135,000–$150,000 if Bitcoin breaches the $122,000 resistance level [12].

The path forward hinges on balancing institutional confidence with cautious risk management. As regulatory frameworks solidify and macroeconomic conditions evolve, Bitcoin’s dual role as a store of value and a driver of innovation appears increasingly central to its future.

Sources:

[1] [Is Bitcoin Still Early-Stage Despite $118K Price? The Case ...](https://www.ainvest.com/news/bitcoin-early-stage-118k-price-case-long-term-preservation-institutional-adoption-2507/)

[2] [Bitcoin Hits $1T Realized Cap as Price Holds Above $118 ...](https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2025/07/26/bitcoin-hits-usd1t-realized-cap-as-price-holds-above-usd118k-after-usd9b-btc-sale-by-satoshi-era-whale)

[3] [Bitcoin Holds Above $118K as Realized Cap Hits $1 Trillion ...](https://www.tokenpost.com/news/investing/16472)

[4] [Caution vs. $250K Price Targets Amid Institutional Adoption](https://www.ainvest.com/news/bitcoin-news-today-bitcoin-future-caution-250k-price-targets-institutional-adoption-2507/)

[5] [Global Liquidity Surge Sets Stage for Bitcoin Price Explosion](https://news.bitcoin.com/global-liquidity-surge-sets-stage-for-bitcoin-price-explosion/)

[6] [Wall Street's Bold Bet: Bitcoin Could Hit $200K By ...](https://www.mitrade.com/insights/news/live-news/article-3-989308-20250726)

[7] [What Happens if Bitcoin Reaches $1 Million?](https://cointelegraph.com/explained/what-happens-if-bitcoin-reaches-1-million)

[8] [The 'Dean of Valuation' Says Most Companies Buying ...](https://finance.yahoo.com/news/dean-valuation-says-most-companies-170119737.html)

[9] [Altcoin Season 2025: How Bitcoin's Stability Is Fueling the ...](https://www.tokenmetrics.com/blog/altcoins-on-the-rise-how-bitcoins-stability-is-fueling-the-next-market-wave)

[10] [Bitcoin Price Prediction: BTC Could Surge to ...](https://coincentral.com/bitcoin-btc-price-market-correction-triggers-massive-liquidations-as-analysts-eye-200k-target/)

[11] [OTC Weekly Trading Insights (07/24/2025)](https://www.binance.com/en/square/post/27421039028450)

[12] [Bitcoin Price Prediction: BTC Could Surge to 135 000 ...](https://blockchain.news/flashnews/bitcoin-price-prediction-btc-could-surge-to-135-000-150-000-after-breaking-122-000-resistance)