Bitcoin News Today: Crypto's Crossroads: Institutional Bulls vs. Technical Bears as BTC, ETH, XRP Test Key Levels

Bitcoin, Ethereum, and XRP experienced mixed price action in late October 2025, with conflicting signals emerging from technical indicators, on-chain metrics, and institutional activity. Bitcoin (BTC) surged above $120,000, driven by accumulation from mid-sized holders and a $94 premium on Coinbase compared to Binance, reflecting strong U.S. institutional demand. Analyst Benjamin Cowen of IntoTheCryptoverse predicted a cycle top for BTC before year-end, citing historical patterns in Q4 rallies. Technical analyses suggested potential targets of $124,685 or $171,466, contingent on sustained institutional buying. However, bearish indicators emerged as Bitcoin tested support levels, with some analysts warning of a potential decline to $108,486 if demand waned.

Ethereum (ETH) faced downward pressure, failing to maintain gains above $4,600. On-chain data revealed bearish divergences and weak volume, with key support at $4,420 and resistance near $4,550. A breakdown below $4,400 could push ETH toward $4,320, while a recovery above $4,585 might rekindle bullish momentum. Institutional ETF inflows for ETH totaled $69 million in a single week, though inflows lagged behind Bitcoin's $5.9 billion, signaling mixed institutional interest.

Ripple (XRP) tested critical support levels, trading near $2.85 amid a tightening symmetrical triangle pattern. The token held above its 100-day EMA but faced resistance at $3.00. Institutional developments, including Ripple's integration with SWIFT and S&P Global's inclusion in its crypto index, bolstered long-term optimism. However, technical indicators pointed to potential volatility: a breakdown below $2.85 could target $2.70–$2.63, while a rebound above $3.00 might signal a resumption of the uptrend. BNB's rise to third-largest market cap by volume further pressured XRP, exacerbating distribution dynamics.

Market-wide factors, including Bitcoin ETF inflows and macroeconomic headwinds, underscored the interplay between institutional demand and risk-off sentiment. Bitcoin's ETFs added $5.9 billion in a week, reinforcing its role as a bellwether for crypto adoption. Meanwhile, Ethereum's ETFs saw $69 million in inflows, highlighting divergent institutional appetite between the two assets. XRP's on-chain activity showed modest accumulation, with $4.2 million in net outflows recorded in early October.

The coming weeks will test key technical levels and institutional narratives. For Bitcoin, the $120,000 support and $126,000 resistance will determine whether consolidation or a deeper correction ensues. Ethereum's ability to reclaim $4,550 could stabilize its bearish trajectory, while XRP's performance above $2.85 will be critical for its short-term outlook. Institutional developments, including Ripple's regulatory milestones and S&P's crypto index, may provide catalysts for long-term gains despite near-term volatility.

Source: [1] CCN (https://www.ccn.com/analysis/crypto/bitcoin-price-btc-above-120k-breakout-revives-ath-2025/)

[2] Cointelegraph (https://cointelegraph.com/news/bitcoin-drops-under-120k-bearish-data-sparks-10-btc-price-warning)

[4] BTCC (https://www.btcc.com/en-US/square/HashRonin/1051413)

[5] Cryptonews.net (https://cryptonews.net/news/ethereum/31763056/)

[7] FXStreet (https://www.fxstreet.com/cryptocurrencies/news/crypto-today-bitcoin-ethereum-xrp-retreat-amid-profit-taking-risk-off-sentiment-202510091200)

[9] Coinpedia.org (https://coinpedia.org/price-analysis/xrp-price-fails-to-reclaim-3-xlm-price-slips-again-are-more-losses-ahead/)

[10] Cryptonews.com (https://cryptonews.com/news/chatgpts-xrp-analysis-reveals-2-86-breakdown-as-ripple-national-trust-deadline-hits-can-2-70-support-hold/)

[12] Coinedition.com (https://coinedition.com/xrp-price-prediction-institutional-endorsements-and-sps-crypto-index-boost-confidence/)