Bitcoin News Today: Institutional ETF Shifts Spark Bitcoin's $114K Comeback

Bitcoin (BTC) has rebounded to $114,000 following a sharp V-shaped recovery in early October 2025, driven by strong inflows into U.S.-listed spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Data from SoSoValue reveals that Bitcoin ETFs attracted $521.95 million in net inflows on September 29, with Fidelity's FBTC leading the charge by securing $298.70 million-nearly 57% of the total inflows. Other major contributors included Ark 21Shares' ARKB ($62.18 million), Grayscale's BTC ($47 million), and Bitwise's BITB ($47 million), while BlackRock's IBIT, the largest Bitcoin ETF, recorded $46.64 million in outflows. This marked a reversal from weeks of outflows and signaled renewed institutional confidence in the asset.

The inflows coincided with a notable price rebound, as Bitcoin climbed back to $114,000, erasing prior week's losses. Timothy Misir, head of research at BRN, noted that the $109,000 to $111,000 range had become a critical support level, with buyers consistently defending it. He emphasized that as long as Bitcoin remains above $109,000, the bullish momentum remains intact, though the next resistance lies between $115,000 and $116,300. The recovery also highlighted Bitcoin's sensitivity to institutional demand, with ETF inflows acting as a stabilizing force amid broader market volatility.

The surge in ETF activity underscores growing institutional adoption of Bitcoin as a portfolio diversifier. Fidelity's dominance in inflows-accounting for over half of the total-reflects its role as a key player in shaping market sentiment. Meanwhile, the outflows from BlackRock's IBIT, despite its dominant market share, suggest shifting allocations among institutional investors. This dynamic aligns with broader trends of capital rotation within the crypto space, where firms adjust exposure based on liquidity and market conditions.

Derivatives data further reinforced the bullish narrative. Open interest in Bitcoin futures rose to $56 billion, while daily futures volumes increased by 38% to $72 billion. The long-to-short ratio on major exchanges like Binance and OKX reached 1.8 and 2.7, respectively, indicating strong conviction among traders. Analysts noted that the absence of significant short interest and the absence of bearish divergences in spot flow data supported the $4,300 (ETH) and $109,000 (BTC) support levels.

Looking ahead, the trajectory of Bitcoin will depend on sustained ETF inflows and macroeconomic clarity. While the recent rebound has bolstered confidence, challenges such as regulatory uncertainties and macroeconomic headwinds remain. The broader crypto market, including Ethereum, has also seen mixed signals, with Ethereum ETFs recording $546.96 million in inflows led by Fidelity's FETH and BlackRock's ETHA. However, Ethereum's price action has remained range-bound between $4,200 and $4,800, reflecting a balance between institutional buying and whale selloffs.

The interplay between Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs highlights the evolving role of institutional capital in crypto markets. As ETF inflows continue to drive liquidity and stabilize prices, the market may see further consolidation before a potential breakout. For now, Bitcoin's ability to hold above $109,000 and Ethereum's performance above $4,200 will remain critical indicators of institutional sentiment and broader market health.