Bitcoin News Today: Institutional ETF Surge Drives Bitcoin's Record High as Supply Dynamics Shift

Bitcoin Treasuries and ETFs saw significant inflows in the latest week, with institutional and retail demand reshaping the cryptocurrency market. According to BitcoinTreasuries.Net, Bitcoin treasury companies added a net $1.2 billion in BTC, driven by purchases of 6,702 coins. Japanese investment firm Metaplanet led the charge, acquiring 5,258 Bitcoin on October 1. Simultaneously, spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded a net inflow of $3.236 billion, nearing their record week in November 2024Bitcoin hits all-time high as ETFs drive price despite treasury buys^[1]. This surge in ETF activity was cited as a key driver behind Bitcoin's recent all-time high of over $125,000Bitcoin hits all-time high as ETFs drive price despite treasury buys^[1].

The inflows reflect a broader shift in institutional adoption. Vincent Liu, CIO at Kronos Research, attributed the price spike to ETF-driven demand, emphasizing that "institutional demand is reinforcing bullish momentum." This aligns with data showing that institutions have been purchasing Bitcoin at a rate of 1,755 coins daily in 2025, outpacing miner output of 900 coins per dayBitcoin hits all-time high as ETFs drive price despite treasury buys^[1]. Meanwhile, ETFs absorbed 1,430 coins daily, underscoring their role in balancing supply and demand dynamics. Analysts from Bitfinex noted that new ETF approvals could catalyze further altcoin rallies by providing investors with diversified exposureBitcoin hits all-time high as ETFs drive price despite treasury buys^[1].

The competitive landscape among ETF providers is intensifying. BlackRock's iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) and Fidelity's FBTC dominate inflows, capturing over $2 billion in net inflows over three weeks. Grayscale's GBTC, however, faces outflows due to its higher fees (1.5% annual expense ratio) compared to IBIT's 0.25%. This cost disparity has driven a 82% asset inflow for iShares versus a 17% outflow for Grayscale over the past yearBitcoin ETFs: What You Need to Know About Inflows, Outflows, …^[3]. The trend highlights investor preference for cost-effective, transparent options, with institutional buyers viewing Bitcoin ETFs as a regulated gateway to crypto exposure.

Market dynamics suggest Bitcoin's price resilience is tied to ETF activity. Despite a temporary dip to $109,000, strong ETF inflows helped Bitcoin stabilize at $114,500. Analysts like Eric Balchunas of Bloomberg Intelligence highlighted that ETFs have injected $24 billion into Bitcoin this year, with $3.3 billion added in the latest weekBitcoin hits all-time high as ETFs drive price despite treasury buys^[1]. The correlation between ETF inflows and Bitcoin's price movement is further reinforced by macroeconomic factors, including a weaker U.S. dollar and prolonged low interest rates. Liu noted that "thinner liquidity and ETF inflows will fuel rallies and volatility," with institutional adoption and regulatory clarity expected to shape the fourth-quarter outlookBitcoin hits all-time high as ETFs drive price despite treasury buys^[1].

Corporate Bitcoin treasuries also play a pivotal role. Over 140 public companies now hold Bitcoin as a reserve asset, with MicroStrategy (rebranded from Strategy) maintaining the largest holdings at 597,325 BTC. These firms view Bitcoin as a hedge against inflation and a tool for shareholder value creation. However, analysts caution that the trend may normalize over time, as companies that entered the market early could face diluted returns as more firms adopt similar strategiesPublic companies bought more bitcoin than ETFs did …^[2]. Despite this, the combined holdings of public companies and ETFs now exceed 1.5 million BTC, representing 7.2% of Bitcoin's total supplyBitcoin hits all-time high as ETFs drive price despite treasury buys^[1].

The institutional and ETF-driven momentum positions Bitcoin for further gains, particularly as the upcoming halving event looms. Historical patterns suggest that reduced supply post-halving could amplify price appreciation, while regulatory clarity in the U.S. and other jurisdictions continues to bolster investor confidence. As the market evolves, the interplay between corporate treasuries, ETF inflows, and macroeconomic factors will remain critical in determining Bitcoin's trajectory.