Bitcoin News Today: Investors Split Between ETF Ease and Direct Bitcoin Control as BTC Surges

Bitcoin firms recorded $1.2 billion in net purchases last week, while U.S. spot Bitcoin (BTC) exchange-traded funds (ETFs) attracted $3.24 billion in inflows-the largest since November 2024, signaling growing institutional and retail demand for crypto exposure Bitcoin (BTC) Price Analysis: Bullish Technical Setup Points to …^[1]. Bitcoin's price surged to a record $124,428, driven by optimism around Federal Reserve rate cut expectations amid weak U.S. jobs and PMI data, which reinforced bets on monetary easing Bitcoin (BTC) Price Analysis: Bullish Technical Setup Points to …^[1]. The ETF inflows, led by products like ProShares Bitcoin Strategy ETF (BITO) and Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund (FBTC), have outpaced direct Bitcoin purchases in terms of capital deployment, with ETFs now holding over $30 billion in assets Should You Buy Bitcoin or a Bitcoin ETF? - The Motley …^[6].

The performance gap between ETFs and direct Bitcoin ownership remains nuanced. While direct Bitcoin delivered 87.3% annual returns compared to 81.6% for average ETFs from January 2024 to March 2025, ETFs offered lower volatility (61.7% vs. 68.4% standard deviation) and superior risk-adjusted returns (Sharpe ratio 1.32 vs. 1.27) Pocket Option Bitcoin ETF vs Bitcoin Analysis^[7]. Tracking errors between ETFs and Bitcoin averaged 0.63% in normal markets but widened to 4.3% during June 2024's 28% weekly price swing, highlighting structural differences in liquidity and management fees Pocket Option Bitcoin ETF vs Bitcoin Analysis^[7].

Technical analysis highlights critical price levels for Bitcoin's next moves. A breakout above $126,100-defined by a broadening range pattern since mid-July-could trigger a pullback toward support levels or a rally toward $135,000, where market makers hold net long gamma positions Bitcoin at Historic Highs: 3 Critical Levels to Watch Now^[3]. At $140,000, the second-largest open interest in Deribit options ($2 billion) may act as a resistance due to hedging activity by large institutions Bitcoin at Historic Highs: 3 Critical Levels to Watch Now^[3]. Analysts also note that Bitcoin's expanding price range and bullish patterns like bull flags and symmetrical triangles suggest potential targets of $127,000 to $145,000 BTC Price Analysis: Key Levels, Predictions, and What to Watch in …^[4].

Retail and institutional investors are increasingly favoring ETFs for their simplicity and regulatory compliance. Direct Bitcoin ownership requires managing cryptographic keys and security protocols, while ETFs offer tax advantages, such as eligibility for retirement accounts, and automated reporting Pocket Option Bitcoin ETF vs Bitcoin Analysis^[7]. However, critics argue that ETFs lack the autonomy of direct ownership, as issuers control the underlying assets. Prominent figures like Robert Kiyosaki advocate for direct Bitcoin to maintain "not your keys, not your crypto" control Should You Buy Bitcoin or a Bitcoin ETF? - The Motley …^[6].

Market observers point to macroeconomic factors and upcoming catalysts. The U.S. dollar's weakness and inflation concerns continue to drive demand for Bitcoin as a hedge against fiat devaluation. October's historical performance-nicknamed "Uptober"-adds to bullish sentiment, with Bitcoin often posting double-digit gains in the month BTC Price Analysis: Key Levels, Predictions, and What to Watch in …^[4]. Meanwhile, the Federal Reserve's policy decisions and upcoming jobs reports are seen as pivotal for BTC's trajectory, with traders monitoring Capitol Hill and Jay Powell's comments for further clues Bitcoin (BTC) Price Analysis: Bullish Technical Setup Points to …^[1].