Bitcoin Price Rockets 5.5% Past $96,000, Strategy ($MSTR) Jumps 8%

Bitcoin climbed nearly 5.5% to exceed $96,000 on January 13, fueled by renewed institutional buying and spot ETF inflows. Strategy Inc. (MSTR) announced an additional $1.25 billion Bitcoin purchase, driving its stock up nearly 8% in pre-market trading. The move signals renewed corporate confidence in BTC as a strategic asset.

Spot Bitcoin ETFs attracted $116.67 million in inflows on January 12, breaking a four-day outflow streak and boosting market sentiment. This trend aligns with improved on-chain metrics, including a drop in long-term holder selling and a rising Net Unrealized Profit/Loss (NUPL) metric. Analysts see continued inflows as a potential catalyst for further BTC price recovery.

MicroStrategy's latest acquisition of 13,627 Bitcoin at an average price of $91,519 has raised its total holdings to 687,410 BTC. The purchase was funded by selling 6.8 million MSTR shares and 1.2 million preferred shares. The firm's aggressive accumulation strategy has generated significant unrealized gains, with its cost basis at $75,353 per BTC according to reports.

Why Did This Happen?

Bitcoin's recent rebound is attributed to a confluence of factors. Institutional buying, led by corporate treasuries like MicroStrategy, has intensified. Spot BTC ETF inflows have also resumed after a brief pause. These movements suggest increased demand from large investors seeking long-term exposure to Bitcoin.

Technical indicators also support a bullish outlook. BTC has rebounded from a previously broken horizontal channel at $90,000 and currently trades above the 50-day EMA at $91,595. The RSI and MACD indicators show bullish momentum, reinforcing the view that BTC could extend its recovery.

How Did Markets React?

Bitcoin's gains have been mirrored by the performance of related assets. MSTR stock surged nearly 8% in pre-market trading, reflecting renewed investor optimism. The broader market, however, remains cautious, with traders awaiting the release of U.S. CPI data, which could influence Federal Reserve policy and inject volatility into crypto markets.

Despite the positive momentum, bearish signals persist. Weekly and monthly oscillators show divergence, and bear flag patterns suggest a potential pullback toward $70,000. These signals indicate that while the short-term outlook is positive, structural risks remain.

What Are Analysts Watching Next?

Analysts are closely monitoring key technical levels for BTC. A sustained break above $99,000 could validate a bullish case for a $100,000 target by the end of January. Conversely, a breakdown below $90,500 could trigger a deeper correction into the $86,000–$87,000 range. Whale activity and institutional buying patterns will also be critical in determining the next price direction according to analysis.

On-chain metrics also offer insights. Whale selling pressure has persisted since Q4 2025, and renewed accumulation is yet to be seen. A shift in whale behavior could either reinforce the bullish case or exacerbate bearish sentiment as reported.

The U.S. government shutdown risk and macroeconomic factors, including dollar policy and fiscal stimulus, remain key variables. The potential for capital rotation from gold to Bitcoin is also being analyzed, with some analysts suggesting a larger bull case could emerge from structural shifts in global money supply according to analysts.

With the Senate set to take up the crypto market structure bill in the coming weeks, regulatory clarity could further influence market dynamics. Lawmakers aim to make the U.S. the global crypto capital, with bipartisan support seen as critical to the bill's success as coverage indicates.