Bitcoin Sees Strong Exchange Inflows As Price Rises - What Lies Ahead For BTC?

Bitcoin (BTC) broke above $95,000 resistance and briefly reached $98,000 this week. The move marks a significant breakout after weeks of consolidation. ETF inflows have surged past $1.7 billion in the past week, indicating strong institutional demand according to reports.

Exchange balances for BTC have fallen to 1.8 million, the lowest level since 2017. This decline reduces available trading supply and supports tighter price control. Sellers have been forced to cover as buyers step in near $94,000.

However, derivatives traders remain cautious. The Taker Buy/Sell Ratio climbed to 1.249, the highest level since 2019. This suggests bullish positioning is rising, but leveraged long exposure may amplify volatility if price momentum stalls according to market analysis.

Why the $94.5K–$96K Zone Is Crucial For Bitcoin's Next Move

The $94.5K–$96K range now serves as a critical support level. If Bitcoin holds above this range, it signals acceptance of higher valuations and preserves the path to $100,000. Repeated retests of this zone could further erode nearby sell pressure according to technical indicators.

A breakdown below $94.5K, however, opens the door to deeper liquidity at $90K and $88K. This would shift the market structure back to consolidation rather than continued expansion. The zone overlaps with heavy volume accumulation and short-term holder cost levels according to market data.

What Analysts Are Monitoring for Bitcoin's Potential to Reach $100K

Analysts are closely watching institutional ETF flows. ETFs have become a key marginal buyer, with BlackRock's iShares Bitcoin Trust leading the way. A $648 million single-day inflow on January 15 removed sell pressure that had capped Bitcoin for weeks according to financial reports.

Exchange balances continue to decline as holders move coins into long-term storage. This shrinking available supply makes Bitcoin price more susceptible to buying pressure. Analysts see this as a structural advantage for future price extension according to market analysis.

Technical structure is also a focus. Holding current levels between $94K and $96K keeps the path to $126K open. A failure to maintain this could delay the move but would not eliminate the bullish trend. The $98K breakout has shifted the market in favor of continuation according to technical analysis.

Bitcoin's $98K breakout has changed market structure in favor of continuation. The next two weeks will determine whether the $100K target becomes reality or whether consolidation extends. Institutional flows, shrinking exchange supply, and technical structure are the key factors to monitor.