Ethereum News Today: Ethereum Surges on ETF Inflows and Institutional Demand as Crypto Market Matures Beyond Bitcoin Halving Cycles

Bitwise CIO Matt Hougan has outlined a transformative shift in the cryptocurrency market, signaling the waning influence of the traditional four-year price cycle. In remarks on July 25, 2025, Hougan emphasized that institutional adoption, regulatory progress, and the rise of ETFs are now surpassing the historical significance of Bitcoin’s halving events in shaping market dynamics. This evolution, he argued, reflects a maturing industry where structural demand and macroeconomic factors are increasingly driving price trends [1].

Hougan highlighted Ethereum as a case study, noting that treasury purchases and ETF inflows are outpacing the asset’s newly issued supply by a “massive margin.” This structural demand, he said, has created conditions for a potential price rally. Ethereum’s recent price above $3,800—its highest since late 2024—underscores this shift. The CIO attributed the surge to “classic institutional demand,” with spot Ether ETFs recording $533 million in inflows over 13 consecutive trading sessions through July 23, 2025. This contrasts with earlier cycles where issuance growth from staking rewards and protocol inflation often offset buyer interest [1].

The Bitwise CIO also linked these developments to broader regulatory advancements, including the GENIUS Act, which aims to streamline institutional access to crypto markets. Combined with Wall Street’s growing engagement, these factors are fostering a “stable and prolonged” market outlook, Hougan stated. He projected that most crypto assets could reach new all-time highs this year, with Bitcoin potentially rising above $200,000 [1]. Such forecasts, however, remain speculative and hinge on continued institutional participation and favorable regulatory tailwinds.

The implications extend beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum. While Hougan focused on Ethereum’s supply-demand balance, analysts have speculated about ripple effects across the crypto ecosystem. For example, CoinCentral suggested XRP could see a post-ETF price surge, with some forecasts estimating a $30 price target within 12–24 months. However, these projections are tied to macroeconomic factors rather than direct supply-side pressures [2].

Hougan’s analysis underscores a broader decoupling of crypto markets from purely cyclical or technical drivers. As ETFs and institutional infrastructure gain prominence, the interplay between issuance, demand, and sentiment is reshaping investor strategies. This shift, he argued, redefines long-term crypto allocation, particularly as traditional financial institutions deepen their engagement with digital assets.

Bitcoin currently trades at $116,325.41, with a 24-hour decline of -1.84% despite 90-day gains. The asset’s market dominance at 60.43% highlights its foundational role, though Hougan stressed that the market’s narrative is increasingly influenced by institutional flows and regulatory frameworks rather than halving events [1].

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[1] [Ethereum Set for Major Rally, Says Bitwise CIO Citing Supply Crunch](https://bravenewcoin.com/insights/ethereum-eth-price-prediction-ethereum-set-for-major-rally-says-bitwise-cio-citing-supply-crunch)

[2] [Could A $30 XRP Price Be Realistic Post-ETF? New Data Suggests It Might Be](https://coincentral.com/ripples-long-game-could-a-30-xrp-price-be-realistic-post-etf-new-data-suggests-it-might-be/)