Bitcoin price nears $100,000 is grabbing headlines again as the crypto leader gains over 14% in 30 days.
After dipping below $75,000 in April, Bitcoin has rebounded with surprising strength. It now trades just 6.3% under the psychologically critical $100,000 mark. This bounce reflects a shift in on-chain behavior, even as institutional inflows remain muted. One important sign of recovery is the return of positive “apparent demand.” That’s a signal that more BTC is being accumulated than sold across wallet cohorts.
This rebound in demand, especially from retail and long-term holders, signals renewed conviction in Bitcoin’s upward path. The key turning point came on April 24, when net balance changes flipped positive after nearly two months of decline. Since then, Bitcoin has maintained positive apparent demand for several consecutive days.
Bitcoin price nears $100,000, but ETF flows remain weak
Despite the price surge, ETF inflows tell a more cautious story. U.S.-based Bitcoin ETFs, once major drivers of price rallies, have cooled off in 2025. In contrast to late 2024’s strong inflows of up to 8,000 BTC per day, this year’s daily flows hover between -5,000 and +3,000 BTC. So far, only 28,000 BTC has been added by ETFs in 2025—far below last year’s 200,000 BTC at the same point.
Institutional conviction appears to be on pause. These flows often act as a proxy for large investor sentiment. Without fresh ETF demand, some analysts believe Bitcoin’s rally could stall before firmly crossing the $100,000 line. Still, optimism is returning among traders.
MEXC COO Tracy Jin suggests that if current momentum holds, Bitcoin price could aim for $150,000 this summer. However, she notes that this hinges on synchronized growth in both apparent demand and institutional inflows.
Strong price action amid macro pressures
Bitcoin’s momentum comes despite challenging macroeconomic conditions. New tariff policies under Trump’s leadership have pressured risk assets broadly, yet Bitcoin has stayed resilient. That divergence underscores its unique role as a hedge and speculative vehicle.
Even as global equities wobble, Bitcoin continues climbing—another reason why analysts see long-term bullish potential. But caution remains: until ETFs and institutions re-engage in full force, Bitcoin may struggle to maintain a powerful uptrend.
If ETF activity strengthens in May and apparent demand stays positive, Bitcoin could surpass $100,000 with ease. Momentum indicators already reflect a bullish tilt, and retail investors are watching closely for signs of a breakout.
For now, though, the spotlight stays on the $100,000 resistance line. Whether Bitcoin blasts past or bounces back will shape the crypto market’s summer outlook.