Bitcoin ETFs Go Wild: $3.3B Inflows Push BTC to New $125K Record

Bitcoin surged past $125,000 over the weekend, marking a new all-time high that analysts say was largely fueled by massive inflows into spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs). While treasury companies added 6,702 BTC worth around $1.2 billion, experts agree that ETFs were the real driver of the rally.

Japanese investment firm Metaplanet led corporate accumulations with a purchase of 5,258 BTC on Wednesday. However, spot Bitcoin ETFs attracted a staggering $3.24 billion in inflows last week—nearly matching their previous record from November 2024.

Vincent Liu, Chief Investment Officer at Kronos Research, explained that ETF activity, combined with a tight exchange supply, a weaker U.S. dollar, and global economic uncertainty, created the perfect storm for Bitcoin’s surge. “Strong institutional demand is reinforcing the bullish momentum we saw over the weekend,” Liu said.

Bitcoin supply continues to tighten, with miners producing about 900 BTC daily, while institutions and ETFs are buying several times that amount. A River Financial report noted that in 2025, companies have been acquiring 1,755 BTC per day, while ETFs have averaged 1,430 BTC daily, underscoring a persistent supply-demand imbalance.

Institutions Cement Bitcoin’s Mainstream Status

According to Matt Poblocki, General Manager of Binance Australia and New Zealand, Bitcoin’s new high reflects “a structural shift in the market that extends beyond short-term speculation.” He added that growing institutional inflows, particularly through U.S. spot ETFs, are cementing Bitcoin’s place “in the mainstream financial system.”

Analysts from Bitfinex also forecasted that ETF-driven demand could soon spill over into the altcoin market, potentially triggering a broader crypto rally.

Crypto analyst Will Clemente III echoed the ETF narrative, saying the current surge wasn’t led by speculative traders but rather by macro funds reallocating capital from traditional assets. 

Bloomberg’s Eric Balchunas noted  ETFs went “wild” last week with $3.3 billion in inflows, bringing the year-to-date total to $24 billion.

Looking Ahead: ETFs to Fuel More Gains

Analysts expect ETF inflows to continue driving Bitcoin higher through the end of 2025. Liu predicts the fourth quarter will be shaped by institutional adoption, shrinking supply, and macro tailwinds such as low interest rates.

Currently, ETFs collectively hold 1.5 million BTC valued at $188 billion, representing 7.2% of Bitcoin’s total supply, while corporate treasuries own 1.4 million BTC worth $166 billion.

With deep-pocketed investors accumulating faster than new supply can enter circulation, Bitcoin’s record-breaking run might just be getting started.