Bitcoin (BTC) has recently surged toward $97,000, fueled mainly by strong inflows into spot Bitcoin ETFs. Analysts caution, however, that a decisive move above $100,000 will require steady, sustained ETF demand—not just brief surges.
U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs saw net weekly inflows of $1.8 billion—the highest since early October 2025. While this renewed capital has driven short-term price gains, total ETF assets under management (AUM) remain about 24% below their Q4 2025 peak, currently at roughly $125 billion. This suggests the market is still in a phase of partial capital replenishment.
Market analysts observe that short-term ETF inflows generally spark only technical rebounds in price. Sustained growth depends on continuous capital inflows over several weeks. Ecoinometrics notes, “Bitcoin doesn’t need a few good days—it needs weeks of accumulating capital.” Until capital concentration builds, BTC’s rebounds may serve only to stabilize prices rather than ignite a lasting bull market.
Structurally, spot ETF demand for Bitcoin continues to outpace new supply. Bitwise reports that since the launch of U.S. Bitcoin ETFs in January 2024, these funds have acquired approximately 710,777 BTC, while network supply in the same period totaled just 363,047 BTC—helping drive Bitcoin’s price up nearly 94%.
Looking ahead to 2026, ETF demand for BTC is expected to rise further as more institutional investors enter the market. Bitwise forecasts that ETF purchases could exceed new Bitcoin supply and highlights that global institutional and sovereign holdings may push total inflows to $300 billion in 2026.
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Active inflows into spot Bitcoin ETFs are not only supporting BTC prices in the short term—they may also serve as a key driver for long-term price appreciation. If capital continues to concentrate, Bitcoin’s breakthrough above $100,000 could become a reality rather than just market speculation.





