Bitcoin Recent Updates: New All-time Highs, Spot ETF Surges and More

Bitcoin Crosses $122K

On July 14, Bitcoin surged past the $122,000 mark, setting a new all-time high. It was trading at $122,068 by 6:30 UTC, giving investors a 103% return over the past year.

This rally is the result of macroeconomic signals, growing institutional interest, and a shifting regulatory climate that favors crypto. Market watchers are now eyeing $135,000—and even $140,000—as the next potential stops.

Crypto Week Fuels Optimism

The latest surge coincides with what’s being dubbed ‘Crypto Week’ in the United States. Lawmakers are debating two major bills: the ‘Clarity Act’, aimed at creating a broader crypto framework, and the ‘Genius Act’, which seeks to regulate U.S.-dollar-backed stablecoins. Both bills have bipartisan traction, with the latter already passing the Senate.

The timing couldn’t be better for crypto markets, which are hungry for clear regulation. This renewed push in Washington is removing uncertainty and attracting institutional money.

Ethereum and Solana Follow Bitcoin’s Lead

It’s not just Bitcoin making headlines. Ethereum rose over 3% to trade at $3,046, while Solana jumped 3.5% to hit $167. Investors across the board are waking up to the broader crypto market momentum. 

Metaplanet Goes All In

Japan’s Metaplanet is becoming a name to watch. The investment firm added 797 BTC to its balance sheet, spending nearly $93.6 million. That brings its total Bitcoin holdings to 16,352 BTC, valued at $1.64 billion.

CEO Simon Gerovich confirmed the buy, noting the firm paid an average of $117,451 per BTC. Metaplanet, now the fifth-largest public Bitcoin holder globally, has set a long-term target of 210,000 BTC by 2027. The company has fully pivoted from hotel management to becoming a Bitcoin treasury giant.

Institutional Demand Surges as Retail Sits Out

Despite record prices, retail investors seem absent. According to Bitwise’s André Dragosch, search interest in “Bitcoin” is far lower than in November 2024, even though the asset just set back-to-back highs.

Retail seems to believe the ship has sailed. Many see six-figure prices and assume it’s too late to enter. As Lindsay Stamp put it, “People see $117K and think, ‘I missed the boat.’” This sentiment is echoed across Bitcoin-focused media, with hosts and analysts agreeing that retail may not return anytime soon.

Bitcoin Becomes a Macro Hedge, Not a Tech Bet

According to 10x Research head Markus Thielen, Bitcoin’s current rally is “not about hype.” It’s about macroeconomic concerns, especially U.S. fiscal instability. Investors are treating Bitcoin like digital gold—a hedge against rising debt and a volatile dollar.

Thielen argues the conversation has shifted. Few are talking about blockchain tech or new use cases. Instead, Bitcoin is standing next to gold as a strategic defense against a financial meltdown.

Spot ETFs Drive Daily Inflows Past $1B

Institutional flows are also picking up pace. Spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded over $1 billion in inflows for two straight days—Thursday and Friday. That’s a first, and it signals that big players are making aggressive entries.

Meanwhile, analysts predict that up to 36 more public companies could add Bitcoin to their balance sheets by the end of 2025. That would represent a 25% increase from current levels, according to Blockware Intelligence.

The research arm of Blockware Solutions also reported that public company Bitcoin adoption has surged by 120% in 2025 alone. 

Bitcoin’s Rise Divides Opinion

Not everyone is impressed. Peter Schiff, long-time Bitcoin critic and vocal gold advocate, called the rally a “selling opportunity.” He advised investors to take profits and move into silver, arguing that silver has more room to run and less downside risk.

Meanwhile, Arthur Hayes—former CEO of BitMEX—expressed caution. In a recent post, he noted that the U.S. Treasury General Account is being replenished through debt issuance, which could temporarily pull liquidity out of risk assets like Bitcoin.