Bitcoin Bullish Momentum Builds: Whales Return and Institutional Demand Surges Toward $125K Target

As of December 18, 2025, Bitcoin is demonstrating strong signs of renewed bullish momentum, driven by the return of significant whale activity and robust institutional demand for spot Bitcoin ETFs. The cryptocurrency, currently trading at $101,200, is seeing its market turbulence subside, with key on-chain metrics pointing to a strengthening foundation for a potential price surge. Analysts are projecting a target of $125,000, a level that would challenge its previous all-time high recorded on October 6th. The catalyst for this optimistic outlook is a notable influx of institutional capital. U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded a massive $524 million in net inflows on November 11th, marking the highest daily figure since Bitcoin's peak. This substantial investment indicates growing confidence among major financial players, who are increasingly viewing Bitcoin as a legitimate asset class. The return of 'whales'—entities holding large amounts of Bitcoin—further validates the positive sentiment, as their accumulation often precedes major market moves. This combination of deep-pocketed investor activity and structured product demand suggests the current price consolidation may be a precursor to a significant upward trajectory, setting the stage for Bitcoin to potentially reclaim and exceed its historic highs in the near term.

Bitcoin Price Prediction: Whales Return As Institutional Demand Builds For Spot ETFs

Bitcoin's market turbulence appears to be subsiding as on-chain metrics signal the return of whale activity and growing institutional interest in spot ETFs. The token currently trades at $101,200, with analysts projecting a potential surge to $125,000.

U.S. spot bitcoin ETFs recorded $524 million in net inflows on November 11th - the highest daily figure since Bitcoin's October 6th all-time high of $126,000. BlackRock's IBIT led with $224.2 million, followed by Fidelity's FBTC ($165.9 million) and Ark Invest's ARKB ($102.5 million).

While institutional money flows into Bitcoin through regulated products, some seasoned investors are diversifying into emerging payment altcoins like RTX, anticipating outsized gains by 2026.

Bitcoin Price Crashes Below $98,000 as Fear & Greed Index Hits 7-Month Low

Bitcoin plunged below $98,000, marking a 3.5% drop in 24 hours as market sentiment crumbles. The crypto Fear & Greed Index nosedived to 15—its lowest level in seven months—signaling 'extreme fear' among traders. This reading now sits below levels seen during the FTX collapse, reflecting deepening anxiety.

The sell-off coincides with a 43-day U.S. government shutdown that disrupted traditional cash flows, creating liquidity strains across risk assets. On-chain data shows Bitcoin reserves on exchanges are climbing again, suggesting holders may be preparing to offload more coins.

Institutional demand has evaporated, with Bitcoin ETFs bleeding $278 million in outflows on November 12 alone. The product has now seen over $1 billion in withdrawals this month—a stark reversal from earlier bullish positioning.

IBIT ETF and Bitcoin Face Bearish Pressure Amid Market-Wide Risk Aversion

The iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) extended its decline, dropping 3% to $55.86 as Bitcoin's price fell 3.03% to $98,578.10. The ETF has lost 4.89% over five days, though remains 8.56% higher year-to-date. Technical indicators show a Strong Sell consensus, with 14 Bearish ratings outweighing 5 Neutral and 3 Bullish calls.

Bitcoin's slide mirrors broader market sentiment, with tech stocks leading the risk-off move. The cryptocurrency now sits 22% below its early October all-time high of $126,000, technically entering bear market territory. Trading activity suggests neutral sentiment among investors, with 1.9% of portfolios holding IBIT exposure.

Despite the downturn, institutional interest persists. The Czech central bank revealed it's building a test portfolio of digital assets for long-term experimentation—a rare bright spot in today's risk-averse climate.

Bitcoin Price Dips Below $100K as Whales Offload Holdings

Bitcoin's price slipped below the psychological $100,000 threshold, trading as low as $98,200 before a slight recovery to $98,400. The downward movement reflects aggressive selling by long-term holders, with 815,000 BTC liquidated over the past month.

On-chain data reveals a single whale dumped $290 million worth of Bitcoin via Kraken, exacerbating the sell-off. Meanwhile, capital flows have favored Gold and equities over crypto assets, despite the U.S. government reopening.

Leveraged traders suffered $647 million in liquidations, with longs accounting for $519 million. Bitcoin-related positions saw $234 million wiped out as fear of further downside grips the market.

Bitcoin Tumbles Below $98K as Crypto Stocks Plunge and Fed Rate Cut Hopes Fade

Bitcoin's price plummeted to nearly $98,000 today, marking its third significant drop this month. Over $700 million in long positions were liquidated as November—once anticipated as a bullish month—turns sharply bearish, with BTC down more than 10%.

The sell-off accelerated alongside a broad decline in crypto-related stocks. Cipher Mining led losses with a 14.4% drop, while Riot Platforms, Hut 8, Marathon Digital, and Bitfarms each fell over 10%. Even industry heavyweights like Coinbase and MicroStrategy slid 7%, mirroring a 2% Nasdaq retreat.

Market sentiment soured further as Federal Reserve officials tempered expectations for December rate cuts. The shift toward risk-off positioning hit speculative assets hardest, with traders rapidly unwinding crypto exposures.

Michael Saylor Predicts Bitcoin Will Surpass Gold's Market Cap by 2035

MicroStrategy Executive Chairman Michael Saylor has doubled down on his bullish Bitcoin stance, forecasting the cryptocurrency will eclipse gold's market capitalization by 2035. His prediction hinges on Bitcoin's programmed scarcity, with 99% of supply mined by that year—an event he terms the "0.99 year." The remaining 1% will enter circulation over the following century.

MicroStrategy's aggressive accumulation strategy now holds 641,692 BTC, representing approximately 3% of Bitcoin's total supply. Saylor frames this as a "digital gold rush," emphasizing Bitcoin's trifecta of value drivers: verifiable scarcity, expanding adoption, and growing global relevance. "I have no doubt Bitcoin will become a larger asset class than gold within the next decade," he told Yahoo Finance.

The commentary comes amid a 12% monthly price decline, with Bitcoin currently trading at $98,638. Despite market turbulence, Saylor maintains institutional conviction remains unshaken. The debate gains further momentum with Binance's CZ and gold advocate Peter Schiff scheduled for a December 2025 showdown on the assets' relative merits.