Bitcoin ETFs Experience $1.7 Billion Surge as Geopolitical Tensions Fuel Demand
Spot Bitcoin ETFs have recorded an impressive $1.7 billion in inflows over the past seven trading days, marking their strongest weekly performance in over a month. This surge in investment comes amid escalating geopolitical tensions between Israel and Iran, underscoring Bitcoin's growing reputation as a hedge during periods of global uncertainty. Daily inflows averaged $244 million between June 10 and June 17, with a peak of $431.2 million on June 10 alone. BlackRock's IBIT ETF led the charge, dominating the inflows and highlighting institutional confidence in Bitcoin as a store of value. As of July 2025, this development reinforces the bullish case for Bitcoin's long-term adoption and price appreciation, particularly in times of macroeconomic instability.
Bitcoin ETFs See $1.7 Billion Inflows Amid Middle East Tensions
Spot bitcoin ETFs recorded $1.7 billion in inflows over the past seven trading days, marking their strongest weekly performance in over a month. The surge comes as geopolitical tensions between Israel and Iran escalate, highlighting bitcoin's appeal as a hedge during periods of uncertainty.
Daily inflows averaged $244 million between June 10 and June 17, peaking at $431.2 million on June 10. BlackRock's IBIT dominated the inflows, accounting for nearly 80% of the total, while previously lagging funds like ARKB and BITB also turned positive. This contrasts sharply with the $508 million outflows seen on May 29–30.
Bitcoin's price remained resilient, climbing from $104,398 to over $108,000 during the inflow period. The stability persisted despite dismissed ceasefire talks and reports of military mobilization in the region. Inflows spiked further on June 13 and June 16 as Iran prepared for potential retaliation, with market participants flocking to bitcoin as a safe-haven asset.
Gemini Alleges CFTC's Enforcement Division Acted in Bad Faith in $5M Settlement Over Bitcoin Futures
Gemini has escalated its dispute with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), alleging misconduct by the regulator's enforcement division. The crypto exchange paid a $5 million settlement in 2022 over claims it made misleading statements about a Bitcoin futures product, but now claims the CFTC lacked evidence.
In a 13-page letter to the CFTC's Inspector General, Gemini's lawyers accused the Division of Enforcement of pursuing the case for personal gain rather than market protection. The exchange maintains no material information was omitted about its BTC futures contract—a claim it says the CFTC failed to disprove.
The controversy mirrors broader concerns about the CFTC's enforcement approach. Acting Chairman Caroline Pham recently reorganized the division after a court sanctioned the agency in an unrelated case against Traders Global Group.
Global Markets React to Escalating Israel-Iran Conflict
Global equities retreated as geopolitical tensions between Israel and Iran intensified. The Dow Jones Industrial Average opened over 100 points lower, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite fell 0.3% and 0.5% respectively. Market sentiment soured after U.S. President Donald TRUMP dismissed ceasefire speculation, stating his early G7 departure was unrelated to mediation efforts.
Cryptocurrencies mirrored the risk-off shift, with Bitcoin sliding from $108,000 to $105,500. The pullback interrupted a week of remarkable resilience in digital assets, which had previously shrugged off Middle East missile exchanges. Oil prices surged 2% as traders priced in potential supply disruptions.
Traders Back Bitcoin Amid War and Inflation Turmoil
Bitcoin continues to defy traditional market logic, climbing steadily even as geopolitical tensions escalate and inflation fears persist. The cryptocurrency breached $108,000 this week, showcasing resilience where other assets falter. Institutional inflows tell the story: spot Bitcoin ETFs saw $301.7 million in Friday inflows, with Strategy announcing over $1 billion in Monday commitments.
The derivatives market echoes this confidence. A 5% premium on futures contracts and stabilizing options activity suggest traders view BTC as a hedge against macroeconomic uncertainty. This institutional embrace marks a stark contrast to retail-driven rallies of past cycles.
Yet fragility lingers beneath the surface. Oil price volatility and interest rate unpredictability could test Bitcoin's nascent safe-haven status. The coming weeks will reveal whether this is a structural shift or speculative positioning in turbulent times.
Metaplanet Hits 12-Year High as Circle Sustains Post-IPO Momentum
Metaplanet Inc. shares surged to a 12-year peak at ¥1,895, marking a 386% daily gain and 25.5% annual rally. The Tokyo-based firm's Bitcoin treasury strategy, endorsed by MicroStrategy's Michael Saylor, mirrors the 'corporate HODL' playbook that has buoyed crypto-linked equities globally.
Circle Internet Financial's Nasdaq-listed shares (CRCL) extended gains with an 18% intraday jump, capitalizing on its recent public debut. The stablecoin issuer's performance reflects renewed institutional appetite for crypto-adjacent assets amid broadening market participation.
Mining stocks like Marathon Digital (MARA) and Riot Platforms (RIOT) joined the rally, signaling sector-wide momentum. Exchange-traded vehicles tracking Bitcoin and altcoins similarly benefited from the risk-on sentiment permeating digital asset markets.
Fold Secures $250M Facility to Expand Bitcoin Treasury Holdings
Fold (FLD), a publicly traded Bitcoin financial services firm, has secured an equity purchase facility worth up to $250 million to bolster its BTC reserves. The Arizona-based company announced the agreement on Tuesday, granting it the right—but not the obligation—to issue and sell new shares pending regulatory approval.
Proceeds from the facility, arranged through Cohen & Company Capital Markets, will primarily expand Fold's corporate bitcoin treasury, which currently holds 1,490 BTC. The MOVE signals growing institutional confidence in bitcoin as a treasury asset, echoing strategies adopted by MicroStrategy and Tesla.
