Bitcoin hit a record high of $124,457 on Thursday, briefly surpassing Google parent Alphabet’s $2.45 trillion market capitalization to become the fifth-largest global asset. The surge fueled expectations that the cryptocurrency could next challenge Apple’s $3.4 trillion valuation if it climbs above $175,000. Institutional capital inflows, favorable macroeconomic conditions, and clearer regulations, including the GENIUS Act and 401(k) crypto allocations, were key drivers behind the move. Projections now range from $175,000 by August to as high as $250,000 in 2025 if the Federal Reserve shifts toward quantitative easing. The total cryptocurrency market value reached $4.1 trillion for the first time, with $126,000 viewed as the next significant breakout level after Bitcoin turned $120,000 into firm support.
Stronger-than-expected U.S. economic data this morning triggered a pullback after the rally. Core PPI and PPI both rose 0.9% month over month, far exceeding forecasts of 0.2%, while unemployment claims came in at 224,000 compared to expectations of 225,000. The higher inflation readings prompted a risk-off move, pushing Bitcoin down to $118,000 alongside weakness in broader markets.
Ethereum also experienced heightened activity as spot ETH ETFs recorded $729 million in inflows on Wednesday, the second-largest daily total on record. BlackRock’s iShares Ethereum ETF (ETHA) brought in more than $500 million, followed by Fidelity’s Ethereum Fund (FETH) with $155 million. Over the past three days, spot ETH ETFs have attracted $2.3 billion, lifting total net inflows to a record $12.1 billion. ETH traded above $4,700, just 3% from its all-time high, supported by sustained buying from ETFs and corporate treasuries.
Fundstrat described Ethereum as the “biggest macro trade” for the next decade, forecasting a potential rise to $12,000–$15,000 by year-end as Wall Street and AI-driven token economies increasingly adopt its blockchain. BitMine Immersion Technologies, the largest Ethereum treasury holder, has built a position of 1.2 million ETH worth $5.5 billion and is targeting a $20 billion raise. Record ETF inflows, growing corporate and sovereign allocations, and Ethereum’s limited supply are combining to create lasting structural demand, further cementing its status as a core treasury asset alongside Bitcoin.
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