Bitcoin Surges Above $95K to $98K as ETF Inflows Reach $1.7B

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Bitcoin ETF inflows topped $1.7 billion last week, including an $843.6 million single-day inflow on January 15, the largest of 2026. The cryptocurrency broke above $95,000 resistance and briefly touched $98,000, with the $94,500–$96,000 zone now critical support for a push toward $100,000.

1. Record Bitcoin ETF Inflows Drive Institutional Demand

Over the past week, Bitcoin exchange-traded funds registered net inflows exceeding $1.7 billion, with a single-day peak of $843.6 million on January 15—the largest daily haul so far this year. According to data from ETF providers, this influx represents a 35% increase over average weekly inflows seen in the fourth quarter of 2025. BlackRock’s flagship Bitcoin trust accounted for nearly 38% of the total, underscoring the growing weight of large asset managers in the market. These institutional purchases have absorbed significant supply and contributed to a shift in supply-demand dynamics, as holdings in long-term custody addresses have simultaneously risen by 4% over the same period.

2. Exchange Balances Fall to Lowest Since 2017

On-chain analytics from CryptoQuant and Glassnode indicate that the number of Bitcoins held on centralized trading platforms has declined to approximately 1.8 million coins, a level last seen in late 2017. Over the past month, exchange balances have dropped by 6%, reflecting a migration of coins into cold storage and self-custody wallets. This reduction in readily tradable supply amplifies the impact of new inflows and diminishes the potential for large sell-side shocks. Historical patterns suggest that when exchange reserves approach multiyear lows, price trends tend to become more pronounced due to tighter liquidity.

3. Technical Structure Points Toward Further Upside

Technical indicators suggest a constructive short-term outlook for Bitcoin. Momentum oscillators have moved out of neutral territory without signaling overextension, while volume metrics expanded during recent upward moves, indicating genuine buying conviction rather than a short-covering squeeze. Analysts note that the previous resistance zone in the mid-five-figure range has now flipped to support, a classic technical shift that often precedes extended rallies. Continued defense of this zone over the next week will be critical to maintaining the current trend and setting the stage for renewed advance toward key psychological milestones.

4. Scenarios for Bitcoin’s Next Move

Strategists outline three potential scenarios for Bitcoin in the coming months. In the bull case, sustained ETF inflows above $200 million per day combined with declining exchange balances could propel Bitcoin into fresh all-time high territory, reinforcing a new secular uptrend. The base case foresees consolidation within a widened trading band if inflows moderate to $50–$100 million daily and on-chain supply transfers level off, leading to gradual appreciation. Conversely, a breakdown in the newly established support zone—triggered by a sudden drop in institutional demand or increased exchange deposits—could result in a retracement toward lower five-figure levels, where liquidity clusters await. Market participants will be watching on-chain flows and ETF subscription figures closely to gauge the prevailing regime.

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