Main Points:
- Bitcoin trades near all-time highs around $116,000 with strong institutional demand.
- SkyBridge’s Scaramucci sees a 65% rally to $150,000–$180,000 by end-2025.
- Standard Chartered maintains a $200,000 target for year-end 2025.
- VanEck projects a peak of around $180,000 next year “with no technical resistance.”
- ETF inflows, geopolitical uncertainty, and regulatory clarity underpin bullish case.
- Cautious analysts note potential short-term range-bound trading between $95,000 and $115,000.
Bitcoin (BTC) $117,384.00 +$6,372.00(+5.74%)
Bullish Year-End Forecasts
SkyBridge Capital founder Anthony Scaramucci predicts that Bitcoin could surge by up to 65% from its current levels, reaching between $150,000 and $180,000 by the end of 2025. Scaramucci attributes this outlook to an anticipated 80% share of new institutional capital flowing into Bitcoin via spot ETFs and direct purchases. Meanwhile, Standard Chartered reaffirms its bullish stance, forecasting a year-end 2025 price of $200,000 — nearly double Bitcoin’s mid-2025 value — on the back of accelerating ETF adoption and corporate treasury allocations. VanEck adds that “no technical resistance” stands in the way of a 2025 peak around $180,000, bolstered by record ETF inflows and rising dominance metrics.
Institutional Inflows and ETF Impact
Institutional investment has emerged as the primary driver of Bitcoin’s recent rally. On July 10 2025, spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded net inflows for the 15th consecutive session, signaling sustained appetite among long-only funds. These inflows now account for over $X billion year-to-date, with approximately 23.6% daily trading volume growth compared to prior weeks. As ETFs lower barriers for pensions, endowments, and family offices, Bitcoin is cementing its status as the “default” digital asset in institutional portfolios.
Geopolitical Risks and Safe-Haven Appeal
Global uncertainties—ranging from Middle Eastern tensions to fears of recession—are renewing interest in Bitcoin as a non-sovereign store of value. Scaramucci notes that geopolitical flashpoints (e.g., in Ukraine and the Gulf region) have driven on-chain demand, particularly in regions where traditional markets face volatility. This parallels trends seen during the COVID-19 crisis, where Bitcoin’s scarcity profile offered an inflation hedge and capital preservation tool when fiat currencies faced debasement concerns.
Regulatory Clarity and Market Confidence
The U.S. regulatory landscape is tightening around digital assets, with legislation on stablecoins and market infrastructure poised for final votes later in 2025. These developments are expected to bolster institutional confidence, as clear rules reduce legal risks and counterparty exposure. Scaramucci emphasizes that finalized stablecoin frameworks and ETF rule-makings will unlock additional capital from risk-averse investors and could serve as catalysts for the next leg up in Bitcoin’s price.
Diverging Expert Opinions: Bulls vs. Cautious Voices
While bulls point to a strong fundamental backdrop, some analysts counsel caution. CoinPanel’s Kirill Kretov forecasts that Bitcoin may oscillate between $95,000 and $115,000 in the short term, framing current conditions as an “accumulation phase” before a sustained bull run. Similarly, technical resistance near $120,000 and support at $113,000 suggest a range-bound market until new catalysts emerge.
Technical Analysis and Price Support Levels
Technical indicators reinforce the narrative of a maturing bull market. Bitcoin’s breach of the 100-hour simple moving average around $113,500 signals momentum on the hourly chart, while immediate resistance lies at $116,200 and $120,000. On-chain metrics show a decline in exchange reserves to multi-year lows, underscoring tight supply conditions that could amplify price moves on renewed demand.
Conclusion
Bitcoin’s ascent to near $116,000 marks a significant milestone in its evolution toward institutional mainstreaming. With major forecasts converging on year-end targets of $150,000–$200,000, fueled by ETF adoption, geopolitical hedging, and regulatory clarity, the cryptocurrency appears positioned for further gains. However, short-term technical ranges and cautious expert views suggest that investors should balance optimism with disciplined risk management. As 2025 unfolds, all eyes will remain on ETF flows, macro catalysts, and on-chain supply dynamics to determine whether Bitcoin can realize its blockbuster forecasts.
