Bitcoin eyes $150,000 — analysts reveal the key moves that could send it soaring

Economic Times

17-07-2025

TIMESOFINDIA.COM
Bitcoin is heating up again — and this time, analysts are setting their sights on a massive $150,000 target. The world's largest cryptocurrency has surged past $120,000, gaining over 28% in just the past 30 days and reigniting hopes of a new all-time high. According to data from CoinShares, Bitcoin ETFs have attracted over $14.8 billion in net inflows since May, marking one of the strongest periods of institutional adoption in crypto history. Analysts from Bloomberg Intelligence and ARK Invest now forecast Bitcoin reaching $150,000–$200,000 by early 2026, with some more aggressive models predicting a run to $250K if market conditions remain favorable.
BTC rallies past $118,000 as market eyes $130K and $150K breakout with support from ETFs, regulation, and Trump's economic strategy- Bitcoin price is back in the spotlight, surging to $118,004 as bulls aim once again for the $120,000 mark. But beyond that, a bigger question is surfacing: What will it take for Bitcoin to rally all the way to $150,000? Analysts are watching market structure, institutional demand, and regulatory support closely as potential catalysts that could ignite the next big breakout. The recent price movement was largely fueled by a massive futures-driven short squeeze on Sunday night, which wiped out over $1 billion in crypto market liquidations. That pushed BTC briefly over $120,000 before some pullback, yet the bullish setup remains intact.
Bitcoin just broke out of a key consolidation range, and chart analysts are buzzing about what that could mean next. Classic bullish patterns — like the 'cup and handle' and flag formations — are flashing green.
Many technical experts are calling for a measured move toward $145,000–$150,000 if current momentum holds. One of the biggest drivers behind this rally? Spot Bitcoin ETFs. In just the last couple of months, nearly $15 billion has poured into these funds. Institutions and 'whales' are scooping up BTC at a rapid pace, and that's adding serious strength to the current uptrend.
Long story short: the big players are back in. Congress is holding crucial votes this week on pro-crypto bills like the GENIUS Act and the CLARITY Act. If passed, they could open the doors for even more institutional adoption — and possibly fast-track Bitcoin's path to $150K. Markets are already reacting positively to the possibility of more regulatory clarity from Washington. Exchange reserves are at multi-year lows, signaling that long-term holders aren't in the mood to sell. Meanwhile, metrics like the Bitcoin Realized Cap and Dormancy Flow are indicating strong accumulation. In short, the fundamentals are bullish under the surface, too. While Bitcoin has already recovered impressively in 2025, climbing from earlier lows, the key level most traders are watching now is $150,000. Technically, this is not just a round psychological number — it's tied to a confirmed inverse head-and-shoulders pattern on the daily chart, which points to a target of $143,000. According to analysts, the path to $150,000 would require successive daily closes above $130,000, a level BTC has yet to reclaim. But it's not just about the charts. Behind the scenes, the spot demand from Bitcoin ETFs and treasury-building by publicly listed companies are playing a huge role in keeping buying pressure strong. 'A strong, global spot bid is ever present via the Bitcoin ETFs, publicly listed companies actively building BTC treasuries, and an assortment of companies investing in Bitcoin infrastructure,' said Ray Salmond, Cointelegraph's Head of Markets.
Resistance levels : $123K–$125K is the next big test. A strong close above $125K could spark a move toward $130K.
: $123K–$125K is the next big test. A strong close above $125K could spark a move toward $130K. Support zones : $118K is the key line in the sand. Below that, eyes turn to $112K–$110K.
: $118K is the key line in the sand. Below that, eyes turn to $112K–$110K. Catalysts: Watch ETF inflow data, Congressional news, and social media chatter from crypto influencers like Michael Saylor, Elon Musk, or Trump.
Timeframe Price Outlook What Could Drive It Short-term (days to weeks) $130K–$135K Technical breakout, ETF demand Mid-term (1–3 months) $145K–$150K Passage of crypto bills, continued whale accumulation Long-term (6–12 months) $150K–$200K+ Global adoption, Bitcoin halving effects, macroeconomic shifts
Top analysts from platforms like Ark Invest and Bloomberg Intelligence still believe Bitcoin could hit $200K or higher over the next year — especially if macro conditions stay favorable. A critical driver in Bitcoin's current rally is the ongoing inflows into Bitcoin ETFs. In fact, this week marked a three-month high in spot BTC ETF inflows, signaling a steady increase in institutional appetite for the asset. Adding fuel to the fire, Cantor Fitzgerald and Blockstream CEO Adam Back are reportedly finalizing a SPAC deal that could see Cantor Equity Partners acquire up to 30,000 BTC. Moves like this not only tighten Bitcoin's supply but also boost investor confidence. These developments show how institutional infrastructure around Bitcoin is growing stronger, making it more likely that price milestones like $130,000 and $150,000 are reached — especially if demand keeps up. In a surprising political shift, the Trump administration is now being viewed as Bitcoin-friendly, with recent developments creating positive regulatory momentum.
The GENIUS stablecoin bill and the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act have both cleared procedural hurdles in the House of Representatives, setting them up for final votes. If passed, these bills could lay the groundwork for a clearer, more supportive crypto policy landscape, giving investors more confidence to allocate capital into Bitcoin. This regulatory tailwind is also complemented by Trump's expansionary economic stance, which may further encourage capital flow into assets like BTC as a hedge. Market watchers are keeping a close eye on this week's CPI and PPI data as well as the incoming Trump tariffs set to go into effect on August 1. Earlier in the week, stocks saw a brief 'risk-off' reaction, but by mid-week, markets appeared to have settled. If inflation remains moderate and the tariffs don't spook markets too much, Bitcoin could benefit from a risk-on sentiment returning. Any signs of economic instability or weaker-than-expected growth could actually favor BTC, especially as a hedge against fiat uncertainty. Short-term pullbacks : If Bitcoin fails to hold support around $118K–$120K , we could see a dip to $110K before any further rally.
: If Bitcoin fails to hold support around , we could see a dip to before any further rally. Regulatory delays : If Congress stalls on the GENIUS or CLARITY Acts, markets might lose momentum.
: If Congress stalls on the GENIUS or CLARITY Acts, markets might lose momentum. Global uncertainty: Hawkish Fed policy, inflation shocks, or geopolitical tensions could all weigh on risk assets, including crypto.
From a technical analysis perspective, the bullish case hinges on key price levels. The inverse head-and-shoulders pattern that completed when Bitcoin closed above $112,000 on Thursday is now driving attention toward the $130,000 and $143,000 levels. To realistically approach $150,000, analysts say BTC needs daily closes above $130,000, not just brief spikes. If this happens, it would likely trigger additional short squeezes in the futures market and draw in new retail and institutional buyers alike. The price is also being driven heavily by futures market activity, which causes sharp intra-day movements and can exaggerate trends. As such, keeping an eye on open interest and liquidation levels will be key in understanding how fast BTC can climb. The road to Bitcoin hitting $150,000 may not be immediate, but the pieces are slowly falling into place. With rising institutional inflows, strengthening ETF interest, supportive regulatory movement under the Trump administration, and a solid technical base, BTC's next breakout could be just around the corner.
Bitcoin is clearly gaining serious momentum — and this time, the surge is backed by institutional demand, regulatory optimism, and strong technicals. While the ride to $150,000 won't be a straight line, all the ingredients are in place for a big breakout in the coming weeks.
Whether you're holding or just watching from the sidelines, one thing is clear: Bitcoin isn't done yet. However, traders will need to watch for sustained closes above $130,000, monitor incoming macro data, and assess ongoing futures market dynamics. If all these align, Bitcoin could very well see $150,000 sooner than many expect. Q1: What will it take for Bitcoin price to hit $150,000? Bitcoin needs strong ETF inflows, daily closes above $130K, and positive market news to rally toward $150,000.
Q2: How is the Trump administration impacting Bitcoin price? Trump's crypto bills and economic policy are adding momentum to Bitcoin's price rally.