Bitcoin Holds at $95K as Regulators Whisper: Is $100K Next?

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Bitcoin, that stubborn specter, clings to the $95,000 line after a sly retreat from two months of feverish highs; the air is thick with U.S. regulatory fog and a risk-averse mood that cools the entire crypto bazaar. 😅🕯️

The pause arrives as the U.S. Senate Banking Committee delays markup on a proposed crypto market structure bill, a postponement that has cooled the ardor after Bitcoin briefly flirted with $97,000 earlier this week. ⏳😂

Yet, analysts insist the move is consolidation, not a reversal. Trading volume has thinned, open interest has sagged, and liquidations have risen-a theatrical shedding of leverage as if the market woke up with a bad hangover. 🤷‍♂️💸

Bitcoin ETF Flows Remain Supportive

Institutional demand through U.S. spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) remains a backbone of support for the price, like a loyal but overcaffeinated valet. 🕴️

According to Farside Investors, Bitcoin ETFs recorded roughly $100 million in net inflows on January 15, marking four consecutive days of positive flows. BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) led the day with $315.8 million in inflows, while Fidelity’s FBTC and Grayscale’s GBTC saw outflows.

Since the start of the year, U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs have attracted nearly $1.5 billion in net inflows. Analysts say this pattern suggests institutional buyers have absorbed much of the selling pressure that followed Bitcoin’s breakout above $88,000.

Regulatory Delays Add Uncertainty

The delayed Senate vote followed public opposition from Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong, who criticized parts of the proposed bill related to decentralized finance, tokenized equities, and regulatory oversight. Lawmakers postponed discussion of the bill, leaving questions about the future regulatory framework for digital assets. 🗣️

The lack of clarity has contributed to short-term caution across crypto markets. Shares of crypto-related companies such as Coinbase and Strategy also fell after the news. Analysts note that while clearer regulation could support long-term adoption, uncertainty in the near term can pressure prices. 🤔

Is $100,000 Still in Play?

Technical analysts say Bitcoin has reclaimed the $95,000 zone, with the next major resistance around $97,500, near the 50-week exponential moving average. Some market watchers believe a push toward $100,000 remains possible if Bitcoin can hold above current support levels and ETF inflows continue. 🧭

For now, the market appears to be in a cooling phase rather than a downturn. Whether Bitcoin can regain momentum will likely depend on regulatory developments, institutional flows, and broader risk sentiment in global markets. 🧊💬

Cover image from ChatGPT, BTCUSD chart on Tradingview

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2026-01-16 19:44