Crypto market update: Bitcoin hovers near $95K as BlackRock’s IBIT nears $1B inflows, USDC grows 40%
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The cryptocurrency market is experiencing renewed vigour, with Bitcoin’s price surge and the expansion of stablecoins like USDC reflecting both speculative enthusiasm and practical utility in the evolving digital economy.
As Bitcoin teeters at $95,000, its highest level in over two months, the crypto market is abuzz with activity: BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF is nearing $1 billion in inflows, and Circle’s USDC stablecoin has grown 40% in 2025, underscoring the dynamic shifts in the digital asset landscape.
BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF sees 2nd largest inflow as BTC rallies
Bitcoin’s price has surged to $95,000, driven by a significant influx of speculative capital flowing into the market.
In its most recent report, Glassnode notes that ‘hot supply’—Bitcoin moved within the past week—has jumped to $40 billion, up from $17.5 billion in March, indicating heightened short-term trading activity among investors.
This spike in speculative behaviour mirrors patterns observed in previous bull markets, where short-term holders often exacerbate price volatility with rapid buying and selling.
Currently, short-term holders are back in profit, with 86% of the supply showing gains, and the Net Unrealised Profit/Loss (NUPL) metric at 0.53, reflecting increased investor confidence in Bitcoin’s upward trajectory.
However, on-chain network activity, such as daily active addresses, remains relatively low, suggesting that the market has not yet entered a full-blown bull phase despite the price increase.
Glassnode notes that while early signs of fear of missing out (FOMO) are emerging, a full bull market is not yet confirmed due to subdued underlying network metrics.
Analysts warn that while speculative inflows can propel prices upward, they also heighten the risk of abrupt corrections, particularly as Bitcoin nears the $100,000 psychological barrier that could trigger profit-taking.
Adding to the bullish sentiment, BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) ETF experienced a remarkable $970.9 million inflow on Monday, according to Farside Investors data, marking its second-largest daily inflow since its launch in January 2024.
This influx highlights growing institutional demand for Bitcoin, especially as competitors like Fidelity’s FBTC and ARK’s ARKB saw substantial outflows, possibly signalling a shift in investor preference towards BlackRock’s ETF.
Industry analysts, including Nate Geraci and Eric Balchunas, have praised IBIT’s performance, noting it defies earlier doubts about the appetite for Bitcoin exchange-traded funds among traditional investors.
On the derivatives front, CME Bitcoin Futures open interest has fallen for four consecutive days, indicating reduced leverage in the market as some traders scale back their positions.
Nevertheless, the annualised basis yield has climbed from 5% to 9%, which could entice traders back into the futures market to exploit the price spread between spot and futures contracts in the coming days.
Circle’s USDC expands amid regulatory wins
Circle, the company behind USDC, has secured in-principle regulatory approval from Abu Dhabi’s Financial Services Regulatory Authority, allowing it to operate as a money services provider in the Middle East.
This approval is a strategic milestone for Circle, positioning USDC to capitalise on the region’s growing digital economy and fostering new investment opportunities in a market eager for blockchain solutions.
Circle’s CEO, Jeremy Allaire, emphasised that this move aligns with their goal of embedding themselves in markets that are embracing blockchain technology as a foundation for financial innovation.
Concurrently, USDC’s market capitalisation has swelled by over 40% in 2025, reaching $62 billion, solidifying its status as the second-largest stablecoin behind Tether’s USDT.
Circle’s global ambitions are further evident in its compliance with the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulations, making it the first major stablecoin issuer to meet these stringent requirements.
This regulatory adherence is likely to bolster institutional trust and adoption of USDC across Europe, where financial entities are increasingly exploring stablecoin integrations.
Additionally, Circle has expanded into Japan through a partnership with SBI Holdings, launching USDC to tap into Asia’s vibrant crypto market and cater to its tech-savvy population.
The rising popularity of stablecoins like USDC is driven by their utility in payments and remittances, offering a faster, more cost-effective alternative to traditional financial systems, particularly in underserved regions with limited banking access.
To enhance USDC’s functionality, Circle recently introduced a cross-border payments network, aiming to streamline international transactions and increase the stablecoin’s practical use cases for businesses and individuals alike.
Despite these advancements, Circle is currently in a quiet period following its filing for an initial public offering (IPO) in the United States, limiting its ability to comment on future plans as it prepares for this significant milestone.
The post Crypto market update: Bitcoin hovers near $95K as BlackRock’s IBIT nears $1B inflows, USDC grows 40% appeared first on Invezz
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