Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) has recently surpassed the $100,000 mark, prompting many investors to question just how much further the cryptocurrency can rise. As of now, Bitcoin has gained approximately 115% this year and a staggering 500% over the past two years. Over the last decade, it has seen an astronomical increase of 28,500%.
While it’s tempting to believe that Bitcoin’s price must eventually plateau, this is not necessarily the case. In fact, there are several key factors that could drive Bitcoin’s price even higher in 2025.
The Impact of Spot Bitcoin ETFs
A major catalyst behind Bitcoin’s remarkable surge this year has been the launch of new spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in January. So far, these ETFs have attracted more than $100 billion in investments, with the iShares Bitcoin Trust (NASDAQ: IBIT) leading the way with an impressive $53.5 billion inflow.
Spot Bitcoin ETFs have proven to be a massive success across the board. Retail investors have embraced them as an easy and cost-effective way to invest in Bitcoin, while institutional investors are turning to them as a diversification tool. Wall Street investment banks and large hedge funds are also utilizing these ETFs to take positions on Bitcoin’s price movement.
This continuous buying pressure has been a significant factor in pushing Bitcoin’s price higher, with the demand for spot Bitcoin ETFs absorbing any potential selling pressure. Notably, Bitcoin has not seen any major corrections despite surpassing the $100,000 level.
Looking ahead, it’s possible that this trend will intensify. Currently, many investment managers allocate just 1% of their portfolios to Bitcoin, but what if they decide to increase that to 2%? Additionally, if pension funds, endowments, and sovereign wealth funds start to enter the market, the demand for Bitcoin could remain strong for years.
The Potential Creation of a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve
Another key factor that could drive Bitcoin’s price up in 2025 is the creation of a new strategic Bitcoin reserve. This concept, originally proposed during Donald Trump’s presidential campaign, is now gaining traction. U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyoming) has already drafted the Bitcoin Act of 2024, which would establish a U.S. government-backed Bitcoin reserve.
While the specifics are still being worked out, the plan would involve the U.S. government purchasing 200,000 Bitcoins annually, accumulating 1 million Bitcoins over the next five years. By the end of this period, the U.S. would control about 5% of all Bitcoin in circulation.
Other countries, including Brazil, as well as several U.S. states like Texas, Florida, and Pennsylvania, have also expressed interest in creating their own strategic Bitcoin reserves. If more nations follow suit, this could create additional demand for Bitcoin, driving its price even higher.