Bitcoin is experiencing a robust start to 2026, gaining momentum that could position it to align with the recent rally in precious metals. Among the key indicators of this resurgence are the Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs), which are seeing significant interest and have recorded substantial inflows. On Wednesday alone, these ETFs amassed $843.6 million, bringing the weekly total to $1.7 billion, according to data from SoSoValue.
Jake Kennis, a research analyst at Nansen, attributed Bitcoin’s upward trajectory to several converging factors including diminishing inflation concerns, an increase in demand for safe-haven assets amid geopolitical tensions, and a notable surge in ETF inflows. Additionally, Bitcoin has recently broken past critical resistance levels at $94,000 to $96,000, signaling potential for prices to approach $100,000. Kennis noted, however, that with heightened leverage in the futures market and profit-taking behaviors among top traders as they near the pivotal $97,000–$100,000 thresholds, volatility may be on the horizon.
Despite some recent retracement from those resistance levels, Timot Lamarre, director of market research at Unchained, expressed optimism about Bitcoin’s future. He emphasized that while the cryptocurrency remains below its all-time highs, it is well-positioned for a sustained rally beyond $100,000. Institutions are increasingly facilitating Bitcoin acquisition for new investor segments, while favorable macroeconomic conditions suggest a shift toward significant monetary easing. This aligns with broader trends of accumulation as governments, companies, and individuals bolster their Bitcoin holdings.
Supporting this bullish perspective, the analytics team at B2BINPAY remarked on the overall market structure, predicting that Bitcoin could reach between $100,000 and $105,000 in the near term. They noted the potential for an even more dramatic rise to the $120,000 to $140,000 range later in the year, contingent upon sustained demand. However, a failure to maintain upward momentum could suggest a retracement down to the $88,000 to $90,000 area, where liquidity is currently concentrated.
Another significant aspect under consideration is the leverage present in the market. Current funding rates and open interest are not excessively high, with total open interest hovering around $65 billion. While this figure is substantial, it remains below the previous record levels witnessed in 2025, which peaked between $72 billion and $75 billion. Analysts caution that with the market not being overextended, there remains considerable room for growth moving forward.
