Bitcoin Hits Three-Month High as ETF Inflows Drive Momentum
Bitcoin climbed to a three-month high on Monday, supported by strong inflows into exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and increased long positioning. However, spot demand for the cryptocurrency remained relatively weak, suggesting that the rally may not yet be fully supported by retail participation.
The world’s largest cryptocurrency, Bitcoin, rose 2.7% to $80,286.5 by early trading hours (00:55 ET / 04:55 GMT). The asset is now up nearly 12% for April, largely fueled by bargain buying following earlier market pullbacks.
Additional support came from progress on a major U.S. regulatory proposal, the CLARITY Act, although the bill still appears far from being officially enacted into law.
Meanwhile, the broader crypto market also moved higher, though gains were capped by ongoing uncertainty surrounding Middle East tensions and global interest rate expectations.
ETF Inflows Boost Bitcoin, But Spot Demand Remains Weak
Bitcoin’s upward momentum throughout April has been primarily driven by strong capital inflows into U.S.-listed ETFs. According to data from SoSoValue, net ETF inflows reached $1.97 billion during the month, marking the highest level since October 2025—when Bitcoin last recorded an all-time high.
Despite this surge, ETF inflows are still below the average monthly levels seen throughout 2025. The increase in ETF activity also coincided with strong performance in U.S. equity markets during the same period.
However, spot demand in the U.S. has remained subdued. Bitcoin continues to trade at a discount on Coinbase, the largest U.S.-based crypto exchange, compared to global spot prices.
This discount indicates weaker retail demand in the U.S., raising concerns that the current rally could lose momentum or potentially reverse if broader participation does not improve.
Strategy Halts Bitcoin Purchases Ahead of Earnings Report
Strategy Inc., the world’s largest corporate holder of Bitcoin, has paused its weekly Bitcoin acquisition program. Chairman Michael Saylor confirmed the decision ahead of the company’s upcoming earnings release.
The pause comes just before Strategy’s first-quarter earnings announcement, scheduled for Tuesday. According to forecasts from Investing.com, the firm is expected to report a Q1 loss of $13.67 per share on revenue of $120.75 million.
The company previously reported a significant loss in the fourth quarter, largely due to declines in the value of its Bitcoin holdings.
Altcoins Rise Alongside Bitcoin’s Rally
The broader cryptocurrency market followed Bitcoin’s upward trend. Ethereum, the second-largest digital asset, gained 3.6% to trade at $2,387.64.
Other major cryptocurrencies also posted gains. XRP and BNB both rose more than 2%, while Solana and Cardano increased by 2.3% and 1.9%, respectively.
Among memecoins, Dogecoin led the gains with a 4.6% rise, while TRUMP coin posted a modest 0.8% increase.
