Bitcoin Surges Amid Spot ETF Inflows, Yet $105K Remains Elusive

Updated: January 14, 2026

Natalie Chen

Written by Natalie Chen

Senior Cryptocurrency & Blockchain Analyst

Mike Langley

Edited by Mike Langley

Managing Editor

Bitcoin Surges Amid Spot ETF Inflows, Yet $105K Remains Elusive

Bitcoin has experienced a resurgence, climbing to its highest value in over two months, as fresh inflows into spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have injected new energy into the market. Despite this boost, questions linger about whether the cryptocurrency can reach the $105,000 mark.

The cryptocurrency's price saw a notable 5.5% increase on Wednesday, driven by $840 million in ETF inflows earlier this week. However, the derivatives market hasn't confirmed this upward trend, with options skew data indicating a cautious stance among traders regarding a sustained rally.

The broader market landscape presents a mix of challenges. The tech-centric Nasdaq Index has struggled to recover past the 26,000 threshold, underscoring ongoing risk aversions in equities. Meanwhile, traditional safe-haven assets like gold and silver have reached new highs, further highlighting investors' cautious outlook.

Professional traders remain wary, as evidenced by the BTC options delta skew metric. Currently, put options maintain a premium, reflecting a stable risk perception even as Bitcoin hovers around the $96,000 mark. This skepticism stems from geopolitical tensions, such as the recent protests in Iran, which have prompted military threats from the US and potential new tariffs.

Adding to the uncertainty are the US's geopolitical maneuvers, with President Donald Trump expressing interest in Greenland, citing national security concerns. This has raised alarms among investors about potential international conflicts.

Financial markets are also reacting to economic signals, with US Treasury yields declining as investors seek the safety of government bonds. The latest inflation data shows a 2.7% year-on-year increase, surpassing the Federal Reserve's target.

In the corporate sphere, Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway has increased its cash reserves to an unprecedented $381.7 billion, signaling caution over the unclear trajectory of artificial intelligence and its impact on markets. Meanwhile, Oracle faces legal challenges related to its AI infrastructure expansion.

Overall, the current atmosphere of uncertainty has led traders to reduce their exposure to equities and cryptocurrencies alike. While Bitcoin's recent rally is noteworthy, significant sociopolitical risks and economic uncertainties continue to cloud its path to $105,000. Investors remain focused on how these factors will influence the Federal Reserve's economic strategies moving forward.