Breaking news

Bitcoin Surges To Record High Amid Robust ETF Inflows

Bitcoin Sets New Milestones

Bitcoin extended its upward trajectory on Friday, reaching unprecedented heights as it closed higher by 3% at $117,297.10, according to Coin Metrics. Earlier in the session, the flagship cryptocurrency peaked at $118,872.85, spearheading the market rally. Ether similarly surged by nearly 6% to $2,976.90, briefly climbing above the $3,000 threshold for the first time since February.

ETF Inflows Ignite Renewed Market Confidence

The current rally is largely underpinned by significant capital inflows into bitcoin and ether ETFs. Bitcoin ETFs recorded their largest day of inflows this year, attracting $1.18 billion, while ether ETFs notched a substantial $383.1 million. This influx of funds has bolstered investor sentiment, even as stocks tied to bitcoin prices, such as Mara Holdings, Riot Platforms, and MicroStrategy, witnessed moderate gains between 1.5% and 3%. Key crypto trading platforms like Coinbase and Robinhood also experienced gains around 1%.

Market Dynamics And Short Liquidations

The upward momentum in bitcoin triggered a wave of short position liquidations, with more than $650 million in bitcoin and $215 million in ether liquidated over the past 24 hours. Traders employing leveraged short strategies were forced to cover their positions, further energizing the price surge—a dynamic that reflects broader market trends seen since mid-April, when bitcoin ETF inflows began rising significantly.

Fed Policy And Macro Trends

The rally followed a gradual start on Wednesday, influenced by Federal Reserve meeting minutes that revealed divergent views on the pace of interest rate cuts. Markus Thielen, CEO of 10x Research, noted that expectations of a dovish shift from the Fed, coupled with potential fiscal policy changes like the proposed “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” have helped support bitcoin’s ascent. He added that the current macro environment offers limited catalysts, leading equity investors to adopt a more cautious short-term approach during the summer season.

Investor Outlook And Future Catalysts

With bitcoin on track for a nearly 10% weekly gain and ether up over 20%, investor enthusiasm remains high. Market participants are betting on further record-breaking moves in the second half of the year, as corporate treasuries increase their bitcoin acquisitions and legislative clarity on crypto regulations approaches. While any significant macroeconomic downturn could reverse the trend, the current consensus favors continued upward momentum driven by strong ETF inflows and evolving fiscal and policy landscapes.

FinTech’s Dominance In MENA: Three Strategic Drivers Behind Unyielding VC Success

Despite facing tightening global liquidity and macroeconomic headwinds, the FinTech sector continues to assert its leadership in the MENA region. In the first half of 2025, FinTech emerged as the most resilient and appealing arena for venture capital investments, proving its worth as a catalyst for financial innovation and inclusion.

Addressing Structural Financial Gaps

In many parts of MENA, a significant proportion of the population remains underbanked and underserved by traditional financial institutions. FinTech companies are uniquely positioned to address these persistent challenges by bridging critical access gaps and driving financial inclusion. With the proliferation of payment apps, digital wallets, and micro-lending platforms, investors have witnessed firsthand how these solutions pave the way for scalable growth and eventual exits. Early-stage momentum in the region is underscored by a doubling of pre-seed deals year-over-year, reinforcing the sector’s capacity for rapid innovation and sustainable expansion.

Highly Scalable and Replicable Business Models

One of the key factors behind FinTech’s dominance is the inherent scalability of its business models. Once the necessary infrastructure and regulatory approvals are in place, these models have demonstrated robust performance across borders. The first half of 2025 saw a marked acceleration in deal activity, with payment solutions leading the charge with 28 deals in MENA—a significant increase over the previous year. Lending platforms, in particular, experienced a meteoric 500% year-over-year increase in funding, emerging as the fastest-growing subindustry. Such replicability makes FinTech an attractive proposition for investors seeking high-growth opportunities in diverse markets.

Supportive Regulatory And Government Backing

The strategic support offered by key government initiatives in the UAE and Saudi Arabia has been instrumental in propelling the FinTech sector forward. Progressive frameworks, such as the UAE’s open finance and digital asset directives, coupled with Saudi Arabia’s live-testing sandboxes, have materially lowered entry barriers for startups. These measures not only foster innovation but also streamline the path to commercialization. Consequently, the combined efforts of these regulatory bodies have enabled the UAE and Saudi Arabia to account for 86% of MENA’s total FinTech funding in H1 2025.

The resilience of FinTech in MENA is not merely a reflection of contemporary market trends—it signals a fundamental shift in the region’s economic fabric. With an unwavering commitment to addressing real financial challenges, scalable and replicable business practices, and robust regulatory support, FinTech is setting the benchmark for sustainable innovation. As capital markets become increasingly discerning, this sector stands out as a beacon of long-term growth and transformative impact.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

Become a Speaker

Become a Speaker

Become a Partner

Subscribe for our weekly newsletter