Why Is Crypto Up Today – Market Surge Fueled by ETF Inflows and Legislative Momentum

2025-07-17

After a brief pullback, the crypto market today is back in green territory. The majority of the top 100 coins are showing gains, with Bitcoin (BTC) climbing back above $118,000 and Ethereum (ETH) surging over $3,100.

While the total market cap dipped slightly to $3.8 trillion, investor sentiment remains optimistic.

A complex blend of institutional ETF inflows, regulatory developments in the US Congress, and continued macro pressures are shaping market dynamics. So, why is crypto going up today despite a shaky regulatory backdrop?

Market Overview – Green Lights Across the Board

As of July 16, 2025, 92 out of the top 100 cryptocurrencies posted gains over the past 24 hours. Despite a slight dip in market cap by 2.1%, the crypto market shows resilience.

BTC is up 1.1%, trading at $118,233
ETH surged 5.8%, reaching $3,145
DOGE climbed 3.3%, trading at $0.1974
TRX saw a modest rise of 0.4%
PUMP leads gains in the top 100, up 11.2%
FET follows closely, up 9.8%
Meanwhile, FARTCOIN fell 4.6% and WBT dropped 2.1%

Trading volume remains steady at $205 billion, showing consistent market activity.

ETF Inflows – Institutional Confidence Grows

One of the key drivers behind today’s price increase is the positive flow of Bitcoin and Ethereum spot ETFs in the US.

BTC ETFs saw inflows for the ninth straight day, with $416.35 million going into BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust alone.
ETH ETFs also enjoyed eight consecutive days of inflows, with BlackRock receiving $171.52 million.

These figures confirm growing institutional interest and provide a foundation for short-term price appreciation, even in the face of macroeconomic headwinds.

Legislative Drama – Crypto Congress Moves the Needle

A procedural vote in the U.S. House of Representatives to advance three major crypto bills had a major impact on investor sentiment.

Initially blocked by GOP Freedom Caucus members over CBDC-related concerns, the bills were eventually revived after a record-breaking 9-hour vote session.

Key takeaways:

The GENIUS Act (stablecoins), CLARITY Act (market structure), and a CBDC limitation proposal are now being debated.
The House GOP leadership aims to attach CBDC bans to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
Market optimism followed President Trump’s assurance that progress would be made, helping stabilize prices.

This renewed momentum in the crypto congress contributes to the bullish sentiment as investors foresee clearer regulation ahead.

Ethereum’s Ecosystem Momentum

Ethereum outpaced Bitcoin today, not just in price movement but also in ecosystem support:

SharpLink bought 6,377 ETH on July 16, bringing its weekly total to 91,330 ETH (~$275M).
Peter Thiel acquired a 9.1% stake in BitMine Immersion Technologies, which holds 163,000 ETH.
Moscow Exchange announced a fund tracking BlackRock's ETH ETF, debuting in August.

While on-chain activity and revenue remain flat, this speculative and treasury-based demand is fueling price gains. The ETH rally illustrates how crypto price today can be shaped by strategic acquisitions and institutional exposure—even when fundamental metrics lag behind.

Bitcoin's Road to $150K – Possible or Premature?

Experts like Andrejs Balans from YouHodler caution that while the market has matured with greater liquidity and reduced volatility, large speculative breakouts are unlikely without fresh demand.

Factors capping growth:

Many long-term holders are taking profits.
Institutional allocations, while rising, are still small relative to traditional assets.
The macro environment—tight monetary policy and persistent inflation—limits speculative inflows.

Unless there’s a major shift in financial conditions or institutional sentiment, analysts argue Bitcoin might hover within a range rather than pushing straight to $150K.

Events to Watch – BTC and ETH Testing Key Levels

BTC is eyeing a break past its intraday high of $118,315.
ETH rose gradually from $2,965 to $3,145, marking strength.
The Crypto Fear and Greed Index remains in "greed" at around 70, suggesting enthusiasm but also a potential overbought zone.

Additionally, a reported $3.5 billion Bitcoin buyout plan by Cantor Fitzgerald via a SPAC merger with Blockstream could add fuel to the market if finalized.

Conclusion

The answer to “why is crypto going up today” lies in a confluence of institutional confidence, ETF inflows, and cautious optimism from regulatory progress.

However, underlying macroeconomic challenges and unclear global policies suggest that volatility remains. Traders should stay informed as crypto congress decisions and institutional buy-ins continue to shape the crypto market today.

FAQ

What is crypto up today?

Crypto is up today due to a combination of ETF inflows, legislative developments in the U.S., and continued interest from major institutional players like BlackRock and Peter Thiel.

Why is crypto going up today while the stock market is mixed?

Crypto rose independently as investors focused on ETF demand and crypto-focused legislation, while stock traders were cautious amid geopolitical tensions and upcoming economic data.

What is the latest Bitcoin price?

As of July 16, 2025, Bitcoin is trading at $118,233, recovering from recent lows and approaching key resistance levels.

Is Ethereum outperforming Bitcoin?

Yes, today Ethereum is leading with a 5.8% gain compared to Bitcoin’s 1.1%, driven by ETF inflows, corporate acquisitions, and treasury accumulation.

What’s happening in crypto congress?

The U.S. House is revisiting three major crypto bills. A vote to reconsider passed after an initial rejection, setting the stage for possible regulatory clarity soon.

Could Bitcoin hit $150,000 soon?

While structurally possible, most analysts agree that without a broader shift in institutional sentiment and financial conditions, such a leap is unlikely in the short term.

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Disclaimer: The content of this article does not constitute financial or investment advice.

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