- Bitcoin could surge to $150K in 2025 as ETF inflows drive unprecedented institutional demand.
- Analysts debate Ethereum’s future, with rivals like Solana and Sui challenging its dominance.
- Amberdata’s Magadini likens Ethereum’s growing network effects to Apple’s iPhone.
Bitcoin is once again in the spotlight. The recent climb toward a record high of above $124,000 has sparked bold predictions. The surge has revived debate about how far institutional adoption can push prices. At the same time, Ethereum faces questions about whether it can keep its grip on institutional trust.
ETF Flows Push Bitcoin Higher
Steven McClurg, CEO of Canary Capital, believes Bitcoin could hit $150,000 before the year ends. Speaking to CNBC, he estimated a greater than 50% chance that prices rise into the $140,000 to $150,000 range. That would represent another 19% to 27% increase from current levels.
McClurg credited rising demand from exchange-traded funds as the primary driver. He said institutional allocations from pensions, corporate treasuries, and even sovereign wealth funds are lifting Bitcoin. “These inflows are creating a higher price in Bitcoin,” he noted.
The enthusiasm around ETFs follows one of Bitcoin’s strongest years. Investors have flocked to the asset, viewing it both as digital gold and a risk-on hedge. McClurg compared the current cycle to earlier booms but warned a bear market could follow in 2026.
At the same time, McClurg voiced concern about the wider economy. He criticized the Federal Reserve for delaying rate cuts, saying the U.S. economy faces stress. He expects cuts in September and October. Market data shows traders share that view, with futures pricing an 84.8% chance of a September cut.
Ethereum’s Place in Question
While McClurg is optimistic about Bitcoin, he is skeptical of Ethereum. The second-largest cryptocurrency has rallied sharply in recent weeks, nearing its all-time high before retreating. Yet Canary Capital has avoided filing an ETF tied to ETH.
“I’m not a big fan of Ethereum, only because it is an older technology,” McClurg said. He argued that newer chains like Solana and Sui are faster, cheaper, and more secure. He credited Ethereum with strong past performance but said he does not expect it to set fresh highs.
Canary has instead filed ETF applications tied to XRP, Hedera, Cronus, Sui, and even President Trump’s meme coin, TRUMP. The firm also seeks approval for a Litecoin ETF, with McClurg comparing Bitcoin to gold and Litecoin to silver.
Not all analysts share his doubts about Ethereum. According to sources, Greg Magadini, Director of Derivatives at Amberdata, said that Ethereum remains dominant because of its developer ecosystem. He compared it to Apple’s iPhone, which built unmatched network effects through its platform.
Related: Bitcoin, Ethereum At Key Levels Amid ETF and Regulatory Shift
Magadini said those network effects strengthen over time, making Ethereum difficult to dislodge. He predicted that ETH would catch up relative to Bitcoin, with ETH/BTC climbing to 7%. That would place ETH between $8,000 and $10,000 if Bitcoin reaches $150,000.
He also expects Bitcoin itself to benefit from the current macro setup. He pointed to political pressure on the Fed, persistent inflation, and a strong equity rally. In that environment, Bitcoin’s dual role as digital gold and a risk asset supports higher prices.
For now, ETF inflows continue to dominate headlines. Sovereign wealth funds and pensions are joining hedge funds in buying Bitcoin exposure. That trend has pushed prices into uncharted territory, with further gains possible before year-end.
But seasonality could complicate the outlook. McClurg warned that August is often weak for crypto markets, while September and October tend to rebound. That pattern could test investor confidence if volatility spikes. The real question is whether institutional enthusiasm can sustain both Bitcoin and Ethereum in the years ahead.
