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Bitcoin ETFs fuel institutional surge, 21Shares’ CIO sees $100K possible by year-end
Bitcoin’s growing ETF inflows and institutional adoption are reinforcing its role in portfolios, even as prices struggle below $80,000.
Apr 29, 2026, 3:03 p.m.
What to watch: Several catalysts could push Bitcoin past the key $80K level.
- Improving geopolitical sentiment, including any resolution tied to global conflicts, could boost risk appetite
- Continued ETF inflows remain a core driver of structural demand
- Negative perpetual futures funding rates could trigger short squeezes on upward price moves
- A breakout above the 200-day moving average ($85K–$90K range) would signal a stronger trend reversal
The big picture: Macro forces still dominate crypto’s trajectory.
- Investors are closely watching PCE inflation data and upcoming Fed decisions for policy direction
- Oil prices remain a driver — a spike above $100 could pressure risk assets, including bitcoin
- Adrian expects continued consolidation in the near term, with a move toward $100K by year-end if conditions align
The altcoin angle: Not all crypto assets will benefit equally.
- Ethereum is struggling but showing signs of renewed ETF inflows after a weak first quarter
- “Altcoin season” may not return in its previous form, as investors adopt more fundamentals-driven approaches
- Projects with real revenue and cash flow, like Hyperliquid, are gaining traction with traditional investors
- Weaker altcoin ETFs could face closures if underlying projects fail to demonstrate strength
AI Disclaimer: Parts of this article were generated with the assistance from AI tools and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and adherence to our standards. For more information, see CoinDesk’s full AI Policy.
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