Institutional Inflows Propel Bitcoin to $97K Amid Retail Bearishness

The cryptocurrency market has experienced notable gains recently, with a $300 billion increase in total market cap over two weeks, reaching $3.3 trillion on January 14 before a slight decline to $3.26 trillion.

Bitcoin reached a local high of $97,860 and is trading around $92,300.
Ethereum also showed strength, hitting nearly $3,400 on January 14.

Santiment data indicates that despite retail investors showing bearish sentiment, Bitcoin and Ethereum prices have peaked locally.

Factors influencing Bitcoin's recent rally include:

The bear sentiment from retail investors, historically a bullish indicator for Bitcoin.
The CMC fear and greed index rising to 54 for the first time since October 2025.
Significant inflows into US-based spot BTC ETFs, totaling $843.6 million on January 14, and $1.71 billion for the week.
A 2.7% year-over-year increase in the US Consumer Price Index for December 2025, aligning with expectations and boosting Bitcoin to $96,000.
Massive short liquidations amounting to $595 million between January 13 and 14.