Bitcoin reaches new highs daily, but experts warn it's a 'crisis mode' rally
Bitcoin's remarkable surge to $123,000 raises crisis fears amid expert warnings.

Bitcoin has been on a historic surge, with its price crossing a symbolic threshold of $123,000. This growth marks over a 30% increase since January 2025, making it one of the top-performing assets alongside gold, according to data from CoinGecko. Analysts suggest that the rise is fueled by institutional interest, particularly Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs), which allow investors to invest without owning the Bitcoin itself. As interest in these ETFs grows, large financial institutions and retirees begin to see Bitcoin as a viable investment, further driving demand.
Institutional interest in Bitcoin is largely driven by new investment products that track Bitcoin’s price, and could lead to a major influx of capital from various investment sectors, including retirement and pension funds. Coinbase predicts a second wave of capital influx once laws permit financial advisors to recommend these investments. Such developments have contributed to Bitcoin’s view as 'digital gold,' as it competes against traditional assets amidst rising global uncertainties.
The surge coincides with Crypto Week in Washington D.C., during which lawmakers consider pivotal bills that may radically alter the crypto landscape. Among these legislative considerations are defining the legal status of cryptocurrencies, shifting regulatory oversight to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), legitimizing stablecoins, and a ban on a potential central bank digital currency (CBDC). Changes in legislation could significantly impact the regulatory environment for digital currencies in the U.S.
Despite Bitcoin’s bullish trajectory, concerns about the nature of its rise abound. The Kobeissi Letter describes Bitcoin's movement as a 'crisis mode rally', defying economic models due to its rapid, straight-line rise amidst high interest rates and a declining U.S. dollar. They link this surge to recent government spending initiatives like President Trump’s recently passed spending package, which appears to have accelerated the rally, making Bitcoin reach new highs multiple times a day.
Bitcoin's rise and these legislative developments mark a critical juncture for cryptocurrency, as its assets are outperforming most others in 2025. However, market watchers advise caution, noting that such swift increases could herald instability. Analysts emphasize the potential risks associated with Bitcoin’s unprecedented dynamics in an evolving economic landscape.
Sources: Gizmodo, Coingecko, X