Bitcoin Holds Near $95,000 as U.S. Policy Delays Test Market Confidence, Is $100K Still in Play?

bitcoinistPublished on 2026-01-16Last updated on 2026-01-16

Abstract

Bitcoin is holding near $95,000 following a pullback from recent highs, as U.S. regulatory uncertainty and softer risk sentiment weigh on the crypto market. The delay in the Senate Banking Committee’s markup of a crypto market structure bill has cooled enthusiasm, though analysts view the price action as consolidation rather than a reversal. Trading volume has declined, and some leverage is being cleared. Institutional demand remains supportive, with U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs recording four consecutive days of net inflows, including nearly $1.5 billion year-to-date. BlackRock’s IBIT led recent inflows. Regulatory delays, influenced by opposition from industry figures like Coinbase’s CEO, have added short-term uncertainty, pressuring crypto-related stocks. Technically, Bitcoin faces resistance near $97,500. Some analysts believe a move toward $100,000 is still possible if support holds and ETF inflows continue. The near-term outlook depends on regulatory developments, institutional activity, and broader market sentiment.

Bitcoin (BTC) is holding above the $95,000 level after a recent pullback from two-month highs, as U.S. regulatory uncertainty and softer risk sentiment weigh on the broader crypto market.

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The pause follows the U.S. Senate Banking Committee’s decision to delay markup on a proposed crypto market structure bill, a move that has cooled enthusiasm after Bitcoin briefly approached $97,000 earlier this week.

Despite the setback, analysts largely view the price action as consolidation rather than a reversal. Trading volume has declined, open interest has eased, and liquidations have risen, suggesting that some leverage is being cleared from the market.

BTC's price moving sideways on the daily chart. Source: BTCUSD on Tradingview

Bitcoin ETF Flows Remain Supportive

Institutional demand through U.S. spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) continues to provide a key source of support.

According to Farside Investors, Bitcoin ETFs recorded roughly $100 million in net inflows on January 15, marking four consecutive days of positive flows. BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) led the day with $315.8 million in inflows, while Fidelity’s FBTC and Grayscale’s GBTC saw outflows.

Since the start of the year, U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs have attracted nearly $1.5 billion in net inflows. Analysts say this pattern suggests that institutional buyers have absorbed much of the selling pressure that followed Bitcoin’s breakout above $88,000.

Regulatory Delays Add Uncertainty

The delayed Senate vote followed public opposition from Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong, who criticized parts of the proposed bill related to decentralized finance, tokenized equities, and regulatory oversight. Lawmakers postponed discussion of the bill, leaving questions about the future regulatory framework for digital assets.

The lack of clarity has contributed to short-term caution across crypto markets. Shares of crypto-related companies such as Coinbase and Strategy also fell after the news. Analysts note that while clearer regulation could support long-term adoption, uncertainty in the near term can pressure prices.

Is $100,000 Still in Play?

Technical analysts say Bitcoin has reclaimed the $95,000 zone, with the next major resistance around $97,500, near the 50-week exponential moving average. Some market watchers believe a push toward $100,000 remains possible if Bitcoin can hold above current support levels and ETF inflows continue.

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For now, the market appears to be in a cooling phase rather than a downturn. Whether Bitcoin can regain momentum will likely depend on regulatory developments, institutional flows, and broader risk sentiment in global markets.

Cover image from ChatGPT, BTCUSD chart on Tradingview

Related Questions

QWhat is Bitcoin's current price level and what are the main factors weighing on the broader crypto market?

ABitcoin is holding above the $95,000 level. The main factors weighing on the market are U.S. regulatory uncertainty and softer risk sentiment.

QWhat specific U.S. regulatory event caused a pause in Bitcoin's recent rally towards $97,000?

AThe pause followed the U.S. Senate Banking Committee’s decision to delay markup on a proposed crypto market structure bill.

QHow have U.S. spot Bitcoin ETF flows performed recently, and which fund led inflows on January 15th?

AU.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded roughly $100 million in net inflows on January 15, marking four consecutive days of positive flows. BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) led the day with $315.8 million in inflows.

QWho publicly opposed the proposed crypto bill and what were their criticisms?

ACoinbase CEO Brian Armstrong publicly opposed the bill. He criticized parts related to decentralized finance, tokenized equities, and regulatory oversight.

QWhat do technical analysts identify as the next major resistance level for Bitcoin's price?

ATechnical analysts say the next major resistance level is around $97,500, near the 50-week exponential moving average.

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363 Total ViewsPublished 2025.05.13Updated 2025.05.13

What is $BITCOIN

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