Bitcoin pierces $125,000 for first time ever

Bitcoin prices rose on Sunday, extending gains for the fifth consecutive day and hitting a new record high, with the cryptocurrency trading above $125,000 for the first time in history.

This historic rally comes amid a strong wave of optimism sweeping global markets, fueled by growing bets on continued monetary easing by the Federal Reserve, along with major regulatory reforms in the United States — the world’s largest crypto market.

Major global companies have launched a new round of Bitcoin purchases, driving their holdings of the leading cryptocurrency to fresh record levels, while inflows into US-listed spot Bitcoin ETFs remain strong.

Price Overview

• Bitcoin price today: On the Bitstamp exchange, Bitcoin rose by $3,267, or 2.7%, to an all-time high of $125,725, up from the opening price of $122,458, after touching an intraday low of $122,209.

• On Saturday, Bitcoin gained 0.25% on Bitstamp, marking its fourth consecutive daily rise amid sustained institutional demand for the leading crypto asset.

Market Capitalization

The total market capitalization of digital assets rose by over $100 billion on Sunday to reach an all-time high of $4.365 trillion, supported by record-breaking Bitcoin prices and further gains in Ethereum.

US Interest Rates

Expectations for a 50-basis-point rate cut by the Federal Reserve before the end of this year have now reached full pricing, following weak labor market data and moderate inflation readings in the US.

Several Fed policymakers have recently voiced support for near-term rate cuts in response to signs of economic slowdown.

Regulatory Reforms

Since the beginning of 2025, Bitcoin prices have climbed nearly 35%, boosted by major regulatory wins for the US digital asset industry — particularly after the return of President Donald Trump, who dubbed himself “the crypto president,” as his family expanded its investments in the sector.

One of the most notable measures was an executive order allowing digital assets to be included in 401(k) retirement plans, signaling a more flexible and supportive regulatory environment.

The year 2025 also saw the approval of new stablecoin regulations and updated SEC policies to align with digital assets, reinforcing positive momentum across the crypto market.

MicroStrategy

On X, MicroStrategy co-founder and executive chairman Michael Saylor announced a new Bitcoin purchase of 196 BTC, raising the company’s total holdings to another record level.

The purchases were made between September 23 and 28 at a total cost of $22.16 million, with an average price of $113,048 per Bitcoin.

Following this acquisition, the company now holds 640,031 BTC at an average purchase price of $73,980, valued at roughly $47.35 billion.

Metaplanet

Japanese firm Metaplanet also continued increasing its Bitcoin holdings, acquiring 5,268 BTC between September 23 and 30 for $615.67 million, at an average price of $116,870 per Bitcoin.

This raised its total holdings to a record 30,823 BTC, valued at $3.33 billion, with an average purchase price of $107,911 per Bitcoin.

This move mirrors MicroStrategy’s long-term strategy, signaling growing institutional confidence in digital assets.

ETF Inflows

Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) added around $985 million in inflows on Friday, marking the fifth straight day of net positive flows, totaling roughly $3.24 billion across US-listed funds.

Outlook for Bitcoin

• IG analyst Tony Sycamore said: “Bitcoin’s rally reflects growing confidence in Federal Reserve rate cuts, sustained institutional demand, and the Trump administration’s supportive stance toward digital asset investment.”

• Sycamore added that “a sustained breakout above $125,000 could drive Bitcoin prices toward $150,000.”