Bitcoin has returned to record high levels. The recent US government shutdown has contributed to the rise of the largest cryptocurrency, pushing it past $125,000 as investors shift away from dollars towards more stable assets.
We are also entering the last quarter of the year, historically a strong period for BTC. In previous fourth quarters, Bitcoin has averaged an impressive increase of 79.6%. The total returns were recorded at 47.7% in 2024 and 56.9% in 2023.
As we approach the end of 2025, what key trends will shape Bitcoin’s future? Cryptonews gathered insights from a panel of industry experts.
Juan Leon, senior investment strategist at Bitwise, noted that BTC’s remarkable performance isn’t surprising given the strong demand from ETFs and corporations, alongside the current favorable macroeconomic conditions. When discussing what to watch for in Q4 regarding the broader crypto market, Leon mentioned:
“The ongoing pace of institutional adoption, advancements in regulation, and movements towards mainstream stablecoin commercialization and tokenization, alongside new product launches and technical innovations.”
James Gernetzke, the CFO of Exodus, emphasized how “the innovation speed in the market is consistently surprising” and highlighted its extensive scope.
“The introduction of new products is accelerating at an unprecedented rate, varying widely from stablecoins to tokenized real-world assets (RWAs) like tokenized stocks. Additionally, US government agencies are rapidly advancing to support financial innovations as indicated by the latest SEC announcements and other agencies.”
Samir Kerbage, Hashdex’s chief investment officer, shared with Cryptonews that ongoing regulatory changes in the US and the EU will play a significant role in Q4 as treasury companies and potentially some nation-states consider Bitcoin as a reserve asset. With one rate cut already implemented, he predicts that the Fed’s policies will continue shaping global risk appetite.
On the other hand, some experts have cautioned not to be overly enthusiastic about the current upward trend. Alexander Blume, CEO of Two Prime, remarked that “this rally is precarious and may not be sustainable” — while expressing optimism about Bitcoin’s long-term potential, he advocates for more stability and genuine support along with reduced funding rates.
Bitcoin (BTC)24h7d30d1yAll time
The emergence of Bitcoin into new price territories frequently draws intense media coverage and a wave of investment from newcomers eager for quick gains. However, is it wise for those who have hesitated to enter the market at these higher prices? Juan Leon from Bitwise believes that even at elevated prices, BTC remains attractive for long-term investors, suggesting:
