Crypto Market Recap: Bitcoin Hits All-Time High as ETF Inflows and Legislation Align
By Giann Liguid and Meagen Seatter
July 9, 2025, 1:05 PM PST
The cryptocurrency market experienced a remarkable surge this week, with Bitcoin reaching a new all-time high propelled by significant inflows into exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and advances in stablecoin legislation in Washington, D.C. This bullish momentum underscores growing institutional interest and regulatory progress that investors have been eagerly awaiting.
Bitcoin and Ethereum Lead the Gains
As of Friday, July 11, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. UTC, Bitcoin (BTC) traded at approximately US$118,008, marking a 6.3% increase over the previous 24 hours. During the day, Bitcoin fluctuated between a low of US$110,768 and a high of US$118,667. Ethereum (ETH), the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency, also saw notable gains, rising 7.4% to US$3,003.27, with daily valuations ranging from US$2,767.71 to US$3,027.12. ### Altcoins Show Strong Performance
Beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum, various altcoins displayed substantial upward movement:
- Solana (SOL) increased 5.3% to US$163.68.
- XRP surged 10%, trading at US$2.59, with lows and highs of US$2.43 and US$2.69 respectively.
- Sui (SUI) moved up 7.9% to US$3.50.
- Cardano (ADA) soared by an impressive 18.4%, reaching US$0.7123. ### ETF Inflows and Legislative Progress Drive Bitcoin’s Surge
Bitcoin’s climb past the US$118,000 threshold was supported by record ETF inflows, highlighting growing institutional adoption. Spot Bitcoin ETFs have posted exceptional volume recently, attracting billions in net capital as investors seek regulated exposure to the digital asset.
Market optimism was further bolstered by bipartisan Congressional progress on cryptocurrency regulation, especially surrounding stablecoins. The U.S. Senate’s passage of the GENIUS Act—a bill aimed at establishing regulatory frameworks and investor protections for fiat-pegged stablecoins—has been welcomed by the cryptocurrency community.
The GENIUS Act proposes clear regulatory guardrails that could legitimize the stablecoin sector to institutional investors, fostering safer innovation and adoption. This legislative momentum, combined with a relatively softer U.S. dollar and a crypto-friendly stance from the current administration, has fueled enthusiasm across markets.
Year-to-date, Bitcoin is up over 26%, contributing to a total cryptocurrency market capitalization now nearing US$3.5 trillion.
Analysts anticipate that the upcoming “crypto week” in Congress, where multiple digital asset bills are slated for discussion, could further amplify positive sentiment and market activity.
Trump-Linked World Liberty Financial (WLFI) Token Sees Massive Buy-In
In notable private sector developments, an obscure entity called the Aqua 1 Foundation has become the largest public investor in Donald Trump’s World Liberty Financial (WLFI) crypto token. The Foundation reportedly purchased US$100 million worth of WLFI tokens in late June.
Though Aqua 1 claims to be based in the UAE and is backed by “mission-aligned partners,” public scrutiny reveals limited transparency about the group’s backers and founder, Dave Lee. The WLFI token benefits the Trump family directly, receiving 75% of proceeds, with the family’s cumulative crypto earnings now estimated to exceed US$500 million.
This transaction has raised ethical questions among US experts regarding possible conflicts of interest, despite official statements that Trump’s assets are held in a trust managed by his children. Both World Liberty and Trump Media have yet to respond to media inquiries.
EU Regulator Warns Crypto Firms on Investor Transparency
Across the Atlantic, the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has issued warnings to crypto firms operating under the continent’s regulatory framework, Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA). ESMA cautioned that some platforms blur the line between regulated and unregulated products, potentially confusing investors and undermining MiCA’s consumer protections.
Only firms licensed as Crypto Asset Service Providers (CASPs) are allowed to market certain financial products across the European Union. However, direct commodity investments and crypto lending currently fall outside MiCA’s regulated scope. ESMA also expressed concern about firms leveraging their regulated status to market riskier services, which could mislead consumers.
Stay Connected for More Crypto Updates
For real-time cryptocurrency news and in-depth market analysis, follow @INN_Technology on social media.
About the Authors:
Giann Liguid is an interdisciplinary studies graduate with experience writing across various industries, including security and business, and expertise in government administration.
Meagen Seatter is an Investment Market Content Specialist with a diverse background in marketing and psychology, passionate about life sciences, technology, and emerging markets.
Disclaimer: The authors hold no direct investments in any companies discussed herein.
This article is brought to you by Investing News Network (INN) — your trusted source for investing success.