Bitcoin is facing a key resistance around $118,000, with traders closely watching whether persistent spot ETF inflows can provide the push needed for a breakout.
Key Highlights
• Bitcoin has struggled to break above $118,000, reinforcing this area as a strong resistance zone.
• Spot Bitcoin ETFs have posted six consecutive days of inflows, adding roughly $2 billion in capital.
• Institutional holdings of $BTC , including strategic reserves and ETFs, are up 30% year-to-date in 2025, reflecting sustained demand.
Resistance Levels Under Pressure
BTC has climbed nearly 9% from its Sept. 1 low of $107,270, but momentum stalled as sellers defended the $118,000 mark. Analysts note this is the “crucial resistance” area that must be cleared for upside continuation.
At the time of writing, Bitcoin trades near $115,300, consolidating within a tight range as market participants await the outcome of the FOMC meeting minutes and Fed Chair Powell’s upcoming remarks.
Market analyst Michael van de Poppe highlighted that Bitcoin remains in a healthy consolidation but needs to clear $117,500–118,000 to open the path toward higher targets. Similarly, some analysts suggested a short-term push toward $118,000 liquidity clusters is possible before any retracement tied to the Fed decision.
Data from liquidation heatmaps shows significant liquidity buildup at $118,000, making the level a likely magnet for price action in the near term.
ETF Flows Provide Tailwinds
While spot price action stalls, ETF flows continue to paint a bullish backdrop. U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs have attracted consistent inflows since Sept. 8, including $260 million on Monday, bringing total inflows above $2 billion over six trading days.
CoinShares data shows Bitcoin investment products dominated inflows into crypto ETPs last week, capturing $2.4 billion of new capital. Meanwhile, BitcoinTreasuries.net reports that combined BTC holdings in ETFs and corporate treasuries have climbed to 2.88 million BTC in 2025, up from 2.24 million BTC at the start of the year.
This 30% increase reflects continued institutional consolidation of BTC supply, reinforcing the long-term bullish case even as short-term resistance levels hold.
