Bitcoin Surges Amid Market Volatility as Regulatory Shift Fuels Institutional Demand

Bitcoin’s recent surge, regulatory shifts from the Federal Reserve, and a wave of institutional buying are reshaping the crypto landscape. As the digital asset outpaces traditional markets and draws Wall Street’s attention, questions about its role as a safe haven and its true value intensify. This press review explores the latest data, expert insights, and market reactions that are fueling Bitcoin’s momentum and redefining its place in global finance.

Bitcoin's Performance Amid Market Volatility: Is It a Safe Haven?

Bitcoin has long been compared to traditional safe-haven assets like gold, but its behavior has often mirrored that of riskier assets such as U.S. equities. According to MarketWatch, recent market turmoil caused by tariff disputes has seen Bitcoin outperform both stocks and the U.S. dollar. Despite this, experts caution that it is "too early" to definitively label Bitcoin as a safe haven.

Bitcoin's unique characteristics as a decentralized, non-sovereign asset with a fixed supply suggest it should act as a store of value, especially during periods of extreme market volatility. However, for years, Bitcoin has failed to consistently fulfill this role, frequently moving in tandem with the broader equity markets rather than acting as a hedge.

• Bitcoin has outperformed stocks and the dollar during recent tariff-related market disruptions.
• Experts remain cautious about calling Bitcoin a true safe haven asset.
• Historically, Bitcoin has often tracked U.S. equities rather than acting as a store of value like gold.

Summary: While Bitcoin has shown resilience and outperformance during recent market stress, its long-term status as a safe haven remains unproven, according to MarketWatch.

Bitcoin Trades at a 40% Discount as ETF Buying Surges

According to Cointelegraph, Bitcoin is currently trading at a 40% discount to its intrinsic value, as calculated by Capriole Investments founder Charles Edwards. This assessment is based on Bitcoin’s energy value, which, after the April 2024 halving that reduced block rewards to 3.125 BTC, stands at $130,000.

Institutional interest in Bitcoin has surged, with over 36,000 BTC withdrawn from Coinbase and Binance on April 25. Specifically, 8,756 BTC (worth $830 million) were withdrawn from Coinbase on April 24, and Binance saw outflows of 27,750 BTC on April 25. Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas reported that institutions went on a $3 billion "Bitcoin bender" in recent days, marking the first full week of inflows for spot Bitcoin ETFs in five weeks.

• Bitcoin’s weekly performance marks its highest return in 2025 and the most significant uptick since November 2024.
• Fractal patterns suggest a potential for Bitcoin to rise above $100,000, though resistance at $96,100 could impede a breakout.

Summary: Bitcoin is considered undervalued by 40%, with institutional buying and ETF inflows reaching $3 billion in one week, signaling strong demand and potential for further price increases, as reported by Cointelegraph.

The Federal Reserve Eases Crypto Restrictions, Paving the Way for Wall Street

Forbes reports that the Federal Reserve has quietly withdrawn guidance that previously required state member banks to obtain advance approval for crypto-asset activities. This move aligns the Fed with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), both of which have also rescinded similar statements.

The change is seen as a significant shift, reflecting the Trump administration’s more pro-crypto stance, including reduced regulatory enforcement and support for a national Bitcoin reserve. The appointment of SEC chair Paul Atkins, known for his support of digital assets, further underscores this policy direction. Strategy founder Michael Saylor commented, "Banks are now free to begin supporting bitcoin," in response to the Fed’s announcement.

"With these restrictions now lifted state member banks can pursue crypto ventures without prior approval though such activities will still be monitored through standard supervision," analysts with Tagus Capital wrote in an emailed note.

• The Fed’s move is viewed as a victory over previous Biden-era rules that had discouraged banks from engaging with crypto.
• Bitcoin ETFs recorded their best day since January, breaking a downward trend as trades go “risk on.”
• Despite the regulatory shift, the Fed has not officially changed its policies regarding granting crypto-focused banks master accounts.

Summary: The Federal Reserve’s withdrawal of restrictive guidance marks a major regulatory shift, potentially accelerating Wall Street’s involvement in Bitcoin and crypto, according to Forbes.

Bitcoin's Upward Momentum and Market Reactions

As reported by Investopedia, Bitcoin was trading near $95,000 on Friday morning after a strong week for both the cryptocurrency and stocks. This price reflects a significant rebound from April lows of around $76,000, though it remains below the 2025 highs above $100,000.

ARK Invest reiterated its 2030 price targets for Bitcoin, projecting a range from $300,000 to $1.5 million. Crypto-related stocks also saw gains, with Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy) up more than 4%, Coinbase Global and Marathon Holdings each rising over 2%, and Cantor Equity Partners surging 30% after announcing plans to become a major Bitcoin holder.

• Federal guidance has eased the regulatory burden for banks with crypto offerings.
• Bitcoin’s price action has energized bullish sentiment and attracted institutional interest.

Summary: Bitcoin’s price recovery and positive sentiment have been bolstered by regulatory easing and strong performances from crypto-related stocks, as detailed by Investopedia.

Einschätzung der Redaktion

Bitcoin’s recent market behavior underscores its evolving role in the global financial system. The asset’s ability to outperform traditional markets during periods of volatility, combined with significant institutional inflows and regulatory shifts, signals a maturing landscape that is increasingly receptive to digital assets. The removal of regulatory barriers for banks and the surge in ETF demand highlight a growing acceptance among both institutional investors and policymakers.

However, the persistent debate over Bitcoin’s status as a true safe haven asset remains unresolved. While its fixed supply and decentralized nature offer theoretical advantages, historical price correlations with equities and ongoing volatility suggest that its safe-haven narrative is not yet fully established. The current discount to intrinsic value and bullish long-term projections indicate strong upside potential, but also reflect the speculative nature of the market.

In summary, Bitcoin’s trajectory is being shaped by a confluence of regulatory, institutional, and market forces. The asset is positioned for further integration into mainstream finance, yet its ultimate role—whether as a store of value, speculative vehicle, or both—will depend on continued adoption, regulatory clarity, and its performance during future market stress.

• Institutional and regulatory momentum is accelerating Bitcoin’s mainstream adoption.
• Safe-haven status remains aspirational rather than proven.
• Market dynamics suggest significant potential, but also ongoing uncertainty.

Sources:

• ‘Too early’ to call bitcoin a haven as it beats stocks, dollar amid tariff chaos
• Strategy's Treasury Hauls $5.1B in Bitcoin Gains, Michael Saylor Reveals
• Bitcoin trades at ‘40% discount’ as spot BTC ETF buying soars to $3B in one week
• 2015 Whale Strikes Again: 500 More Bitcoin Moved After Yesterday’s 1,200 BTC Shift
• The Fed Just Quietly Primed Bitcoin And Crypto For A Huge Wall Street Price Game-Changer
• Bitcoin's Upward Move Continues as Trading Week Winds Down