Bitcoin Crosses $81K as ETF Inflows Hit $2.44B in April, Strongest Since October

Bitcoin’s price moved above $80,000 again this week, reaching $81,120.86 on May 5. This is its highest level since January 31. The move comes after a steady recovery from April lows and is largely backed by consistent ETF inflows rather than a sudden spike in retail activity. Even so, the market isn’t showing full conviction yet, with price now hovering around the $80,000 level.

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Whales Accumulate 270K BTC in April, Exchange Reserves Hit 7-Year Low Since 2017

Recent Bitcoin news points to strong institutional participation. Spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded $2.44 billion in inflows in April. This is the highest monthly total since October 2025. Recent data shows that this trend continued into May, including a nearly $630 million single-day inflow on May 2. Analysts at Marex Crypto said,

“Strong ETF inflows into the end of last week tell you real money is buying the breakout attempt rather than fading it.”

Bitcoin ETF news also shows a notable shift. Total assets held across US spot ETFs have now crossed $100 billion. It reveals deeper institutional participation and demand. BlackRock’s IBIT remains a major contributor, continuing to see steady inflows.

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Supply Tightens as Whales Accumulate

On-chain data adds another layer to the current setup. Large holders accumulated about 270,000 BTC in April. This was while exchange reserves have dropped to their lowest level since December 2017. This reduces the amount of Bitcoin available for immediate selling. In addition, it has historically supported price stability during consolidation phases.

Another signal comes from the RHODL ratio. This is currently around 4.5, which is one of the highest readings recorded. The metric suggests long-term holders now control a larger share of supply. But short-term speculative activity has eased. Similar levels have previously appeared around key market turning points, when selling pressure tends to be limited.

From a BTC price prediction perspective, resistance remains near the 200-day moving average at $82,228. This is a level that has rejected price advances for several months. Short-term price action also shows a gradual push higher. BTC has moved above the $81,000 level and is approaching a key resistance zone near $83,600.

Marex analysts further said,

“80k is the psychological barrier. A clean break and hold above it turns this into a momentum trade with room to extend. A rejection and fade keeps us in the same range logic and invites profit taking back toward the mid 70s.”

According to reports, prediction markets currently place a 55% probablity on Bitcoin reaching $85,000 in May.

Amidst this, recent analysis notes that part of the recent move has been driven by leveraged positions in derivatives instead of strong spot demand.

Currently, Bitcoin’s price is holding near the $80K level, supported by steady ETF inflows and reduced exchange supply. But with resistance still in place and signs of uneven demand, the next move will likely depend on whether spot buying continues to match the pace of institutional flows.

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