Bitcoin stabilizes near $95,500 as retail traders remain sidelined

Bitcoin (BTC) price stabilized near $95,500 on Thursday after an 8%, three-day rally that wiped out $465 million in short futures positions, even as retail traders largely stayed on the sidelines.

Derivatives metrics showed the Bitcoin perpetual futures funding rate at about 4%, below the 8%–12% level the outlet described as typical under neutral conditions, signaling limited demand for bullish positions. The token’s pullback from $97,900 and muted web interest — Google Trends puts global search interest for “crypto” at 27, close to a 12‑month low of 22 — were cited as signs of fragile retail sentiment. At the same time, the current $95,500 level remains roughly 25% below the reported all‑time high of $126,219.

Institutional buying of spot Bitcoin ETFs and corporate accumulations—public companies have reportedly bought more than $105 billion in Bitcoin and the spot ETF industry has surpassed $120 billion—were noted as potential support for a renewed push toward $100,000. However, the report also highlighted ongoing uncertainties, including political and geopolitical risks and questions about Fed policy, leaving it unclear whether retail interest will return or whether institutional demand will sustain a lasting rally.

Key Topics

Crypto, Bitcoin, Spot Bitcoin Etf, Bitcoin Futures, Funding Rate, Michael Saylor