Bitcoin crosses $121,000-mark for the first time: What's driving the rally?

Bitcoin hits all time high

Bitcoin jumped nearly 3 percent to cross the $121,000-mark for the first time ever on July 14. The world's largest cryptocurrency has more than doubled investors' wealth in one year, gaining over 103 percent during the period.

Bitcoin was trading at $121,068 apiece, as seen at around 10 am IST. This implies that one bitcoin would be worth more than Rs 1.04 lakh in terms of the Indian currency.

Other cryptocurrencies also saw significant surge, with Ethereum jumping over 3 percent to trade at $3,046 apiece (around Rs 2.62 lakh apiece). Solana meanwhile surged nearly 3.5 percent to hover around $167 apiece (Rs 14,352 apiece).

Cryptocurrencies have seen a significant rally in recent days, buoyed by optimism over 'Crypto week'. The US House of Representatives will meet this week to consider a bill, dubbed as the 'Clarity Act', to provide a crypto regulatory framework to the industry.

The lower house of US Congress will also consider a bill to create a regulatory framework for U.S.-dollar-pegged cryptocurrency tokens known as stablecoins. The bill, which is being called the 'Genius Act', had received bipartisan support in the Senate.

Trump, who has proclaimed himself as a "crypto president", had urged policymakers to revamp rules in favor of the industry. "I will make sure the US is the Crypto Capital of the World. We are MAKING AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!" he had earlier posted on his Truth Social platform.

The sharp rise in the cryptocurrencies also comes amid volatility in the global stock markets, driven by Trump’s tariff jitters.

Also read: RBI closely monitoring global crypto developments as India readies policy paper, says report

Bitcoin has gained nearly 30 percent in 2025 so far, buoyed by optimism over Trump’s pro-crypto outlook. The cryptocurrency has gained a whopping 1,414 percent in the past five years.

Here's what analysts say:

"The crypto fear and greed index currently stands at 70, indicating that the market is overheated and due for a correction. However, single day inflow into crypto funds on July 11 (latest recorded data) stood at a staggering $1.23 billion, out of which, Bitcoin ETFs contributed nearly $1.03 billion. This massive inflow of institutional money coupled with euphoria around the US 'Crypto Week', which kicks off today, is driving the current crypto rally," said Shivam Thakral, CEO of BuyUcoin.

The bills which are set to be debated on by the US Congress shows how far crypto has come along, since its early days when it was considered a fringe investment, said Devika Mittal, Regional Head at Ava Labs. "The timing couldn't be better, as countries like Vietnam are starting to embrace crypto themselves, following America's lead in the global digital economy. Wall Street's big players have been waiting on the sidelines for clearer rules, and these bills could finally give them the confidence to dive in. But it's not just about attracting big money - there's real attention being paid to protecting everyday investors from scams and sketchy practices. What's really striking is how the conversation in the US has evolved. Instead of treating crypto with suspicion, lawmakers are now actively working to help the industry thrive while keeping it transparent. It's a remarkable turnaround that could reshape our understanding of digital assets and blockchain," Mittal added.

Speaking about the technical side of Bitcoin’s meteoric rise, Bitget Research Chief Analyst Ryan Lee said, “Analysts expect a trading range of $105,000 to $150,000, with key levels at $108,500 support and $130,000 resistance serving as critical markers for momentum confirmation… However, downside risks remain: a Bitcoin correction or shifting regulatory landscape could push ETH back to $2,700. Long-term fundamentals remain solid, bolstered by 34.6 million ETH staked and rising institutional interest, though volatility and competitive pressure from chains like Solana warrant a cautious approach. Traders should prepare for 10–30% swings and monitor macroeconomic developments closely,” Lee added.

Also read: Crypto under scanner; FIU scrutinising use of private wallets for illicit fund transfers from Pakistan

(With inputs from Reuters)

Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed by experts on Moneycontrol are their own and not those of the website or its management. Moneycontrol advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.