Bitcoin Retreats After New Record: ETF Inflows Remain the Key Driver
Bitcoin pulled back slightly on Monday after setting a new all-time high over the weekend. Following a breakout above $125,000, the cryptocurrency is trading with a modest decline amid continued inflows into U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs and growing concerns over the ongoing U.S. government shutdown.
As of 06:50 Moscow time, Bitcoin was down 1.6%, trading at $123,716.7 after hitting a record high of $125,617.4 on Sunday.
Over the past week, the leading cryptocurrency gained more than 11%, and since the start of 2025, it has risen about 30%, reflecting steady institutional interest in digital assets.
ETF Inflows and the “Debasement Trade”
According to data from SoSoValue, net inflows into U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs totaled $3.24 billion over the past week — the largest weekly increase in 2025 so far.
The surge highlights renewed institutional participation, with investors opting for regulated financial instruments instead of direct crypto purchases.
This activity also coincides with mounting anxiety over the ongoing U.S. government shutdown, now entering its second week.
The political standoff in Washington has delayed the release of several key economic indicators and heightened uncertainty around fiscal policy. This has led traders to expect the Federal Reserve to adopt a more cautious stance on interest rates once government operations resume.
Analysts describe this trend as a “debasement trade” — when investors rotate into perceived safe-haven assets like Bitcoin and gold amid eroding confidence in fiat currencies and rising debt burdens.
OnePay Expands Into Crypto Trading
According to CNBC, fintech company OnePay, partially owned by Walmart (NYSE:WMT), plans to roll out cryptocurrency trading and custody features in its banking app by the end of the year.
Sources indicate that users will be able to access Bitcoin and Ether through a partnership with crypto infrastructure provider Zerohash.
The company — majority-owned by Walmart and venture capital firm Ribbit Capital — is evolving into a comprehensive digital financial ecosystem. The new crypto service will complement its existing suite of accounts, cards, and “buy now, pay later” options, making OnePay a one-stop platform for digital finance.
Altcoins Consolidate After Gains
Following a sharp rally last week, most altcoins traded in narrow ranges on Monday.
Ethereum (ETH) slipped 1% to $4,528.65 after gaining more than 10% the previous week.
XRP dropped 2% to $2.97, retracing part of its 5% weekly rise.
Solana (SOL) declined 1%, Cardano (ADA) fell 3.5%, and Polygon (MATIC) eased 1.3%.
Among meme tokens, the correction continued as Dogecoin (DOGE) fell 2.5%, and $TRUMP slipped 1.2%.
After setting a new record high, Bitcoin is undergoing a natural correction, but investor interest in ETFs remains the main driver supporting the market. Amid geopolitical uncertainty and expectations of a more dovish Federal Reserve, cryptocurrencies continue to serve as a hedge against fiat currency risks.
