December 18, 2025 — Bitcoin (BTC) traded in a narrow but volatile range near $86,000–$88,000 (US Dollars) Thursday, as renewed institutional interest in Bitcoin Exchange‑Traded Funds (ETFs) helped counterbalance broader market weakness and macroeconomic pressures.
Institutional Inflows Provide Support
Spot Bitcoin ETFs in the United States recorded significant inflows this week, with some funds logging their strongest net intake in over a month, driven by substantial contributions into products such as Fidelity’s FBTC and BlackRock’s flagship ETF. Analysts say this suggests a fresh wave of institutional demand seeking regulated Bitcoin exposure, even as prices struggle to break above key technical resistance levels. CoinDesk
These flows come amid continued investor focus on ETFs as a bridge for traditional finance into the crypto sector, with some market participants viewing the robust inflows as a potential stabilizing force for BTC’s price action. CoinDesk
Price Action Amid Broader Volatility
Despite ETF strength, Bitcoin’s price action remained choppy throughout the trading session. BTC briefly climbed toward $88,000, but sellers capped gains, leaving the market in a consolidation phase. Traders cited macroeconomic data releases, including inflation figures and Federal Reserve guidance, as key drivers of volatility. TechStock²+1
Cryptocurrency markets overall continued to show signs of risk aversion, with Bitcoin among the hardest‑hit major assets alongside Ethereum (ETH) and XRP, which also saw downward pressure on prices. TradingView
Market Sentiment and Technical Levels
Market analysts highlight the importance of Bitcoin’s $85,000 support level, noting that a sustained break below this zone could increase bearish pressure. Conversely, a decisive move above $90,000 could signal a potential upside breakout, albeit market sentiment remains cautious as year-end trading thins. 99Bitcoins
Crypto market commentators point to ETF flows, macro data, and regulatory developments as the most important catalysts shaping BTC’s short‑term outlook. Investors are also watching liquidity trends and trading volumes, which have shown mixed signals in recent sessions.
In summary:
Bitcoin is trading sideways near $87,000 amid mixed market forces. Institutional inflows into Bitcoin ETFs offer a supportive backdrop, but broader market volatility and macroeconomic data continue to influence price action. Traders will closely watch key support and resistance levels for clues on the next phase of BTC’s trend.
