Institutional Bitcoin buying may soon price out retail — LONGITUDE panel
Retail investors face diminishing opportunities to acquire Bitcoin as institutional adoption increases. Bitcoin is becoming an alternative reserve currency, leading to heightened institutional demand that may exclude retail investors. The potential for the U.S. to buy Bitcoin for a strategic reserve could intensify competition among countries for Bitcoin ownership. Following the announcement of tariffs by former President Trump, Bitcoin demand surged, with it being viewed as a hedge against inflation. During a recent week, Bitcoin ETFs attracted over $3 billion in inflows, indicating strong institutional interest amid economic uncertainty. Analysts predict Bitcoin's price could reach $200,000 this year and exceed $1 million by 2029 due to institutional adoption. As of May 1, institutional funds hold over $128 billion in Bitcoin, while sovereign states collectively possess more than $130 billion, primarily from seized assets rather than direct purchases.
