Bitcoin Hits New Highs — But Why Is Retail Interest Lagging Behind Previous Bull Markets?

Bitcoin

TradingKey

AuthorBlock Tao

Jul 14, 2025 3:42 AM

TradingKey – On Monday, July 14, Bitcoin (BTC) continued its multi-year rally, climbing toward the $120,000 mark and setting yet another all-time high. At press time, BTC is trading at $119,113.

Bitcoin Price- Chart – Source-TradingView

Bitcoin Price Chart – Source: TradingView

Since bottoming out at $16,000 in 2023, Bitcoin has surged nearly 650%, yet retail enthusiasm appears muted. According to Google Trends, search interest for “Bitcoin” currently scores 13, far below the peaks of 100 in 2017 and 18 in 2021.

Google -Search- Interest -for Bitcoin – Source:-Google Trends

Google Search Interest for Bitcoin – Source: Google Trends

Why the Lukewarm Retail Buzz?

Analysts suggest that Bitcoin’s sky-high price tag may be intimidating for everyday investors. Despite bullish sentiment, many retail participants — especially small-scale traders — feel priced out, dampening overall engagement.

Meanwhile, institutional players are quietly accumulating:

As of July 13, wallets holding 100–1,000 BTC control 4.76 million coins, up from 3.9 million a year ago.
This signals growing influence from funds, family offices, and high-net-worth individuals.

According to Blockware Intelligence, over 36 publicly listed companies are expected to add Bitcoin to their balance sheets by year-end 2025, a 25% increase from the current count of 141. Strategy, led by Michael Saylor, tops the list with 590,000+ BTC, and Saylor has hinted at further accumulation.

Institutional Inflows Drive the Rally

Matt Hougan, CIO of Bitwise, attributes Bitcoin’s strength to persistent institutional inflows, noting that:

Bitcoin’s daily supply is just 450 coins,
Yet institutional demand continues to rise, creating a supply squeeze.

Hougan also emphasized that legislative progress, corporate adoption, and macro uncertainty will fuel Bitcoin’s growth for years to come. His forecast: $200,000 by the end of 2025.

Conclusion: A New Kind of Bull Market

Unlike previous retail-driven cycles, this bull run is institutionally led. While public excitement may be lower, the price action remains strong. Bitcoin’s rally is being powered by deep-pocketed investors, not viral hype — and that may make it more sustainable.

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