Bitcoin hits record price of $124k while Ethereum sits $50 away from setting new all-time high

Bitcoin reached a new all-time high above $124,000 early this morning, surpassing its previous peak set in July, while Ethereum approached $4,800, a level not seen since late 2021.

Both assets surpassing or reaching key historical thresholds creates market momentum, which is supported by macroeconomic expectations, regulatory changes, and derivatives positioning.

The latest surge coincided with increased probability of a Federal Reserve rate cut in September, now priced at more than 80% in futures markets. Lower interest rates are generally seen as supportive for risk assets, and the combination of softening monetary policy with sustained institutional demand has been a consistent driver for crypto markets in 2025.

The current administration’s policy backdrop, which includes measures to allow 401(k) retirement plans to hold crypto and the passage of the stablecoin GENIUS Act, is also contributing to a favorable environment for digital assets.

Options data show traders targeting $126,000 in the near term for Bitcoin, with some positioning for $128,000 to $132,000 if momentum holds. This follows a year-to-date gain of roughly 33% for Bitcoin, which has also nearly doubled over the past 12 months. The recent price action saw Bitcoin break through multiple resistance levels, including $120,923 and $123,164, before hitting its new high.

Ethereum has advanced roughly 41% since January, climbing to about $4,780 on Thursday. The move brings it within reach of its all-time high of $4,800. Standard Chartered has set a $7,500 target for ETH within the next six months.

Macro conditions have been a major factor for both assets. Reuters reported that the dollar weakened as investors positioned for U.S. rate cuts, supporting risk assets broadly. For crypto markets, these developments add to a year marked by heavy exchange-traded fund inflows, expanded participation from traditional finance, and increased regulatory clarity in the U.S. Policy support and macro tailwinds have been reflected in heightened spot volumes and open interest across futures and options markets.

While the market outlook remains tied to the pace and scale of central bank easing, technical levels are closely watched. For Bitcoin, $125,000 is seen as immediate resistance, with further upside potential toward $132,000 if current conditions persist.

For Ethereum, $4,800 remains the key level to clear before a potential move into uncharted price discovery. Both assets are trading in zones last visited during prior market peaks, with on-chain data showing robust network activity accompanying the price moves.

Over the last few hours, a minor retracement has placed Bitcoin 1.7% below its new highest valuation, around $121,900. Ethereum remains at the threshold of matching its own record, just $50 away, marking a notable moment in the ongoing 2025 rally.

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