The second week of August 2025 showcased the maturing of crypto's infrastructure and adoption. With Bitcoin establishing a fresh all-time high, policy alignment expanding, and DeFi trading volumes realigning at the institutional level, the sector continued its slide into mainstream finance.

‍

1. Bitcoin Reaches New All-Time High Above $124K

Bitcoin surged to a new record of approximately $124,000, fueled by optimistic expectations around U.S. Federal Reserve rate cuts, sustained institutional investment, and a favorable regulatory environment.

‍

Impact: This breakthrough underscores strong market dynamics: inflows from ETFs and corporate treasuries are adding buying pressure, while macro policy tailwinds are enhancing BTC’s valuation narrative. The move further cements Bitcoin’s role as a crisis resistant, high conviction asset.

‍

2. Ethereum DEX Volumes Surpass Solana on Spot ETF Surge

Ethereum-based decentralized exchanges saw trading volumes climb above Solana’s for the first time since April driven by renewed ETF inflows and shifting institutional attention.

‍

Impact: This shift signals a potential “DeFi renaissance” on Ethereum. As ETF capital flows realign, institutional interest in Ethereum based infrastructure and liquidity systems is growing, strengthening the network’s ecosystem resilience.

‍

3. Standard Chartered Raises Ether Year-End Forecast to $7,500

Standard Chartered updated its year-end outlook for Ethereum, now projecting a price of $7,500, up from the previous target of $4,000 citing enhanced market engagement and on-chain demand.

‍

Impact: This bullish revision indicates that leading financial institutions view Ethereum as a major digital asset poised for significant upside. The outlook supports emerging narratives around tokenized assets, staking yield, and long term digital infrastructure value.

‍

4. Crypto ETFs Post Strong Midweek Inflows Despite Early Week Pullbacks

Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs experienced deep outflows early in the week $323.5M and $465.1M, respectively but reversed course midweek with renewed inflows, narrowing their week's deficit.

‍

Impact: The volatility in ETF flows reflects active rebalancing amid macro uncertainty. Still, the rebound suggests underlying demand remains robust especially for Bitcoin ETFs which continue to attract institutional capital on dips.

‍

5. Tether Reports Strong Q2 Earnings and Stablecoin Issuance Growth

Tether announced a Q2 net profit of $4.9B and year-to-date USDT issuance of $20B, bringing its supply above $157B demonstrating its dominant role in stablecoin markets.

‍

Impact: Stablecoin provision remains the liquidity backbone of crypto markets. Tether’s performance underscores crypto’s structural maturity and growing depth, particularly in decentralized finance and cross border transaction demand.

‍

ETF Watch: Evolving Flows and Structural Resilience

- Initial outflows from BTC and ETH ETFs were followed by a midweek rebound.

‍

- Grayscale Cardano Trust ETF registered in Delaware

‍

- Grayscale Hedera Trust ETF registered in Delaware

‍

- SEC acknowledges filing for Invesco Galaxy Spot Solana ETF

‍

- Issuers continue to refine ETF structures, including in-kind redemptions and staking mechanics, to attract long-term institutional assets.

‍

- Ethereum’s ETF momentum and institutional reengagement portend broader digital asset portfolio adoption.

‍

Impact: Despite sharp short term moves, the structural demand for spot crypto ETFs remains intact. Innovation in fund structure and flow behavior suggests a longer term adoption pathway beyond episodic volatility.

‍

Closing Outlook

Week 33 reflected a market in measured consolidation, with Bitcoin and Ethereum showing fundamental strength while legislative and institutional milestones moved forward. The combination of clearer U.S. regulations, international financial innovations, and an expanding ETF pipeline suggests that the second half of 2025 could see renewed momentum particularly if macroeconomic conditions align with investor risk appetite.

‍

‍

***

Want more actionable crypto news like this?
Subscribe our newsletter for weekly investor-grade insights across TradFi, DeFi, and digital assets.

‍

‍

Disclaimer: This blog is intended solely for informational purposes and is directed at our followers in Switzerland. It does not represent an opinion, legal, or investment advice, nor does it create any obligation or responsibility for FiCAS.