Bitcoin Strength Backed By US Institutions – Coinbase Premium Remains Positive Since April

Bitcoin is showing resilience as it continues to struggle just below its $112,000 all-time high. Despite multiple failed attempts to break through, bulls have maintained strong control of the market, keeping BTC well above the key $100,000 demand level. Since rebounding from the $75,000 low in April, Bitcoin has climbed over 15%, with buyers stepping in at every major dip and reinforcing bullish momentum throughout the consolidation phase.

Much of this strength appears to be driven by steady institutional demand. Top analyst Darkfost recently highlighted data showing that the Coinbase Premium Index—a widely used indicator to track U.S. institutional buying pressure—has remained positive without interruption since the end of April. This sustained premium suggests strong buying activity from US-based investors, likely fueled by growing ETF inflows and the rising institutional appetite for Bitcoin exposure.

With the price holding above all key support levels and macro tailwinds in play, sentiment remains optimistic. However, until Bitcoin can decisively break and close above $112K, the market remains at a critical inflection point. The coming days may determine whether BTC enters a new phase of price discovery or faces another round of consolidation below resistance.

Bitcoin Faces Defining Week As Price Tests Resistance

This week could prove pivotal for Bitcoin as it continues to trade just below its $112,000 all-time high. After weeks of grinding higher, bulls are attempting to break through this key resistance level. However, the market remains on edge, as no clear direction has been established. Volatility continues to shake short-term sentiment, and the possibility of a retracement back toward the $100,000 level—or even below—remains on the table if bulls fail to deliver a breakout.

Adding a layer of optimism, the US stock market recently reached a new all-time high, reinforcing risk-on sentiment across financial markets. Many analysts believe Bitcoin and altcoins could be next to follow, especially as liquidity conditions improve and investor appetite for high-beta asset returns.

A key driver supporting BTC’s strength is the Coinbase Premium Index, which has remained in a consistent positive trend since the end of April, according to insights from Darkfost. This indicator measures the price difference between Coinbase and other exchanges, and is widely viewed as a proxy for US institutional and whale demand. Historically, a sustained positive premium has coincided with bullish price trends.

The continued strength in this metric—alongside steady ETF inflows—suggests that US buyers are playing a major role in keeping Bitcoin above the six-figure mark. Some attribute this renewed institutional interest to US President Donald Trump’s pro-crypto positioning, as he pushes to establish the US as the global leader in digital assets, particularly Bitcoin.

As the week unfolds, all eyes remain on the $112K level. A confirmed breakout could trigger the next leg of the bull cycle, while failure to hold may lead to a broader retracement and renewed caution in the market.

BTC Holds Range Between $103.6K and $109.3K

The 3-day chart shows Bitcoin trading at $107,714, consolidating in a tight range between key support at $103,600 and major resistance at $109,300. This range has defined price action for several weeks, with bulls maintaining control above support but struggling to push decisively into new all-time highs. The pattern reflects growing tension in the market, as prices coil in anticipation of a breakout.

BTC remains firmly above all major moving averages: the 50 SMA ($95,164), 100 SMA ($89,475), and 200 SMA ($73,090). This alignment confirms a strong, long-term bullish structure, with each dip being met by strong demand. Volume, however, has started to flatten, suggesting indecision among traders and the need for a strong catalyst to trigger the next move.

A daily or 3-day candle close above $109,300 would likely ignite a breakout into price discovery territory. On the other hand, a breakdown below $103,600 could lead to a deeper correction toward the $95K level, where the 50 SMA may act as dynamic support.

Featured image from Dall-E, chart from TradingView