Bitcoin prices moved higher as crypto-linked exchange-traded funds (ETFs) recorded fresh inflows, while global markets digested news of a major U.S. operation in Venezuela and awaited key U.S. economic data.
After a week marked by uncertainty and year-end positioning, investors appeared to return to digital assets. U.S. spot bitcoin ETFs saw a combined $355 million in net inflows, snapping a seven-day streak of withdrawals. BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) led the rebound, supported by inflows into products from Ark, 21Shares and Fidelity.
The renewed interest wasn’t limited to bitcoin. Spot ETFs tied to ether, XRP, Solana and Dogecoin also posted net inflows, suggesting broader institutional participation across crypto markets despite mixed price performance so far in 2025.
Venezuela developments and market reaction
Over the weekend, reports emerged that the United States conducted a military operation in Venezuela, capturing President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. Explosions were reported in and around Caracas. Former U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. would assume control of Venezuela’s oil industry, a statement that contributed to a decline in global energy prices.
Despite the geopolitical shock, cryptocurrency markets remained relatively calm. While U.S. and European equity markets were expected to react when trading opened, crypto assets edged slightly higher during Monday morning trading in Asia, signaling resilience among digital assets in the face of global uncertainty.
Economic data in focus
Beyond geopolitics, traders are closely watching a packed U.S. economic calendar during the first full trading week of 2024. On Tuesday, markets will receive December ISM Manufacturing PMI data, a key indicator of the health of the U.S. manufacturing sector.
Wednesday brings the ADP Nonfarm Employment report for December along with November JOLTS Job Openings data. The week concludes with the December Jobs Report and Consumer Sentiment figures on Friday.
These labor market indicators are particularly important following the Federal Reserve’s decision to cut interest rates three times last year amid signs of weakening employment conditions. Any further softening could shape expectations for future monetary policy.
“Softening in the labor market has really given the Fed good cover to change their outlook about reducing rates,” Eric Kuby, chief investment officer at North Star Investment Management, told Reuters.
Crypto market overview
The broader crypto market reflected this cautiously optimistic mood. Total cryptocurrency market capitalization rose to its highest level since early December, according to market data. Bitcoin led gains during early Asian hours before pulling back slightly later in the session.
Ethereum also posted multi-week gains, briefly breaking above recent highs before easing. Other major tokens including XRP, Dogecoin, Chainlink, Stellar and Hyperliquid recorded gains during the session.
Looking ahead, analysts expect continued ETF expansion in 2026, as issuers file new products and regulators consider clearer rules around digital asset exposure. For now, a mix of ETF inflows, labor data and geopolitical developments is shaping short-term sentiment — and helping explain why bitcoin prices are ticking higher.
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