Bitcoin climbed 12% to $68,500 as U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded $1.2 billion in net inflows over three days, signaling robust institutional adoption. Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump accused major banks of obstructing regulatory clarity, amplifying market uncertainty.
- Bitcoin surged 12% to $68,500 on March 4, 2026, driven by $1.2 billion in net inflows across U.S. spot BTC ETFs over three days.
- BlackRock’s IBIT and Fidelity’s FBTC were top performers in ETF inflows, reflecting strong institutional demand.
- Former President Donald Trump publicly accused major banks of hindering regulatory clarity, increasing political market risk.
- S&P 500 declined 0.6% while the VIX rose 14% to 18.7, signaling rising investor anxiety amid political commentary.
- Regulatory delays on pending Bitcoin ETF applications remain a critical uncertainty for market participants.
- A stronger dollar index weakness supported BTC’s rally, underscoring shifting risk sentiment.
Bitcoin surged to $68,500 on March 4, 2026, marking its largest single-day gain in two months, driven by strong investor demand channeled through newly launched spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds. Data from regulatory filings showed that U.S.-based spot BTC ETFs attracted $1.2 billion in net inflows over a three-day period, with BlackRock's IBIT and Fidelity's FBTC leading the flow. The inflows reflect growing confidence among institutional investors in Bitcoin’s long-term viability as a digital store of value. The momentum comes amid heightened expectations for regulatory clarity from the SEC, which has delayed final decisions on several additional Bitcoin ETF applications. Former President Donald Trump, speaking at a campaign rally in Florida, blamed major Wall Street banks for stalling the process, accusing them of protecting legacy financial interests. His comments intensified scrutiny of the banking sector’s role in shaping crypto policy and contributed to increased volatility across financial markets. The broader equity market reacted with caution: the S&P 500 (SPX) dipped 0.6% as investors weighed political rhetoric against solid ETF performance, while the CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) rose 14% to 18.7, indicating elevated market anxiety. The rally in BTC-USD coincided with a 3.2% drop in the dollar index, suggesting a shift in investor risk appetite. Market analysts note that sustained ETF inflows could support Bitcoin’s price above $65,000, but political interference and regulatory uncertainty remain key risks. Institutions continue to monitor the SEC’s next moves, particularly on pending applications from VanEck, Ark Invest, and others, which could further expand the ETF landscape.