On-chain data reveals Bitcoin demand is surging as October 2025 begins, with monthly spot demand growing by 62,000 BTC since July and whale wallets expanding positions at an annual rate of 331,000 BTC. This accumulation has pushed Bitcoin past $118K, reinforcing the historical 'Uptober' pattern of strong Q4 rallies. 

As Bitcoin enters Q4 2025, analysts are revising their Bitcoin price predictions for 2025 upward, with projections ranging from $150K to $200K by year-end. ETF inflows are also accelerating, with U.S.-listed funds adding over 200,000 BTC in Q4 2024 and expected to show similar strength this quarter.

Key takeaways

• Bitcoin surged past $118k at the start of October, confirming Uptober’s bullish reputation.
  
• Spot demand is rising steadily, supported by ETF inflows and whale accumulation.
  
• The U.S. government shutdown delays economic data and could reshape Fed policy expectations.
  
• Rate cut odds for October stand at ~95%, fuelling demand for risk assets.
  
• Analysts project resistance at $122K and $138K, with upside potential to $150K–$200K by year-end.
  

Bitcoin Q4 outlook: Uptober surge backed by historical strength

Bitcoin has long shown a seasonal tendency to perform best in Q4, with October frequently marking the start of major bull phases. 

Traders call this “Uptober,” a month when Bitcoin historically delivers above-average returns. In 2025, that narrative is reinforced by a strong September close (+5.35%), which on-chain analysts point out often precedes a bullish October.

The rally is also occurring alongside a broader move into safe-haven assets. Gold has reached fresh all-time highs above $3,900, while the Nasdaq and other U.S. indices show resilience. Bitcoin’s correlation to gold - historically with a 40-day lag - appears to be tightening, strengthening its case as “digital gold” during uncertain times.

Macro backdrop: Shutdown and the Fed’s next move

The U.S. government entered a shutdown on 30 September after Congress failed to pass a funding bill, leaving large parts of the federal apparatus shuttered. Immediate impacts include suspended federal pay, delayed Social Security services, and disruption to economic statistics. 

The Bitcoin government shutdown impact has been notable: while equities came under pressure, Bitcoin surged past $118K as traders positioned it as a hedge against political dysfunction, similar to gold. Jobless claims, the September payrolls report, and October inflation data may all be postponed.

This blackout of government statistics forces the Federal Reserve to make policy decisions with less visibility. Economists warn that each week of shutdown could trim 0.1–0.2 percentage points off GDP, with a quarter-long closure shaving as much as 2.4 points from Q4 growth.

Amid this backdrop, markets are betting heavily on a dovish pivot. Polymarket data assigns an 88% chance of a 25 bps cut this month, while CME’s FedWatch tool puts the likelihood closer to 99%. 

A cut would lower borrowing costs and typically increase appetite for risk assets, placing Bitcoin in a favourable position as liquidity conditions improve.

Bitcoin ETF inflows: Bitcoin whale accumulation signals strength

On-chain analytics confirm that Uptober’s rally is not solely sentiment-driven. Since July, monthly spot demand for Bitcoin has grown by more than 62,000 BTC, a pace that matches or exceeds levels seen before past Q4 rallies in 2020, 2021, and 2024.

Whale wallets - large holders often seen as market movers - are expanding their positions at an annual rate of 331,000 BTC. This compares with 255,000 BTC in Q4 2024 and just 238,000 at the start of Q4 2020. The presence of strong whale accumulation contrasts with 2021, when whales were net sellers.

Institutional flows via ETFs - investment products that allow traditional investors to gain exposure to Bitcoin without directly holding it - are equally significant. U.S.-listed funds purchased 213,000 BTC in Q4 2024, a 71% quarter-on-quarter increase, and early indications suggest similar inflows this quarter. Analysts argue this institutional bid underpins Uptober’s rally, making it structurally different from past cycles dominated by retail traders.

Bitcoin technical resistance levels: Buyers test control

At the time of writing, strong buy pressure is evident on the daily chart, hinting at further upside potential. On Deriv, you can explore these levels directly using advanced charting tools on Deriv MT5. However, volume bars show some sell-side resurgence, suggesting that sellers are not entirely out of the picture.

If buying momentum holds, Bitcoin could face resistance at the $123,000 level. Conversely, a sharper sell-off could drag prices toward the $112,700 support, with deeper support at $108,530. These levels frame the short-term battleground as Uptober progresses.

Regulatory and policy developments

Beyond on-chain data, the policy backdrop is shifting in crypto’s favour. President Trump’s administration has resolved the Corporate Alternative Minimum Tax (CAMT) issue, removing uncertainty around unrealised gains on Bitcoin and easing tax concerns for investors. Officials say this will strengthen the U.S. as a hub for Bitcoin innovation.

In the UK, Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey has called for stablecoins to be regulated like money, suggesting they should have depositor protection and access to central bank reserves. This marks a significant change from Bailey’s earlier scepticism and highlights a gradual move towards regulatory integration of digital assets.

Bitcoin price prediction 2025

Analysts are increasingly optimistic about Uptober’s trajectory:

• CryptoQuant projects a range of $160K–$200K by year-end if demand persists.
  
• Standard Chartered forecasts Bitcoin could reach $500K by 2028, citing declining volatility and broadening investor access.
  
• Fundstrat’s Tom Lee and Bitwise also see $200K as achievable in 2025.

Still, near-term risks remain. A prolonged U.S. government shutdown could weigh on sentiment, and equities are showing weakness in premarket trading (S&P 500 futures –0.58%, Dow –0.52%, Nasdaq –0.67%).

Investment implications

For traders, Uptober’s breakout highlights a bullish setup supported by both macro and on-chain fundamentals. Short-term strategies should track the $122K–$123K resistance zone and supports at $112,700 and $108,530 for tactical entries.

For medium-term investors, ETF inflows, whale accumulation, and a friendlier policy environment point to stronger structural demand heading into year-end. The Bitcoin Q4 outlook remains strong as Uptober 2025 demonstrates robust fundamentals. 

On-chain demand, whale accumulation, and accelerating ETF inflows all point to sustained momentum. While resistance levels at $122K and $138K may trigger consolidation, analysts increasingly expect Bitcoin to test the $150K–$200K range before year-end.

How to trade Bitcoin’s uptober 2025 rally on Deriv

Bitcoin’s Uptober momentum is creating higher volatility, which can mean more trading opportunities. The recent Bitcoin government shutdown impact shows how quickly political events can shift sentiment and create trading setups. If you’re looking to engage with this market on Deriv’s platform, here are structured steps to get started:

1. Choose your instrument

• Trade Bitcoin directly via Deriv MT5 for CFD-based exposure.
  
• Explore options contracts (where available) to speculate on short-term price moves in either direction.
  
  

2. Identify entry and exit levels

• Watch the $123K resistance zones highlighted in this analysis.
  
• Monitor support levels at $112,700 and $108,530 as potential price floors.
  
• Use Deriv’s charting tools to set alerts for breakouts or retracements, and track pip value to measure the impact of price changes on your positions.

3. Apply risk management

• Use stop-loss orders to limit downside if price moves against you.
  
• Set take-profit levels in fast-moving markets.
  
• Trade with position sizes that align with your personal risk tolerance and monitor your margin requirements carefully to avoid forced liquidations. To calculate these precisely, try Deriv’s trading calculator.
  

4. Utilise Deriv platform features

• Access real-time market data and customisable charts to track Uptober price action, and review the spread - the difference between buy and sell prices - to understand trading costs on Deriv.
  
• Try demo trading on Deriv MT5 to practise strategies before committing real funds.
  
• Use mobile and web platforms to monitor trades around the clock.
  

Reminder: Trading cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin involves risk due to high volatility.