Key Takeaways

• Bitcoin has surged to $116,000, achieving record September gains and setting sights on $128,000 as institutional interest and holdings reach all-time highs.
• The Press Review for 21 September 2025 highlights key cryptocurrency market trends and factors influencing the digital asset landscape.
• Top story: Bitcoin records $116,000 on exceptional monthly performance, with attention on the $128,000 target.
• Over 72% of Bitcoin is now held in illiquid wallets, contributing to a notable supply squeeze.
• Institutional holdings have reached a peak of 1.2 million BTC, signaling ongoing professional adoption.
• The total crypto market capitalization stands at $4.03 trillion, showing resilience despite recent volatility.
• The interaction between institutional accumulation and reduced Bitcoin liquidity is shaping current market dynamics.

Introduction

On 21 September 2025, Bitcoin reached $116,000, achieving a new peak for the month and drawing attention toward the $128,000 milestone as institutional holdings continue to grow. This Press Review examines the impact of decreased liquidity and increasing professional adoption on the digital asset market, providing insight for both newcomers and experienced participants.

Top Story

Bitcoin Sets New September Record

Bitcoin rose to $116,000, its highest price point for September, marking a 15% increase since the beginning of the month. Institutional buyers accumulated more than 24,000 BTC through spot markets in the last week.

This surge aligns with a decrease in selling pressure as long-term holders preserve their positions. According to CryptoQuant, 78% of Bitcoin’s supply has remained unmoved over the past six months.

Goldman Sachs analysts stated that the current price action indicates “a fundamental shift in market structure” rather than speculative trading. Market depth has improved by 40% compared to levels seen in August.

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Market Dynamics

The percentage of Bitcoin held in illiquid wallets has increased to 65% of the total supply, based on Glassnode data. This represents a 5% rise since July 2025.

Large-scale investors currently control approximately 8% of Bitcoin’s total supply, up from 6.5% in January 2025. Corporate treasury holdings have doubled during the last quarter.

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Supply and Liquidity

Cryptocurrency market capitalization has exceeded $4.2 trillion, with Bitcoin maintaining a dominance of 52%. The top five cryptocurrencies now account for 82% of the total market value.

Bitcoin reserves held on major exchanges have dropped to a four-year low of 2.1 million BTC. Coinbase Pro reported a 30% reduction in available Bitcoin supply since June.

Market Wrap

Trading Volume and Volatility

Daily trading volumes across major exchanges averaged $42 billion, a 25% week-over-week increase. The Bitcoin Volatility Index indicates a 20% decline in 30-day realized volatility.

What to Watch

• Federal Reserve policy meeting on 23 September 2025
• BlackRock Bitcoin ETF final review deadline on 25 September 2025
• Coinbase Q3 earnings release on 30 September 2025
• Bitcoin Mining Council quarterly report on 1 October 2025

Conclusion

Bitcoin’s rise to $116,000 marks a significant development in cryptocurrency market trends, fueled by record institutional holdings and a growing share of coin supply in illiquid wallets. These factors have tightened available liquidity and enhanced market resilience, indicating a shift toward deeper adoption and structural change. What to watch: Federal Reserve policy guidance expected on 23 September 2025 and the BlackRock Bitcoin ETF review set for 25 September 2025.