Bitcoin Hits 114.72 Million Won on Record ETF Inflows and Inflation‑Hedge Narrative

Context Bitcoin has been on an upward trajectory since early April, breaking the 100 million‑won barrier and staying above it for nearly two months. The rally coincided with a de‑escalation of the Iran‑U.S. conflict, which had previously pushed the price down to 95.9 million won on March 1. In dollar terms, the cryptocurrency climbed from $66,552 on April 1 to $76,292 on May 1, a 14 % gain.

Key Facts - Upbit, a South Korean exchange, reported Bitcoin at 114.72 million won on May 1. The price marks a fresh high for the month and aligns with levels seen before the February sell‑off. - Twelve U.S. spot Bitcoin exchange‑traded funds (ETFs) recorded $2.111 billion of net inflows over nine trading days, averaging $234.57 million per day. BlackRock contributed $1.609 billion, the largest single share. - Strategy, the world’s biggest corporate Bitcoin holder, bought 34,164 BTC for $2.54 billion in the week to April 20 and added another 3,273 BTC for $255 million by April 27. - The Fear & Greed Index, which gauges market sentiment, rose to 26 on May 1 (still in “fear” territory but three times higher than the 8 reading on April 1). - Hedge‑fund legend Paul Tudor Jones recently called Bitcoin the best inflation hedge, arguing its capped supply beats gold’s expanding stock.

What It Means ETF inflows provide a steady source of new capital, reinforcing a floor under Bitcoin’s price and reducing the impact of short‑term sell pressure. Institutional buying, exemplified by BlackRock and Strategy, signals confidence in the asset’s long‑term store‑of‑value role. The inflation‑hedge narrative, amplified by Tudor Jones, adds a macro‑economic rationale that could attract investors seeking protection against rising consumer prices.

Looking ahead, market participants will watch the U.S. Senate’s CLARITY Act vote and any escalation in Middle‑East tensions, both of which could sway sentiment and liquidity flows into Bitcoin.