2 Cryptos Everyone’s Watching: Sky-High Prices, Bigger Risks
Bitcoin’s at $118K. Solana’s betting on ETFs. Both could crash—or double. Why smart money is still going all in on the most dangerous bets.
Bitcoin and Solana are dominating crypto headlines this year, but for very different reasons. Both assets carry sky-high valuations, but the forces moving their prices have shifted from retail speculation to larger financial strategies.
Bitcoin is setting new records as corporations and even the U.S. government prepare to use it as a financial reserve. Solana, meanwhile, is battling back from a price decline, hoping that the launch of new exchange-traded funds (ETFs) will help it win over institutional investors.
These changes signal a deeper transformation in how cryptocurrency fits into global finance.
Bitcoin Hits $118,856 as Corporate Buying Continues
Bitcoin reached an all-time high of $118,856 in June 2025, and it continues to trade near that level. Unlike previous rallies, this price surge isn’t driven by short-term speculation. The biggest buyers in today’s market are corporate treasuries looking for long-term assets that can protect against inflation and currency risk.
MicroStrategy, the software company that pioneered Bitcoin balance sheet investing, now holds more than $65 billion worth of Bitcoin. Its strategy is simple: convert excess cash into Bitcoin to guard against the weakening of traditional currencies.
Other companies are following MicroStrategy’s lead. In 2025, more CFOs are starting to treat Bitcoin like digital gold, especially as global economic policies become harder to predict.
Trump Media Joins the Bitcoin Treasury Trend
One of the newest players in the Bitcoin treasury space is Trump Media & Technology Group, where Donald Trump remains the largest shareholder. Earlier this year, the company raised $2.3 billion from investors. Instead of using the funds for expansion or development, it announced plans to purchase large amounts of Bitcoin.
The company has publicly stated that Bitcoin will serve as part of its long-term reserve strategy, making it one of the first major media companies to convert corporate capital into crypto.
This move also reflects Trump’s ongoing public support for Bitcoin and decentralized finance, themes he has promoted since his 2024 campaign.
U.S. Treasury Creates Strategic Bitcoin Reserve
In March, the U.S. Treasury Department introduced the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, a new program that lays the groundwork for Bitcoin to be held at the national level. The program allows the government to purchase Bitcoin as long as the buying is "budget neutral," meaning it must be funded by savings from other programs or reallocated spending—not new debt.
As of July, the government has not yet bought Bitcoin for the reserve. But financial experts expect this to change after the passage of Trump’s major fiscal bill this summer, which includes provisions for digital asset management.
If the Treasury begins acquiring Bitcoin, it will mark the first time the U.S. government formally adds cryptocurrency to its financial toolkit. This could put additional pressure on supply, pushing prices even higher.
Bitcoin Stays Strong During Market Shocks
Bitcoin’s recent resilience is part of why it’s attracting new types of buyers. After Trump announced sweeping tariffs on April 2, traditional financial markets reacted immediately. Stocks fell, bonds became unstable, and global trade partners responded with their own measures.
Bitcoin dipped briefly but quickly recovered, unlike most other assets. This behavior has reinforced the idea that Bitcoin can serve as a hedge during times of political or economic stress.
For companies and high-net-worth individuals, this makes Bitcoin a safer bet than it was in earlier years when it was seen as purely speculative.
Solana Faces Pressure After Price Drop
While Bitcoin is breaking records, Solana is trying to recover from a steep decline. In January 2025, Solana’s price hit an all-time high of $294, fueled by crypto market momentum during Trump’s inauguration. But by July, the price had dropped to $163.
The primary reason: Solana became the top blockchain for meme coin launches in 2024. Meme coins are low-value cryptocurrencies created for fun or speculation, often tied to internet jokes or celebrity endorsements. Solana’s fast transaction speeds made it the platform of choice for this trend.
When the meme coin market collapsed earlier this year, trading activity on Solana fell with it. As a result, Solana’s price dropped sharply.
Solana ETFs Could Reverse the Decline
Solana’s next big milestone is the potential approval of spot Solana exchange-traded funds (ETFs). These ETFs would allow investors to buy and sell Solana like a stock, directly through their brokerage accounts, without needing to manage digital wallets.
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is reviewing several Solana ETF proposals. Bloomberg analysts estimate a 95% chance of approval in 2025, with a final decision expected between August and September.
If approved, Solana ETFs would make it easier for institutional investors—such as pension funds and mutual funds—to gain exposure to the asset. This could bring in billions in new investments, shifting Solana’s image from meme coin network to mainstream financial product.
Solana Has Rebounded From Crashes Before
Solana’s current slump isn’t its first. In 2022, after the collapse of the FTX exchange led by Sam Bankman-Fried, Solana’s price crashed to just $10. Many thought the project wouldn’t survive.
But in 2023, Solana made a dramatic comeback, gaining over 900% as concerns about FTX faded. Some traders believe Solana’s current situation could lead to a similar rebound if the ETFs get approved and new institutional investors come onboard.
Bitcoin and Solana Compared
Here’s how Bitcoin and Solana stack up today:
| Cryptocurrency | Current Price (July 2025) | Projected Price Target (2025) | Main Reasons for Price Movement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bitcoin (BTC) | $118,856 | Up to $200,000 (Standard Chartered) | Corporate buying, U.S. Treasury reserve program |
| Solana (SOL) | $163 | Up to $300 (Prediction Markets) | Expected ETF approval, return of institutional interest |
Bitcoin’s Price Surge Is About Real Buying, Not Hype
Bitcoin’s climb past $118,000 isn’t coming from small traders anymore. It’s coming from companies and, possibly soon, governments.
Corporate finance teams are buying Bitcoin to protect against inflation and currency devaluation. MicroStrategy, Trump Media & Technology Group, and other firms have added billions of dollars’ worth of Bitcoin to their balance sheets this year. They’re treating it like cash—but with higher upside.
The White House’s new Strategic Bitcoin Reserve has added another layer to the story. Although the government hasn’t started buying Bitcoin yet, the infrastructure is now in place. If the Treasury actually moves forward with Bitcoin purchases, it would be the first time a national government holds crypto alongside traditional reserves like gold or dollars.
This is no longer just a tech trend. It’s a shift in how large organizations store wealth.
Solana’s Price Depends Entirely on SEC Approval
Solana, on the other hand, is stuck in limbo. After soaring to $294 earlier this year, it has dropped to $163—mainly because of its link to the meme coin boom of 2024, which collapsed in early 2025.
Now, Solana’s recovery depends on one thing: whether the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approves spot Solana ETFs.
If the SEC says yes, Solana could attract billions in new investment from funds, banks, and retirement accounts. These investors have avoided Solana so far because there’s no easy way to buy it without holding crypto directly. ETFs would solve that problem.
A decision is expected by September 2025. analysts currently give it a 95% chance of approval.
Also Read: Reasons to Buy Crypto After You Retire and 5 Reasons You Should Probably Skip It
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