Bitcoin records biggest weekly dollar gain as Strive CEO forecasts strongest cycle

Bitcoin surged 22.7% over the past week, posting a record weekly gain of $14,264 and closing at $77,387. The rally coincided with strong inflows into U.S. spot Bitcoin exchange‑traded funds (ETFs) and a broader shift in macro conditions.

Macro backdrop and market sentiment

U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded $1.92 billion in net inflows for the week ending August 21, the highest weekly total since October 2025. The Crypto Fear & Greed Index rose to 78, approaching the “extreme greed” zone and reaching its highest level since December 2024.

Factors driving the rally

• Expansion of the U.S. Treasury’s bond buyback program, increasing the maximum size from $2 billion to at least $4 billion per operation, led to a temporary dip in long‑term Treasury yields and a weakening of the U.S. dollar.
• Weaker dollar conditions and heightened demand for scarce assets, according to Strive CEO Matt Cole, are expected to support Bitcoin over the next 12‑18 months.
• The Bitcoin‑to‑gold ratio climbed to 16.73 ounces of gold per Bitcoin, its highest level since May, indicating a breakout against both the dollar and gold.

Strive’s positioning

Strive continued to accumulate Bitcoin throughout the recent market downturn. In May‑June the company purchased roughly 3,259 BTC for about $235 million, raising its holdings to nearly 20,000 BTC. Strive’s balance sheet is structured to increase Bitcoin exposure per share without using debt or margin.

Outlook from Matt Cole

Matt Cole, chairman and CEO of Strive, expects the next Bitcoin cycle to be the strongest in history, driven by sustained dollar weakness, monetary debasement, and a growing “hunt for scarcity” in an AI‑driven economy. He acknowledges the possibility of a short‑term retracement but remains confident that the bear market has ended.