On October 20, 2025 all major markets experienced simultaneous gains. Bitcoin closed at $111,210.66 after surpassing the $111,000 barrier. Major altcoins rose together, while Japan’s Nikkei 225 closed at a record 49,185.50. This joint move links flows of money between equities and cryptocurrencies, forcing funds, product teams and compliance departments to reevaluate their exposure and cash reserves.
Bitcoin’s rise above $111,000 places it beyond a price level that had served as a pivot in previous moves, according to data from October 20, 2025. Ethereum topped $4,040, processing approximately 1.74 million transfers in 24 hours, with 60% of the traffic on Layer 2 networks and an average fee of $3.78. Spot ETH ETFs attracted roughly $216 million, while large wallets acquired 818,410 ETH valued at about $2.5 billion.
XRP ended the day at $2.46 after the recent settlement of a court case where the company agreed to pay $125 million to regulators. This settlement revived talks about a potential XRP ETF that could generate an $8 billion inflow if approved. Solana reached $193 while network usage grew with 17 million active addresses, and token holders approved the “Alpenglow” code change with 99% support, an upgrade that shortens block finalization and increases speed.
The Japanese Nikkei rose between 3-3.4%, contributing to a risk-on appetite. Local political calm and new regional data acted as catalysts that spread to the crypto market, according to that day’s close.
The significance of Bitcoin’s rally and the crypto market
The increase in institutional bids impacted both the spot and derivatives markets, raising funding rates and open interest. Balances on exchanges fell, meaning a wave of withdrawals could increase volatility and liquidity risk. Network upgrades (Alpenglow) and Layer 2 solutions are defining the speed and operating cost of products.
Looking ahead, regulatory decisions on new ETFs will determine liquidity on exchanges. Protocol upgrades will also firm up and change fees and speed. Both factors will set product and compliance plans for the coming weeks.
