Key Takeaways:Technical structure and ETF flows support a longer-term Bitcoin rally to $150,000.Regulatory momentum under a Trump-led administration could provide the next major catalyst.An inverse head-and-shoulders pattern targets $143K, but daily closes above $130K are key.Bitcoin (BTC) is making another push toward the $120,000 level, fueling speculation about a longer-term rally to $150,000 and beyond. While the latest move was largely driven by a futures market short squeeze, analysts say a combination of technical, regulatory, and macroeconomic catalysts could set the stage for Bitcoin’s next major leg higher.$1 Billion Short Squeeze Pushes BTC Back to $120KOn Sunday night, Bitcoin briefly surged past $120,000, triggering over $1 billion in crypto market liquidations, primarily from short positions. However, the rally lacked strong spot market follow-through on centralized exchanges.“A strong, global spot bid is ever present via the Bitcoin ETFs, publicly listed companies building BTC treasuries, and infrastructure investors,” said Ray Salmond, head of markets at Cointelegraph.Spot Bitcoin ETFs continue to act as a structural bid for BTC, absorbing new issuance and redistributing supply away from exchanges, which can support future upside.Regulatory Tailwinds Build Under Trump AdministrationA shift in the U.S. political landscape could play a major role in Bitcoin’s trajectory. Recent developments include:The House of Representatives advancing the GENIUS stablecoin bill and the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act (CLARITY).Renewed anti-CBDC sentiment, with a ban now tied to the must-pass National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).Rising institutional support, with firms like Cantor Fitzgerald and Adam Back exploring SPAC deals that could bring 30,000 BTC onto the balance sheet of Cantor Equity Partners.The regulatory clarity promised by these bills—combined with the pro-crypto stance of the Trump administration—could lower barriers for institutional entry and drive further demand for Bitcoin.Inverse Head-and-Shoulders Pattern Targets $143KOn the technical front, Bitcoin has confirmed an inverse head-and-shoulders pattern with a breakout above the neckline at $112,000. This formation points to a measured target of $143,000, suggesting there’s room for upside if momentum holds.However, analysts caution that Bitcoin needs to maintain daily closes above $130,000 to build a credible path to $150,000. Until then, price discovery will continue to be heavily influenced by futures-driven liquidations and macro headlines.ETFs and Onchain Fundamentals Remain StrongSpot BTC ETFs just recorded a three-month high in weekly inflows, a sign that long-term investors are continuing to accumulate during periods of volatility. On-chain signals show growing conviction, with wallet distribution favoring long-term holders and miners continuing to offload only modestly.Meanwhile, macro risk appears to have eased following the release of U.S. CPI and PPI data this week. Traders have largely absorbed the market impact of the Aug. 1 Trump tariff plan, allowing focus to return to crypto fundamentals.What Would It Take for Bitcoin to Hit $150K?According to market experts, three key conditions are needed for a sustainable rally to $150,000:Sustained spot demand from ETFs, corporate treasuries, and institutions.Regulatory clarity via the GENIUS and CLARITY Acts, plus CBDC limitations.Daily closes above $130K, confirming breakout momentum and investor conviction.“$150K is no longer a dream scenario—it’s a visible technical target if current conditions hold,” says Cointelegraph Markets.With the U.S. entering what some are calling "Crypto Week", and Bitcoin maintaining bullish long-term structure above $112,000, the coming days may determine whether this rally has the strength to target new all-time highs, according to Cointelegraph.