Bitcoin ETFs Break Outflow Streak With Renewed Institutional Interest Amid Market Caution
Bitcoin ETFs Attract Modest Inflows After Week-Long Exodus, Signaling Possible Sentiment Shift
After a seven-day streak of outflows, U.S.-listed spot Bitcoin ETFs are once again drawing institutional capital. On Monday, the sector saw a net inflow of $1.47 million — a modest figure, but one that marks a meaningful shift in sentiment following a difficult stretch for the crypto market.
The last week brought $713 million in outflows as Bitcoin struggled to hold its footing amid heightened geopolitical and economic uncertainty, including concerns over potential trade tensions linked to U.S. policy discussions. Now, the tide may be cautiously turning.
BlackRock Leads the Rebound, Fidelity Sees Pullback
BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) posted the largest inflow on Monday, pulling in $36.72 million and pushing its cumulative net inflows to $39.6 billion — reinforcing its leadership among spot BTC ETFs.
Conversely, Fidelity’s Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund (FBTC) recorded the largest single-day outflow, shedding $35.25 million. The contrasting flows underscore the still-fragmented investor outlook as markets remain sensitive to macroeconomic shifts and technical indicators.
Futures Market Signals Rising Activity with Bearish Lean
On the derivatives front, Bitcoin’s futures open interest rose to $56 billion — a 2% increase over the past 24 hours — suggesting heightened trading activity and renewed market engagement. Typically, when open interest rises alongside a price uptick, it hints at fresh capital entering the market, potentially reinforcing bullish momentum.
Yet, there’s a caveat: BTC’s funding rate flipped negative for the first time since April 2. This indicates that more traders are paying to maintain short positions than long ones, reflecting a cautious — or even bearish — undertone in derivatives markets.
Meanwhile, BTC's price gained a modest 1.22% over the same period, adding to the mixed signals traders are grappling with.
Options Market Reflects Defensive Positioning
Options activity also points to market hesitancy. Put contracts continue to outpace calls, suggesting that some investors are hedging against potential downside or anticipating further price corrections, even as spot ETF inflows resume and futures interest climbs.
A Tentative Rebound — But Is It Durable?
While $1.47 million in inflows may not be groundbreaking, it breaks the silence that has persisted since April 2 and offers a glimmer of optimism. For investors watching institutional trends closely, even modest inflows can be an early sign of changing sentiment — particularly when paired with increased derivatives activity.
Still, caution prevails. The underlying metrics point to a market in flux, balancing renewed interest with protective positioning. Whether this inflow momentum can sustain through the week remains to be seen, but for now, the crypto market appears to be regaining its footing — slowly and selectively.