U.S. spot bitcoin ETFs post $3.8B in withdrawals over five straight weeks
Over the past five weeks, investors have pulled nearly $3.8 billion from U.S.-listed spot bitcoin exchange-traded funds, marking a sustained period of net outflows. Market analysts describe this as a clear sign of caution among institutional investors, who appear hesitant to increase exposure amid ongoing uncertainty in the crypto market.
This prolonged outflow streak follows the sharp selloff seen in early October, which shook confidence and prompted many large investors to reassess risk. Despite bitcoin’s long-term appeal, institutions seem to be waiting for stronger price stability and clearer market signals before returning capital to spot bitcoin ETFs in a meaningful way.
What happened in the five-week bitcoin ETF outflow streak
U.S.-listed spot bitcoin exchange-traded funds recorded net withdrawals for five consecutive weeks, totaling about $3.8 billion, according to market reporting that cites SoSoValue flow data.
BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) led the retreat, with roughly $2.13 billion redeemed over the same five-week span. Last week alone saw about $316 million exit the category, per the same dataset referenced in coverage.
Market commentary tied the flow weakness to lingering risk aversion after the October 2025 crash (a deleveraging episode that also drew attention to liquidity and exchange-related concerns) and broader macro headlines.
Why the five-week bitcoin ETF outflow streak matters for bitcoin prices
Sustained ETF outflows can signal that large allocators are reducing exposure rather than adding on dips especially when withdrawals are concentrated in the biggest products. Coverage also notes that the current streak, while the longest since February 2025, is smaller than a prior ~$5B run cited for that earlier period.
Separately, Reuters reporting around the October 2025 downturn described how broader trade and macro tensions coincided with sharp crypto moves and large liquidations context that can reinforce “risk-off” positioning among institutions.
Context & Analysis
The flow pattern suggests that, despite spot ETFs making access easier, institutional demand can still reverse quickly when volatility rises or when macro uncertainty dominates positioning. Reuters’ reporting on the October 2025 episode highlighted how trade tensions and liquidation dynamics amplified downside, which can leave allocators more hesitant to rebuild exposure soon after.
To Sum Up
Over the past five weeks, roughly $3.8 billion has been redeemed, with IBIT leading the withdrawals. This trend has increased investor caution as macroeconomic headlines continue to weigh on sentiment. Risk appetite remains subdued, raising questions about the market’s near-term direction and the durability of recent selling pressure.
The immediate focus is whether fund flows begin to stabilize or extend further. If macro conditions stay challenging and bitcoin remains under pressure, outflows could persist. Conversely, any improvement in sentiment or supportive data may help slow redemptions and encourage a more balanced flow environment.
FAQs
Q : What is the five-week bitcoin ETF outflow streak?
A : It refers to five consecutive weeks in which U.S.-listed spot bitcoin ETFs recorded net withdrawals totaling around $3.8 billion.
Q : Which fund led the withdrawals?
A : Market coverage indicates that BlackRock’s IBIT led the outflows, with roughly $2.13 billion redeemed over the five-week period.
Q : How large were outflows last week?
A : Approximately $316 million was withdrawn from spot bitcoin ETFs in the most recent week cited.
Q : Why are institutions pulling money from spot bitcoin ETFs?
A : Reports point to ongoing caution following the October 2025 market crash, along with broader macroeconomic uncertainty that has reduced appetite for risk assets.
Q : Is this streak worse than earlier ETF outflow periods?
A : Coverage compares it with a longer outflow run in February 2025, noting that earlier periods saw larger total withdrawals than the current streak.
Q : Do ETF flows directly determine bitcoin’s price?
A : Not on their own. However, sustained inflows or outflows can signal changing demand from large allocators and may amplify price movements during volatile conditions.
Q : Where are these flow numbers coming from?
A : The figures cited in market reports are attributed to SoSoValue ETF flow data.
Facts
Event
U.S.-listed spot bitcoin ETFs record five straight weeks of net outflowsDate/Time
2026-02-23T13:12:37+05:00Entities
U.S. spot bitcoin ETFs; BlackRock iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT); SoSoValueFigures
~$3.8B (five-week outflows); ~$2.13B (IBIT outflows); ~$316M (latest week outflows)Quotes (as stated in provided material / coverage)
“Outflows underscore persistent institutional wariness toward bitcoin after the early October crash.”Sources
CoinDesk report; Reuters context on October 2025 volatility