Bitcoin ETFs Stabilize as BlackRock Leads Inflows After Volatile Week

U.S. spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) showed signs of stabilization on Friday after several days of sustained selling pressure. The rebound was led by BlackRock’s flagship product, even as the broader crypto market continued to experience sharp price volatility. While inflows returned, recent data indicate that investor sentiment remains cautious, with market participants closely monitoring ETF flows for signals on near-term direction.

Selective Buying Returns to Bitcoin ETFs After Sharp Midweek Outflows

BlackRock’s spot Bitcoin investment vehicles recorded $231.6 million in inflows on Friday, partially offsetting losses from earlier in the week. According to data from Farside, the iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF saw combined outflows of $548.7 million on Wednesday and Thursday as Bitcoin prices declined sharply. During that sell-off, Bitcoin briefly fell to $60,000, exacerbating already fragile market sentiment.

Across nine U.S.-listed spot Bitcoin ETFs, total inflows reached $330.7 million on Friday, following three consecutive days of net outflows totaling $1.25 billion. Despite the rebound, overall inflow activity remains subdued. Since the beginning of 2026, BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF has recorded net inflows on just 11 trading days, underscoring muted demand.

ETF flow data continue to serve as a key barometer of investor confidence and potential price trends. Recent activity highlights several notable dynamics:

• Selling pressure intensified as Bitcoin broke below key technical levels.
• Crypto fund outflows accelerated during periods of elevated market volatility.
• Trading volumes rose sharply even as prices declined.
• Recent inflows point to selective positioning rather than broad-based risk-taking.

BTC Slips 24% in a Month as ETF Volume Hits Record

Bitcoin sits at $69,585 at the time of writing, according to market data. Despite the late-week rebound, the asset remains down 24.30% over the past 30 days, a decline that has kept many investors sidelined.

Thursday’s session was marked by exceptionally heavy trading. Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas reported that the iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF reached a daily trading volume record of $10 billion. Shares fell 13% on the day, representing the fund’s second-largest single-day price decline since its launch.

A partial recovery followed on Friday, with ETF shares rebounding 9.92% to close at $39.68, based on Google Finance data. 

Bloomberg analyst James Seyffart noted that unrealized losses for ETF holders remain the largest since U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs debuted in January 2024. Nevertheless, cumulative net inflows—now approaching $55 billion—remain elevated relative to pre-October levels, when inflows peaked at $62.11 billion.