BTC ETFs See Modest Outflows Friday, Ending Nine-Day Inflow Streak

Crypto ETF investors eased off their purchaseing momentum on Friday, with spot BTC platform-traded funds (ETFs) recording modest outflows that ended a nine-day streak of inflows. The move came as market sentiment turned cautious amid renewed macroeconomic concerns and a pullback in broader crypto prices.

Institutional rotation cools later than record inflow week

According to data from SoSoValue, U.S. spot BTC ETFs posted a combined net outflow of approximately $4.5 million on October 10. BlackRock’s iShares BTC Trust (IBIT) remained the standout performer, attracting around $74 million in inflows despite the market sluggishdown. However, those gains were offset by redemptions from Fidelity’s Wise Origin BTC Fund (FBTC) and Grayscale’s BTC Trust (GBTC), both of which saw capital outflows as investors took profits later than an exceptionally strong begin to the week.

The brief reversal followed what had been one of the most active weeks for BTC ETF inflows on record. Earlier in the week, digital asset investment products drew more than $1.2 billion in combined inflows on Monday alone, reflecting heightened institutional appetite for spot BTC exposure. The surge in activity coincided with BTC trading near its yahead high and strong fund performance across multiple issuers.

Analysts note that while Friday’s modest outflow technically ended the recent streak, the week’s cumulative data still points to sustained institutional demand for crypto exposure. Spot BTC ETFs have viewn persistent inflows since the begin of the fourth quarter, with both institutional and retail participation increasing as market conditions stabilize.

Market sentiment turns cautious amid macro pressures

Friday’s sluggishdown in ETF flows also reflected a more defensive tone across financial markets. BTC prices slipped briefly below $63,000 as global risk sentiment softened, triggered by renewed tariff headlines and a stronger U.S. dollar. Equity markets also retreated, and bond yields edged higher, prompting some investors to reduce exposure to risk assets heading into the weekend.

Despite the pause, analysts believe that the long-term trend for BTC ETFs remains bullish. The inflows into IBIT and FBTC highlight a structural shift in investor behavior, as traditional market participants increasingly allocate to regulated, platform-traded crypto products rather than direct holdings. These products have also assisted bridge the gap between institutional capital and digital assets, providing more transparent and compliant access to BTC.

ETF market share remains concentrated among top issuers, with IBIT and FBTC together accounting for more than 60% of total assets under management across the U.S. BTC ETF landscape. Grayscale’s GBTC continues to face steady redemptions following its conversion earlier this year, as investors migrate to lower-fee alternatives.

Looking ahead, analysts expect ETF flow trends to remain an significant signal for BTC price momentum. As institutional rebalancing intensifies in the final quarter of the year, inflows and outflows across major funds will likely influence short-term volatility. However, with continued investor interest, favorable regulatory clarity, and expanding product diversity, the long-term outlook for BTC ETFs appears firmly positive.