Bitcoin News Today: BlackRock's Absence Dooms Altcoin ETFs as Bitcoin ETFs Bleed $672M

U.S. spot Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs experienced a sharp shift in investor sentiment in late October 2025, with net outflows totaling $672 million over two days, according to Coinpedia. This followed weeks of mixed inflows, including a $149 million net inflow for Bitcoin ETFs on October 27, according to Lookonchain, which marked three consecutive days of positive flows. However, the broader trend reveals a growing reliance on BlackRock's dominance in the space, raising concerns about the sustainability of altcoin ETFs without similar institutional backing.

BlackRock's iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT) has been the linchpin of Bitcoin ETF success in 2025, drawing $28.1 billion in inflows year-to-date—accounting for nearly all positive flows in the sector, according to Cointelegraph. Without BlackRock's participation, spot Bitcoin ETFs would have recorded a cumulative $1.27 billion net outflow, according to K33 Research. This dynamic underscores the asset manager's outsized influence, as its $13.5 trillion in assets under management continues to drive institutional capital into crypto.

The absence of BlackRock in altcoin ETFs, however, has created uncertainty. Analysts warn that upcoming Solana (SOL) and XRP ETFs may struggle to replicate Bitcoin's inflow success without the firm's involvement, according to K33 Research. JPMorgan estimates initial inflows for Solana ETFs could reach $3–$6 billion, while XRP products might attract $4–$8 billion, but these figures pale compared to Bitcoin's performance, as reported by Bitwise. "No BlackRock, no party," Lunde tweeted, emphasizing that rival firms may capture some flows but lack the scale to sustain momentum, as reported by Cointelegraph.

Recent data highlights the volatility. On October 30, Bitcoin ETFs saw $488.43 million in outflows, led by BlackRock's $290.88 million withdrawal, according to Coinpedia, while Ethereum ETFs lost $184.31 million. The sell-off followed Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's remarks suggesting the 2025 rate-cut cycle might end with a single 25-basis-point reduction, spooking markets, per Coinpedia. Conversely, BlackRock's October 27 transfer of $226 million in Bitcoin and Ethereum to Coinbase Prime for ETF rebalancing signaled continued institutional confidence, according to CryptoNinjas.

Despite challenges, innovation persists. The Bitwise Solana Staking ETF (BSOL) launched with $222.8 million in first-day inflows, leveraging regulatory clarity on proof-of-stake mechanisms. Meanwhile, Litecoin became the third cryptocurrency to secure a U.S. spot ETF, with the Canary Capital Litecoin Spot ETF (LTCC) debuting on Nasdaq, according to CryptoFront. These developments reflect a maturing market, though experts caution against over-reliance on single entities.

"Diversified strategies are critical," said Geoff Kendrick of Standard Chartered, noting that Bitcoin ETF inflows drove much of 2025's price momentum. As regulators scrutinize altcoin ETF approvals, the sector's growth will depend on balancing institutional participation with retail demand-and whether new products can replicate the success of BlackRock's flagship offerings.

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