Bitcoin News Today: XRP ETFs Attract $1B in Flows as Bitcoin, Ethereum Face Institutional Outflows

MEXC, the fast-growing digital asset exchange, announced the listing of Cysic (CYS) in its Innovation Zone according to reports. Trading for the CYS/USDT and CYS/USDC pairs began on December 11, 2025, at 10:00 (UTC) and 10:20 (UTC), respectively. MEXC is offering zero-fee trading on these pairs to celebrate the listing, alongside an Airdrop+ event with 75,000 USDT in rewards.

Cysic is developing ComputeFi infrastructure that transforms computing power into verifiable digital assets on blockchain networks. The platform combines hardware acceleration and zero-knowledge proof technology to create a network accessible to users and developers worldwide. CYS functions as the network's utility token, enabling participants such as compute providers and users to coordinate incentives within the ecosystem.

The zero-fee trading promotion on CYS spot pairs started on December 11, 2025, with CYS/USDT enjoying zero fees until December 25, 2025. In contrast, CYS/USDC trading will remain fee-free permanently. MEXC also introduced an Airdrop+ event, inviting users to deposit and trade CYS to share in 50,000 USDT in rewards. Additionally, users who complete 25 lucky draws can win 25,000 USDT in futures bonuses.

Institutional Divergence in Crypto ETF Flows

Crypto ETF flows on December 15, 2025, revealed a significant divergence in institutional demand according to market analysis. XRP-linked products continued their record inflow streak, while Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs experienced pressure amid macroeconomic caution and price weakness. This trend highlighted a "risk-off" market sentiment, with Bitcoin's price sliding below $87,000 during the day.

XRP ETFs were the clear institutional favorite, extending a streak of daily net inflows for about one month. Analysts attributed this to structural demand, suggesting that institutional investors viewed XRP as a long-term portfolio addition. This is in stark contrast to Bitcoin and Ethereum, where inflows were inconsistent and subject to macroeconomic pressures. The inflow into XRP ETFs approached the $1 billion AUM milestone.

Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs struggled with demand on December 15, reflecting cautious institutional stances ahead of central bank decisions and U.S. economic data. Market sentiment was subdued, leading to a decline in Bitcoin and Ethereum prices. Institutional confidence, as reflected in capital flows for ETF futures, showed a reduction in exposure over the past week. This pattern of reduced demand likely persisted on December 15.

Institutional Outflows and Risk Management

On Friday, December 12, 2025, crypto ETF flows returned to net outflows, marking a renewed institutional caution. Bitcoin and Ethereum saw significant net capital exits as the market digested the cautious tone from the Federal Reserve's recent rate cut. This shift underscored fragile sentiment among institutional investors amid macroeconomic uncertainty.

Bitcoin ETPs recorded a net outflow of approximately $154.2 million, indicating institutional funds were rotating and reducing exposure. Ether ETPs also saw outflows, estimated at around $42.3 million. The outflows were part of a broader risk-off environment, prompting investors to reduce leverage and reassess their positions in light of persistent macroeconomic headwinds.

In contrast, XRP spot ETFs continued their sustained period of accumulation, maintaining their status as the preferred target for institutional capital. XRP spot ETFs saw a notable net inflow of $20.17 million on Friday, led by the Franklin XRP ETF (XRPZ) and the Bitwise XRP ETF (XRP). The inflow trend reinforced the idea that institutional interest in XRP was driven by its regulatory clarity and potential for use in payments, distinguishing it from the volatility affecting Bitcoin and Ether according to market analysis.

Market Implications for 2026

The divergence in crypto ETF flows highlights a maturing market where institutional capital is selectively allocating resources. Assets with regulatory clarity, such as XRP, are favored for structural allocation, while Bitcoin and Ethereum remain more sensitive to global macroeconomic risk appetite. This pattern suggests a more nuanced approach to institutional investment in the crypto space.

Looking ahead, strategic milestones for companies indicate a focus on innovation and market expansion in 2026. BLAQclouds plans to launch the APOLLO USD (APUSD) Stablecoin and expand its Apollo Wallet platform with enhanced functionality. Additionally, BLAQclouds will spin off its property group as a standalone public company.

Bitcoin Bancorp also outlined plans to deploy up to 200 licensed Bitcoin ATMs across Texas in Q1 2026 according to company announcements. The company has been actively expanding its partnerships and improving its institutional Bitcoin treasury strategies. These developments suggest a growing institutional interest in Bitcoin and related infrastructure as the market evolves.