Bitcoin ETFs Rally on $1.7 Billion Inflows as BTC Surpasses $97K

Bitcoin spot ETFs have posted record inflows, attracting over $1.7 billion in the three-day period ending January 15, 2026. This follows earlier outflows in early January and marks a significant reversal in investor sentiment. Bitcoin prices rose above $97,000, reaching two-month highs, as the Crypto Fear & Greed Index turned bullish.

BlackRock's iShares Bitcoin ETF (IBIT) was the largest contributor, receiving $648 million in inflows on January 15. Fidelity's Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund (FBTC) added $125.4 million, while ARK Invest's ARKB and Bitwise's BITB also saw substantial inflows. These figures highlight the dominance of institutional-grade ETFs in the current buying surge.

The total inflows for the month of January have reached $1.5 billion in nine trading days. This follows the largest single-day inflow of 2026, which totaled $843.6 million on January 15.

Why Did Inflows Surge?

The inflow surge was driven by renewed institutional interest and Bitcoin's return to two-month highs. BlackRock and Fidelity led the inflows, suggesting that large asset managers are continuing to allocate capital to digital assets. The Crypto Fear & Greed Index reached a level of 61, indicating a shift from cautious sentiment to a more optimistic outlook.

The Bitcoin price movement coincided with the inflows, with BTC briefly surpassing $97,957 before settling at $96,642. This price action reflects a broader trend of ETFs absorbing supply, particularly since the launch of U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs in January 2024.

Institutional Demand Returns as ETFs Absorb Bitcoin Supply

ETF inflows have created a supply-demand imbalance that favors Bitcoin. Since early 2024, ETFs have absorbed over 710,000 BTC, significantly exceeding new supply from the network. This dynamic has contributed to Bitcoin's price appreciation of over 94% during the same period.

Analysts see the return of institutional buyers as a key factor in recent inflow trends. Fidelity's FBTC was the largest single-day inflow recipient with $351.36 million in net inflows on January 12. Bitwise and BlackRock followed with $159.42 million and $126.27 million, respectively.

The inflows are concentrated rather than broad-based, with major ETF providers accounting for most of the buying. This suggests that institutional investors are selectively allocating capital to the most liquid and well-known Bitcoin products.

Bitcoin ETFs and Ethereum ETFs Both See Strong Inflows

Ethereum ETFs also benefited from the inflow trend, with total net inflows reaching $130 million in a single day. BlackRock's ETHA led with $53.31 million, while Grayscale's Ethereum fund added $35.42 million. This indicates that institutional investors are expanding their crypto exposure beyond Bitcoin.

The Ethereum price rose over 5% to $3,293, supported by strong inflows and improved risk appetite. Analysts attribute this to broader macroeconomic factors, including progress on U.S. crypto legislation and improving inflation data.

What Analysts Are Watching Next

Bitcoin ETF inflows have created a strong structural tailwind, according to Vincent Liu of Kronos Research. He noted that ETF-driven demand has absorbed supply beyond miner output, reducing short positioning and supporting the rally. The price movement has been led by spot demand rather than leveraged positions.

Bitwise's CIO, Matt Hougan, has warned that the current inflow pattern could eventually trigger a parabolic price move. He compared the situation to gold's delayed rally after years of institutional accumulation. Sustained ETF demand could exhaust willing sellers and lead to a sharp repricing.

Investors are closely monitoring the 50-day and 200-day EMA levels as key support and resistance for Bitcoin. A sustained move above the 200-day EMA at $99,593 would confirm a full breakout from the recent corrective phase. On the downside, a close below the 50-day EMA at $91,600 could trigger a retest of $90,000 and deeper consolidation.

ETF flows, corporate treasury buying, and price structure are all indicators of Bitcoin's institutional adoption. With the next halving scheduled for later in 2026, the supply-side story is tightening, increasing the potential for further price appreciation. The success of Bitcoin ETFs also has implications for other crypto-based ETPs, such as Ethereum products and XRP ETFs.