Bitcoin ETFs See Record 2026 Inflows as BTC Surpasses $97K

Spot Bitcoin ETFs attracted over $1.7 billion in inflows over three consecutive days in early January 2026 as Bitcoin (BTC) surged above $97,000. This marked a reversal from earlier outflows in January and signaled renewed investor confidence in the crypto asset. The inflows included a record $843.6 million single-day inflow on January 14 according to reports.

The surge in ETF inflows coincided with Bitcoin hitting a two-month high, pushing the Crypto Fear & Greed Index into bullish territory for the first time since October 2025 as data shows. BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin ETF (IBIT) led the inflows with over $648 million, while Fidelity’s Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund (FBTC) added $125.4 million.

Bitcoin ETFs have seen $1.5 billion in inflows across nine trading days in January 2026, marking a notable shift after four days of outflows in the first full week of the year. Spot Bitcoin ETFs shed $681 million in the first week of 2026 as macroeconomic uncertainty and fading rate-cut hopes pushed investors into risk-off positioning.

Why Did This Happen?

The recent inflows came as Bitcoin climbed past $97,000 for the first time since mid-November 2025. Bitcoin’s price increase coincided with a rise in the Crypto Fear & Greed Index to 61, entering “greed” territory.

Institutional demand has also grown, with JPMorgan analysts predicting continued inflows in 2026. They attributed the expected increase to the passage of additional crypto regulations such as the Clarity Act, which is likely to trigger further institutional adoption.

How Did Markets Respond?

The inflows into Bitcoin ETFs were supported by both retail and institutional investors. While retail sentiment remained bearish, as seen on social media, the institutional appetite for BTC and ETH ETFs continued to grow.

Bitcoin’s price hit $97,860 before retreating slightly to $92,300 as of January 15, 2026. The recent rally was also influenced by the release of the US Consumer Price Index data, which came in at 2.7% year-over-year in December 2025.

What Are Analysts Watching Next?

Standard Chartered, while developing a crypto prime brokerage platform, has cut its medium-term ETH price forecast to $7,500 for 2026 from $12,000 previously. The bank cited broader weakness in digital asset markets and Bitcoin’s dominance as factors in the downward revision.

Bitcoin ETF inflows have continued to gain momentum, with Morgan Stanley filing to launch a Bitcoin and Solana ETF. Bank of America has also expanded adviser access to Bitcoin ETFs. These developments indicate growing institutional interest in crypto despite short-term volatility.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has delayed decisions on several crypto ETF proposals, including the Pudgy Penguins ETF and the T. Rowe Price Active Crypto ETF. These delays reflect the agency’s cautious approach to evaluating market structure and investor protection issues.

Bitcoin’s recent rally and ETF inflows suggest improved sentiment, but macroeconomic and regulatory factors remain key risks for the market. Analysts are closely watching upcoming Federal Reserve guidance and US inflation data for further signals.