Bitcoin and Ether ETFs See Combined $521 Million Weekly Outflow

Bitcoin and Ether ETFs experienced combined outflows of $521 million from February 9–13, marking a growing divergence in investor positioning across digital asset funds. Bitcoin spot ETFs closed the week with $359.91 million in net outflows, while Ether spot ETFs recorded $161.15 million in outflows according to data. In contrast, XRP and Solana ETFs saw net inflows, indicating a shift in capital toward certain altcoins.

Early 2026 has seen a contraction in crypto demand, particularly across spot Bitcoin ETFs, with cumulative flows turning negative. This reflects a shift toward risk reduction and defensive investing. After two years of strong capital inflows and speculative participation, the start of 2026 reflects risk reduction. Recent data indicates that cumulative spot Bitcoin ETF flows have turned negative this year.

Investor sentiment has deteriorated following outflows from Ether ETFs and increased demand for put (sell) options. US-listed Ether ETFs saw $242 million in net outflows between Wednesday and Thursday according to reports. The institutional demand that followed the 20% Ether price recovery after the $1,744 bottom on Feb. 6 has faded as investors noted inconsistency in US economic growth.

Why Did This Happen?

The outflows stem from investor concerns over diminishing prospects for a Federal Reserve interest rate cut. Bitcoin drove the negative sentiment in crypto ETPs last week, posting outflows of $405 million. Ether funds saw $116 million in outflows, while multi-asset altcoin products also posted combined outflows of $21 million.

Standard Chartered revised its 2026 BTC price forecast from $150,000 to $100,000 due to ETF outflows and macroeconomic uncertainties. The bank predicts BTC could drop to $50,000 in the coming months but rise to $100,000 by year-end. ETF assets under management are now near $80 billion, down from the October 2025 peak of $170 billion.

The weakening demand for Ethereum is compounded by higher ETH supply and less attractive staking yields compared to US interest rates. The current 2.9% staking yield is far from appealing, considering the US Fed target rate stands at 3.5%.

How Did Markets React?

Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs faced heavy selling pressure, while XRP and Solana ETFs saw inflows according to analysis. Blackrock’s IBIT endured sustained pressure, beginning with a $20.85 million outflow on Monday, followed by $73.41 million on Wednesday, $157.56 million on Thursday, and another $9.36 million on Friday as reported.

Ethereum ETFs added $10 million as ETH price reclaimed $2,000. Bitcoin ETFs saw modest $15 million inflows after prior outflows according to data. Weekly ETH ETF flows remain negative despite a recent rebound.

Solana ETFs saw $31 million in weekly inflows, outperforming Bitcoin and Ethereum, which experienced outflows according to reports. Institutional investors are selectively allocating capital to Solana and XRP despite overall market volatility. Europe’s growing influence in digital asset infrastructure is also emphasized.

What Are Analysts Watching Next?

Analysts suggest that the outflows reflect broader institutional pullbacks rather than pressure on individual issuers. The outflows indicate a potential shift in risk appetite. The revised price forecast reflects macroeconomic uncertainties and ETF outflows.

Ethereum’s underperformance against other networks that offer base layer scalability and faster onchain activity is being closely watched. Traders are questioning if Ethereum still has what it takes to compete.

The inflows into XRP and Solana ETFs suggest a rotation rather than a full exit from the sector. Investors are reallocating toward assets with stronger narratives or momentum. The reduced scale of outflows and continued interest in certain altcoins indicate a stabilizing market.

Bitcoin ETF inflows may remain strong as traders position themselves for a potential macro tailwind from monetary easing. The current ETF flows suggest a strong rotation into Bitcoin as investors double down on the "digital gold" and store-of-value narrative.

The inflow reversal on February 13 suggests a potential inflection point for the market. This could reflect a 'buy-the-dip' mentality among investors, as well as broader portfolio rebalancing influenced by macroeconomic data.

Institutional purchases of Bitcoin and Ether by entities like Goldman Sachs and the Binance SAFU fund may provide a floor for BTC’s price. These movements support long-term accumulation despite short-term outflows.