Bitcoin News Today: Bitcoin ETFs Bleed $437M as Harvard and Coincheck Signal Cautious Confidence

The Coinbase Bitcoin Premium Index has remained in negative territory since October 31, currently trading at -0.0499%, signaling ongoing pressure on Bitcoin's institutional demand and market sentiment. The index, which measures the difference between Bitcoin's spot price and futures contracts, reflects a broader shift in investor behavior as macroeconomic uncertainties and profit-taking continue to weigh on the crypto market.

Recent data highlights a sharp decline in inflows to Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs), with combined outflows of $437 million reported on Monday alone. BlackRock's IBIT, the largest Bitcoin ETF, saw $145.5 million in outflows, while Ethereum ETFs lost $182.8 million, marking five consecutive days of negative flows. This trend aligns with a broader bear market that has erased over $1.9 billion from spot Bitcoin ETFs since late October. Analysts attribute the selloff to a combination of fading optimism for Federal Reserve rate cuts, elevated interest rates, and thinning liquidity in crypto markets.

The decline has been exacerbated by institutional outflows and corporate hedging activities, which have removed key support from Bitcoin's price structure. Open interest in Bitcoin futures has fallen to $32.3 billion, one of the sharpest declines of 2025, indicating a steady exit of long positions. Meanwhile, derivatives markets show heightened demand for downside protection, with open interest in put options at $85,000 and $90,000 strikes surpassing bullish bets.

Despite the bearish momentum, some institutional players are taking strategic positions. Harvard University's endowment recently allocated $443 million to Bitcoin via BlackRock's IBIT, signaling cautious confidence in the asset's long-term potential. Separately, Japanese exchange Coincheck aims to complete its Nasdaq listing by year-end, potentially adding another major player to the U.S. crypto exchange landscape.

Technical indicators reinforce the bearish outlook. Bitcoin has remained below its 200-day moving average, a key threshold for momentum, while the relative strength index (RSI) hovers near oversold levels. Analysts at 10X Research have confirmed the market's entry into a bear regime, citing weak ETF flows, sustained selling by long-term holders, and muted retail participation. The next critical support level is $93,000, with a break below $90,000 likely to accelerate the downtrend.

Market observers remain divided on the timing of a potential rebound. Mike Alfred, a crypto entrepreneur, suggested the U.S. government may delay establishing a Bitcoin reserve until other nations act, adding uncertainty to institutional adoption timelines. Meanwhile, Bitcoin's price has dropped over 20% from its October high of $126,251, trading near seven-month lows below $90,000.

As the crypto market grapples with macroeconomic headwinds, investors are shifting capital toward altcoin ETFs, with inflows reported into Solana, XRP, and Litecoin funds. However, these movements have yet to offset the broader decline in risk appetite. With liquidity tightening and volatility persisting, the path to a sustained recovery remains unclear.