Bitcoin News Today: Bitcoin ETFs Build Institutional Floor, Powering $126K All-Time High

Bitcoin spot ETFs recorded a record $1.2 billion in net inflows on October 6, 2025, marking the seventh time since January 2024 that inflows exceeded $1 billion, according to Farside dataU.S. BTC ETFs See $1B Inflows, Seen 6 Times Before and Each^[1]. BlackRock's iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) led the surge, attracting $970 million, or approximately 81% of the total inflows. This performance solidified IBIT's dominance as the largest Bitcoin ETF, with assets under management (AUM) approaching $100 billionBlackRock’s most profitable ETF is a nearly $100 billion Bitcoin giant^[2]. The inflow surge aligns with Bitcoin's price rally, which reached an all-time high of $126,000 earlier in the monthBlackRock’s IBIT Bitcoin ETF Becomes Its Biggest …^[3].

The rapid growth of IBIT has transformed it into BlackRock's most profitable ETF, generating an estimated $244.5 million in annual revenue as of October 2025U.S. BTC ETFs See $1B Inflows, Seen 6 Times Before and Each^[1]. This figure surpasses the earnings of BlackRock's next-largest ETF, the iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF, and reflects the fund's ability to capture institutional and retail demand for regulated crypto exposure. IBIT's AUM growth has been unprecedented: it is on track to reach $100 billion in under 435 days, outpacing the 2,011-day timeline of the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO), the next-fastest-growing ETF in historyU.S. BTC ETFs See $1B Inflows, Seen 6 Times Before and Each^[1].

Historical patterns suggest a correlation between large ETF inflows and Bitcoin's short-term price peaks. Similar $1 billion inflow events have coincided with Bitcoin hitting local tops in March, November, and July 2024, as well as January 2025U.S. BTC ETFs See $1B Inflows, Seen 6 Times Before and Each^[1]. Analysts note that these inflows act as a macroeconomic signal, reinforcing Bitcoin's role as a digital store of value. Bloomberg Intelligence's Eric Balchunas highlighted that the inflow surge on October 6 came as Bitcoin traded near $124,000, with speculation mounting about whether a new all-time high could followBlackRock’s most profitable ETF is a nearly $100 billion Bitcoin giant^[2].

The ETF-driven demand has also reshaped Bitcoin's market structure. U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs now hold 1.296 million BTC, or 6.5% of the total supply, making them a dominant force in the crypto market. This institutional-grade exposure has reduced reliance on traditional crypto exchanges and futures markets, with ETFs acting as a "soft price floor" during volatility. For example, during a mid-2025 correction, IBIT alone added $2 billion in net inflows, stabilizing prices.

Competition among Bitcoin ETFs has intensified, with fee wars driving down costs. IBIT charges a 0.25% fee, while rivals like Bitwise's BITB and Franklin's EZBC offer lower rates of 0.20% and 0.19%, respectively. This pricing strategy has accelerated adoption, particularly among long-term investors seeking cost-efficient access to Bitcoin. However, legacy products like Grayscale's GBTC, which charges 1.5%, continue to lose assets to cheaper alternatives.

Looking ahead, the ETF landscape is expected to expand globally. Canadian and European regulators are reviewing new filings, while Singapore's Monetary Authority has approved preliminary frameworks for crypto ETFs. If similar products gain traction internationally, institutional Bitcoin holdings could surpass 5% of the total supply within two years. For now, IBIT remains the cornerstone of Bitcoin's institutional adoption, bridging the gap between traditional finance and digital assets.