Bitcoin News Today: Bitcoin ETFs Draw $152M Inflows as Tech Stocks Face Outflows

Bitcoin's First Full-Year Split From Stocks in Over a Decade

Bitcoin's price has stabilized around $90,000 as of December 12, 2025, while U.S. equities continue to show divergent performance across sectors. This marks the first full year since 2015 in which Bitcoin and traditional stocks have moved independently, driven by structural shifts in market infrastructure and investor behavior. The latest developments in tokenized assets and institutional adoption suggest this divergence may be more than a temporary trend.

The S&P 500 and other major indices have seen mixed performance in December, with the industrial and healthcare sectors recording inflows while technology and financials face outflows. At the same time, Bitcoin ETFs have shown renewed institutional interest, with inflows rising on December 9, according to data from Wu Blockchain.

This activity highlights a growing divide in how investors are allocating capital across asset classes.

Bitcoin's recent price action is also being shaped by structural developments in the crypto space. A landmark partnership between Roxom and Dinari is enabling Bitcoin-native investors to trade U.S. equities directly using BTC. The collaboration expands access to over 200 tokenized stocks and ETFs, supported by regulated custodial infrastructure, signaling a new phase of cross-asset integration.

Why the Standoff Happened

The separation between Bitcoin and equities has emerged as crypto infrastructure and ETF adoption have matured. Unlike previous years when Bitcoin and stocks moved in tandem, this year has seen distinct investment strategies take hold. Traditional stock investors remain focused on earnings-driven fundamentals, while crypto investors increasingly prioritize onchain innovation and tokenized access to traditional assets.

The shift is evident in ETF flows: Bitcoin spot ETFs recorded $152 million in inflows on December 9, led by Fidelity's FBTC, while Ethereum and Solana ETFs also saw capital inflows. Meanwhile, the S&P 500's Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLK) recorded outflows of $347.10 million during the same week. This divergence underscores how different investor priorities are reshaping capital flows.

What Analysts Are Watching

The growing split is drawing attention from analysts and market observers, who are closely tracking both sides of the equation. On the crypto side, institutional inflows and tokenized equity access are seen as catalysts for Bitcoin's long-term growth. Roxom's CEO Borja Martel Seward noted that Bitcoiners are now able to invest in U.S. treasuries and other high-yield equities directly using BTC, expanding their investment universe.

However, challenges remain. Standard Chartered recently halved its 2025 Bitcoin price target to $100,000 from $200,000, citing slowing ETF inflows and the end of aggressive corporate buying. The bank's analysis highlights how institutional demand, once a key driver of Bitcoin's price action, has cooled, creating uncertainty for near-term gains.

On the equity side, the S&P 500 is undergoing sectoral rebalancing, with Ares Management set to replace Kellanova in the index. These changes reflect shifting investor priorities and market dynamics, further emphasizing the separate paths of traditional equities and crypto assets. At the same time, the Federal Reserve's upcoming policy decisions remain a key wildcard for both markets.

Risks to the Outlook

Despite the growing divergence, risks persist for both Bitcoin and equities. On the crypto side, regulatory uncertainty and liquidity concerns continue to weigh on investor sentiment. Bitwise's correction notice highlights the potential for illiquidity and regulatory headwinds, which could impact the performance of crypto ETFs and broader market confidence.

In the traditional market, the recent slowdown in ETF inflows and sectoral outflows suggest caution among institutional investors. The Fed's anticipated 25-basis-point rate cut could either act as a tailwind or a headwind, depending on how it is framed. A "hawkish cut" could trigger sell-offs across both equities and gold, while a more dovish stance could reinforce risk-on sentiment.

What This Means for Investors

The evolving relationship between Bitcoin and traditional equities is reshaping investment strategies. Investors are now navigating a market in which traditional correlations are weakening, and new opportunities are emerging through tokenized assets and cross-asset platforms. For Bitcoin investors, the focus is shifting toward onchain innovation and institutional adoption, with tokenized equities and ETFs opening new avenues for capital deployment.

For traditional equity investors, the key lies in adapting to sector-specific trends and macroeconomic shifts. The industrial and healthcare sectors have outperformed in recent weeks, while technology and financials face headwinds. As the Fed approaches its next policy decision, both markets will likely experience volatility, with outcomes dependent on how the central bank balances inflation and growth concerns.

With Bitcoin trading near $90,000 and the S&P 500 stabilizing amid mixed sector performance, investors must remain agile. The current landscape reflects a transition in how capital is allocated and managed, with crypto infrastructure and institutional adoption playing an increasingly pivotal role in defining future trends.