Bitcoin News Today: BlackRock Buys $76.1M BTC and ETH After Sharp Sell-Off

BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, has resumed accumulation of Bitcoin and Ethereum following a sharp two-day sell-off in crypto markets. On August 7, the firm added 363 BTC ($41.9 million) and 9,251.59 ETH ($34.2 million) to its ETF portfolios, marking a significant reentry into the digital asset space [1]. This move came just days after BlackRock had unloaded 2,544 BTC on August 5 and another 665 BTC on August 6—representing the largest two-day outflow streak since the launch of its iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) in January [1].

Despite these redemptions, IBIT’s total BTC holdings rebounded to 739.3K BTC as of August 7, with the fund still maintaining the largest holdings among spot Bitcoin ETFs, valued at over $85 billion [1]. The data suggests BlackRock may be executing a short-term rebalancing strategy, offloading at local highs before buying back into weaker conditions. Institutional interest remains strong, particularly as Bitcoin’s long-term supply dynamics continue to tighten ahead of the next halving event.

BlackRock’s Ethereum purchase on August 7 also indicates a renewed interest in ETH exposure. Earlier in the week, the firm had recorded a $375 million outflow from its ETHA fund, ending a 21-day inflow streak [1]. The $34.2 million inflow on August 7 may signal an opportunistic entry at support levels, as Ethereum traded at $3,723. While ETH has lagged behind BTC on a relative basis since June, institutional accumulation often precedes price action in altcoins.

The synchronized reentry into both BTC and ETH after a sharp liquidation appears to reflect BlackRock’s attempt to position ahead of potential macroeconomic catalysts, including the upcoming CPI data [1]. This pattern of selling during volatility and buying during dips underscores the firm’s active management approach amid a highly dynamic crypto environment.

The broader crypto ETF landscape has also seen significant movement. Ethereum ETFs recorded a record $465 million in outflows, with BlackRock’s ETHA fund leading the exodus [3]. Bitcoin ETFs experienced a four-day outflow streak before reversing course on August 7, ending with a net inflow of $91.5 million across the sector [4]. These shifts have been influenced by weak macroeconomic data and a general pullback in risk assets, prompting retail investors to take profits [4].

Analysts note that the fundamental value of Bitcoin and Ethereum remains intact, and the return to net inflows—led by BlackRock’s IBIT with $42 million in inflows—could indicate a shift in institutional confidence [4]. However, while some Wall Street analysts forecast a 160% gain in Bitcoin by the end of 2025, driven by rising institutional and corporate adoption, such projections should be viewed as speculative [6].

BlackRock’s recent actions highlight the evolving nature of institutional participation in crypto markets. As ETF flows remain a key barometer of investor sentiment, the firm’s strategy of buying during dips could serve as a barometer of broader market confidence.

Sources:

[1] Finbold. (2025, July 29). BlackRock just bought millions of these cryptos after huge sell-off. https://finbold.com/blackrock-just-bought-millions-of-these-cryptos-after-huge-sell-off/

[2] CoinGape. (2025, August 5). BlackRock moves $292M BTC, $372M ETH amid crypto ETF outflows. https://coingape.com/blackrock-moves-292m-btc-372m-eth-amid-crypto-etf-outflows/

[3] Finbold. (2025, August 5). BlackRock just dumped over $600 million of these two cryptocurrencies. https://finbold.com/blackrock-just-dumped-over-600-million-of-these-two-cryptocurrencies/

[4] CoinJournal. (2025, August 5). US spot Bitcoin, Ethereum ETFs return to inflows after sharp sell-off. https://coinjournal.net/news/us-spot-bitcoin-ethereum-etfs-return-to-inflows-after-sharp-selloff/

[5] TradingView. (2025, August 5). Crypto ETF selloff: Bitcoin loses $333M, Ethereum $465M in single-day outflows. https://www.tradingview.com/news/cryptonews:8332a7a3e094b:0-crypto-etf-selloff-bitcoin-loses-333m-ethereum-465m-in-single-day-outflows-bull-run-over/

[6] Nasdaq. (2025, August 4). 1 BlackRock ETF to buy before it soars 160% in 2025. https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/1-blackrock-etf-buy-it-soars-160-2025-according-select-wall-street-analysts