Bitcoin News Today: Ethereum surges as $1.59B inflows drive altcoin optimism, Bitcoin faces outflows

Ethereum-based investment products attracted a record $1.59 billion in inflows during the week ending July 15, 2025, marking the second-largest weekly total in history and outpacing all other digital assets in fund attraction. This surge propelled the broader cryptocurrency market to a 15-week streak of positive net flows, with total inflows reaching $1.9 billion for the period [1]. Year-to-date, Ethereum has drawn $7.79 billion in cumulative inflows, surpassing the $7.6 billion recorded in the 12 weeks following the U.S. presidential election in December 2024. The trend has reignited speculation about an “altcoin season,” as investors increasingly shift capital away from Bitcoin and toward smaller-cap assets.

Bitcoin, in contrast, recorded $175 million in outflows during the same week, reflecting a notable shift in market dynamics [1]. Ethereum’s price has climbed toward $4,000—a level not seen since December 2024—driven by seven consecutive days of inflows into spot ETH exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that have outpaced Bitcoin’s. QCP Capital highlighted that Ethereum’s market capitalization, at roughly 20% of Bitcoin’s, makes it more susceptible to price swings from relatively modest capital inflows [1]. Meanwhile, Bitcoin has demonstrated resilience, absorbing a recent 80,000 BTC sell-off with minimal volatility and maintaining a 60% dominance share in the market.

The altcoin rally, however, remains uneven. Solana and XRP led the charge with weekly inflows of $311 million and $189 million, respectively, while SUI added $8 million. Smaller assets like Cardano and Chainlink also saw modest inflows of $1.3 million and $0.5 million. Conversely, Litecoin and Bitcoin Cash posted outflows of $1.2 million and $0.66 million, underscoring the fragmented nature of capital distribution [1]. CoinShares attributed the inflows to speculative optimism tied to potential U.S. ETF approvals rather than a broad-based altcoin market rally. Derivatives data, however, suggest caution: perpetual open interest reached yearly highs on major exchanges, funding rates exceeded 15%, and options positioning indicates potential resistance levels at $4,000 for Ethereum and $120,000 for Bitcoin.

Analysts note that Ethereum’s performance is bolstered by macroeconomic tailwinds and sustained dip-buying behavior, yet Bitcoin’s role as a store of value continues to anchor its dominance. The mixed inflow pattern highlights a market where gains are concentrated among high-profile altcoins, while others struggle for traction. Investors remain closely monitoring regulatory developments, particularly around ETF approvals, which could further shift the balance between Bitcoin and Ethereum.

Sources:

[1] https://cryptopotato.com/ethereum-steals-the-spotlight-with-1-59b-inflows-but-not-all-altcoins-are-winning/