Bitcoin News Today: Harvard Tripled Bitcoin ETF Stake as Ethereum ETFs Lose Billions

Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs Record Heavy Outflows as SEC Reviews Altcoin Filings

Bitcoin and Ethereum exchange-traded funds (ETFs) experienced divergent flows last week, with Bitcoin ETFs attracting $524 million in inflows while Ethereum ETFs faced a record $1.071 billion in outflows, according to Farside Investors data. The stark contrast highlights shifting investor sentiment in the crypto market as traders reassess risk exposure amid macroeconomic uncertainty and regulatory scrutiny.

The Ethereum outflows, the largest single-day withdrawal in history, followed a broader selloff in crypto assets, with ether (ETH) dropping below $3,100 as of Nov. 14 according to Farside Investors data. Meanwhile, Bitcoin's price stabilized around $96,000 after a volatile week, though analysts warn that sustained ETF outflows could pressure its institutional-driven rally. Markus Thielen of 10x Research noted that $939 million in Bitcoin ETF outflows over the prior week signaled "market fatigue" following October's historic liquidations and a post-halving surge. "Institutions that fueled Bitcoin's gains may now exacerbate declines as they rebalance portfolios," Thielen said, citing CoinShares data.

Despite the outflows, institutional demand for Bitcoin showed tentative signs of recovery. Harvard University's endowment tripled its stake in BlackRock's iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) to $442.8 million in Q3 2025, a 257% increase from the previous quarter. The move, disclosed in a 13F filing, positioned IBIT as Harvard's largest single holding, signaling growing acceptance of crypto as a legitimate asset class. Concurrently, the university nearly doubled its gold ETF holdings to $235 million, reflecting a diversified hedging strategy amid inflationary pressures.

The ETF divergence underscored broader challenges for Ethereum. Nine U.S.-listed ETH ETFs recorded $107 million in outflows on Nov. 12, extending a weekly trend that has eroded net assets to $22.48 billion. Ethereum's struggles were compounded by weak retail demand for altcoins like XRP, whose derivatives open interest fell to $3.95 billion from $8.36 billion in early October. Canary, a firm that launched a successful XRP ETF in October, paused new altcoin filings pending SEC clarity, highlighting regulatory hurdles for non-Bitcoin crypto products.

Market participants are closely watching the SEC's review of altcoin ETF applications, which could determine the trajectory of broader crypto adoption. While Bitcoin's institutional appeal remains intact--bolstered by Harvard's investment and BlackRock's $19.4 billion in IBIT assets--Ethereum and altcoins face an uphill battle to regain traction according to a recent analysis. Thielen emphasized that ETF flows act as a "double-edged sword," capable of both propelling and pressuring prices depending on investor appetite according to 10x Research.

Bitcoin's near-term outlook remains mixed. Although a $523.98 million inflow on Nov. 12 signaled improving institutional interest, the asset faces headwinds from a potential U.S. government shutdown delay in key economic data releases and a broader market correction. QCP Capital analysts noted that while a resolution to the shutdown would ease liquidity pressures, it would not address underlying structural fiscal issues.