Bitcoin News Today: Institutional Capital Floods Crypto ETFs as Altcoins Target Mainstream Approval

Bitcoin ETFs have attracted over $5 billion in net inflows since October 2025, marking a significant milestone for institutional adoption of the cryptocurrency. Data from SoSoValue and The Block indicates that U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded 15 consecutive days of inflows, totaling $4.7 billion, with BlackRock's IBIT dominating the flows at 81% of the total. Bitcoin's price, currently trading near $121,400, remains below its recent high of $126,000 but has shown resilience, with analysts like BitBull and James Check viewing $110,000 as a structural bottom and predicting a potential rally to $150,000. The optimism stems from institutional investors capitalizing on weak selling pressure and a broader shift in sentiment as the U.S. dollar weakens, boosting demand for hard assets like Bitcoin Bitcoin ETFs Cross $5B in Inflows, Analysts Eye $150K BTC Price^[1].

On-chain metrics suggest a controlled profit-taking phase rather than a bearish reversal. Open Interest (OI) dropped nearly $5 billion, clearing overextended long positions and reducing short-term volatility. BTC dominance (BTC.D) remains stable near 59%, signaling continued institutional preference for Bitcoin over altcoins. Despite a 2.4% pullback, ETF inflows of $440 million in early October indicate sustained demand, with analysts noting that the correction aligns with historical patterns of consolidation rather than a cycle top Bitcoin ETF Inflows Near $5B as BTC Sits Below Highs^[3].

The surge in Bitcoin ETF activity has also intensified focus on altcoins, particularly XRP, Solana, and Polygon (MATIC), as the SEC streamlines approval processes for crypto ETFs. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's new framework, which reduces approval timelines and standardizes criteria, has positioned XRP and Solana as leading candidates for inclusion. XRP's efficiency in cross-border payments and low fees, highlighted by Nasdaq's ETF proposal, has made it a front-runner. Solana's high-speed blockchain and DeFi ecosystem further bolster its appeal, with experts like Bloomberg's James Seyffart noting XRP's retail-driven momentum but anticipating long-term strength for Solana as institutional narratives evolve Canary Capital Nears SEC Approval for XRP and Solana ETFs Amid Broader Crypto ETF Momentum^[6].

Polygon's recent tokenomics overhaul proposal has also drawn attention. Activist investor Venturefounder advocates for eliminating Polygon's 2% annual inflation rate and introducing treasury-funded buybacks to curb sell pressure. The proposal, which has garnered support from Polygon co-founder Brendan Farmer, aims to align the token's supply dynamics with its technological advancements and address underperformance against the broader market. Despite challenges from Layer 2 competitors like Arbitrum and Optimism, Polygon's developer community and growing real-world asset (RWA) tokenization initiatives remain key strengths .

The ETF landscape for altcoins is rapidly evolving. Canary Capital's updated XRP and Solana ETF filings, with reduced fees to 0.50%, reflect competitive pressure and regulatory progress under a more crypto-friendly SEC. Analysts predict that faster approvals could accelerate adoption, with XRP's retail base driving initial inflows and Solana's institutional engagement fueling longer-term growth. Meanwhile, Polygon's governance-driven reforms aim to restore investor confidence amid a 46% price decline since 2024 Activist Investor Pushes Polygon Tokenomics Overhaul Amid Booming Crypto Market^[7].

Institutional and retail demand for crypto ETFs continues to reshape market dynamics. Bitcoin's ETF inflows have solidified its role as a hedge against dollar debasement, while altcoin ETFs offer diversified exposure to high-performance blockchains. As the SEC's regulatory clarity reduces uncertainty, the integration of XRP, Solana, and Polygon into mainstream portfolios could enhance liquidity and adoption, further cementing crypto's place in global finance .