Bitcoin News Today: Institutional Exodus Tests Bitcoin’s Resolve as Philippines Bets on Bitcoin Reserve

Bitcoin ETFs saw a significant net outflow of 2,400 BTC in recent trading sessions, with BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) recording a single-day net outflow of USD 198.8 million on August 23, 2025. This outflow contributed to softer Bitcoin performance during US trading hours and tighter liquidity around the US market open, according to analysis by Farside Investors and Kaiko research. The outflow coincided with broader declines in Bitcoin ETF inflows across the sector, as the funds experienced a six-day streak of net outflows. Total outflows from Bitcoin ETFs since August 15 amounted to nearly USD 1.2 billion, with over USD 1.1 billion leaving the funds in the week alone [1].

Bitcoin’s price fluctuated within a consolidation range of $111,000 to $117,000 during this period. The cryptocurrency initially fell to $112,000 following a wave of selling pressure, largely attributed to BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF outflows and the broader bearish sentiment among institutional investors. This sell-off came on the heels of Bitcoin reaching a new all-time high of $124,000 the previous week. However, the asset staged a rebound, trading at around $115,900 as of the latest available data, with the 24-hour gain exceeding 2% [2].

The outflows from BlackRock’s ETF were accompanied by transfers of approximately $500 million in Bitcoin to Coinbase, a clear indication of a strategic sell-off by the firm. The iShares Bitcoin ETF has been the primary driver of these outflows, with significant net outflows recorded on August 18 ($68.72 million), August 20 ($220 million), August 21 ($127.49 million), and August 22 ($198.81 million). These figures underscore the impact that institutional flows can have on market sentiment and price action [2].

Despite the ongoing outflows, there are early signs of a potential shift in the trend. On August 22, Bitcoin ETFs saw a net inflow of $65.47 million from Ark Invest, marking a rare positive movement in an otherwise bearish week. Fidelity, Van Eck, Franklin Templeton, Bitwise, and Grayscale also recorded inflows ranging from $6.42 million to $65.47 million. This suggests that, while BlackRock continued to see outflows, other major players in the Bitcoin ETF space are starting to attract capital once again. With the broader market environment improving following Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s Jackson Hole speech hinting at a potential September rate cut, a reversal of the outflow trend could be on the horizon [2].

The broader cryptocurrency market remains in what analysts describe as a "late bull phase," with Bitcoin’s price action exhibiting characteristics of consolidation ahead of a potential breakout. The 111,000–117,000 range represents a critical support and resistance zone, and the presence of large outflows from BlackRock’s ETF has added volatility to this period. Traders are advised to monitor key indicators such as the CME front month basis and perpetual funding rates to better understand the implications of these outflows on liquidity and price movements [1].

In parallel, a significant development in the regulatory landscape has emerged in the Philippines, where a proposed bill seeks to establish a strategic Bitcoin reserve. The bill, introduced by Rep. Migz Villafuerte, would require the country’s central bank to purchase 2,000 Bitcoin annually over five years, totaling 10,000 Bitcoin worth approximately $1.1 billion at current prices. The asset would be held in a trust for at least 20 years and could only be used to retire government debt. This initiative places the Philippines in a unique position in Southeast Asia, as it aims to diversify its financial assets and position Bitcoin as a strategic reserve akin to gold [3].

Source:

[1] BlackRock IBIT Bitcoin ETF Sees USD 198.8 Million Daily Outflow: Trading Impact On BTC Price And Liquidity (https://blockchain.news/flashnews/blackrock-ibit-bitcoin-etf-sees-usd-198-8-million-daily-outflow-trading-impact-on-btc-price-and-liquidity)

[2] BlackRock Triggers Bitcoin Sell-Offs With Half A Billion ... (https://www.mitrade.com/insights/news/live-news/article-3-1063857-20250823)

[3] Philippine bill charts path to strategic reserve with ... (https://cointelegraph.com/news/philippine-bill-strategic-bitcoin-reserve-10000-btc)