US Spot Bitcoin ETFs Record Explosive 600 Million Dollar Inflow to Start 2026

US spot Bitcoin ETFs attracted $1.1 billion in inflows during the first two trading days of 2026. The inflows represent a reversal from two months of net outflows in late 2025. Analysts attribute the surge to the new year's 'clean-slate effect'.

BlackRock's iShares Bitcoin Trust led the inflow with $371.9 million in new capital. Fidelity's Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund followed with $191.2 million. Bitwise and Ark also saw significant inflows. These figures highlight the dominance of a few major players in the ETF space.

The inflows mark a shift in institutional investor behavior. Following a sharp decline in late 2025 due to thin liquidity and year-end positioning, investor appetite has rebounded. Bitcoin reclaimed and held levels above $90,000, signaling renewed confidence.

Why Did This Happen?

The new year's 'clean-slate effect' appears to be a primary driver of the inflows. Investors are resetting portfolios after a period of outflows and tax-loss harvesting in late December. This behavior is typical as the start of the year brings fresh investment strategies and portfolio rebalancing.

Institutional demand for Bitcoin is also being driven by a broader shift in perception. BlackRock has reframed Bitcoin as part of the global financial infrastructure, moving it away from speculative trading. This perspective aligns with the increasing adoption of digital assets in institutional portfolios.

What Are Analysts Watching Next?

Analysts are closely monitoring whether the inflows represent a sustained trend or a temporary surge. The ETFs have now custody of $122.86 billion worth of Bitcoin, and inflows could continue if institutional demand holds. Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas has predicted that annual inflows could reach $150 billion.

Market observers are also watching how new ETF entrants, such as Morgan Stanley, perform. The firm has filed with the SEC to launch its own Bitcoin and Solana ETFs. This move could intensify competition in the ETF market and affect asset allocation.

What Does This Mean for the Market?

The inflows into Bitcoin ETFs suggest a potential long-term supply squeeze. As ETFs continue to absorb circulating Bitcoin, they may create a structural imbalance between supply and demand. This dynamic could support higher prices if the trend continues.

Ethereum and other altcoin ETFs are also gaining traction. Spot Ether ETFs saw $168 million in inflows, and funds tracking smaller market-cap assets showed positive performance. This broader participation indicates that investors are diversifying exposure across the crypto ecosystem.

Investors should watch for potential outflows from underperforming funds. Preliminary data suggests that some ETFs, such as Fidelity's, could see outflows midweek. These fluctuations highlight the need for caution as ETF flows remain volatile on a day-to-day basis.