Bitcoin ETFs Post Biggest Inflows Since October, Signaling Return of Institutional Demand
U.S.-listed bitcoin exchange-traded funds saw $697.2 million in net inflows on Monday, the largest single-day inflow since Oct. 7, according to Farside data.
The strong start to the year pushed total ETF inflows to around $1.2 billion over the first two trading sessions of 2026, coinciding with bitcoin (BTC $92,052) rising nearly 7%, from roughly $87,000 at the start of the year to just under $94,000.
Historical patterns suggest ETF flows often highlight turning points in bitcoin’s price cycles. Since spot bitcoin ETFs debuted in the U.S. in January 2024, extended periods of outflows — tracked on a 30-day moving average — have frequently lined up with local market bottoms, according to Glassnode. Notable examples include August 2024 during the yen carry trade unwind, when bitcoin dipped toward $49,000, and April 2025 amid the tariff-related sell-off, which marked a local low near $76,000.
After months of negative flows, ETFs are now rotating back into positive territory. The trend is reinforced by the Coinbase premium index, which has returned toward slightly negative levels, indicating that selling pressure has eased and market conditions are moving away from capitulation.
