Spot Bitcoin ETFs Lose $681M in First Week of 2026 as Demand Fades
Spot bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have started 2026 on a high note, with a combined $681 million inflows in the first full trading week of the year.
According to data from SoSoValue, the Spot Bitcoin (BTC) ETF recorded four consecutive days of net inflows between Tuesday and Friday, surpassing inflows from earlier in the week. The biggest daily redemptions occurred on Wednesday, when commodities poured in $486 million, followed by $398.9 million on Thursday and $249.9 million on Friday.
The reversal came after 2026 opened with short strength. On January 2, Bitcoin ETFs attracted $471.1 million, followed by another $697.2 million on January 5.
Spot Ether (ETH) ETFs followed a similar approach. On a weekly basis, the SpotEther ETF posted net outflows of approximately $68.6 million, ending the week with total net assets of approximately $18.7 billion.
RELATED: Bitcoin Takes $90K As ETFs Swirl And Institutions Move In: Finance Redefined
Macro uncertainty drives the risk-off shift.
Vincent Liu, chief investment officer at trading firm Kronos Research, pointed to macro uncertainty as the main driver behind the decline. He told Cointelegraph that expected changes in monetary policy and global risk are weighing on the position.
“Macro conditions have dampened risk as a Q1 rate cut looks less likely and geopolitical risks are on the rise,” Liu said. “As traders wait for clearer positive signs, the appetite is flowing into crypto.”
Liu added that investors are closely watching upcoming US consumer price index data and any indication of when the Federal Reserve will resume easing. “Placement may be cautious until clear symptoms are observed,” he added.
Related: Gray forms of trust related to BNB and HIPE ETFs
Morgan Stanley files for Bitcoin, Solana ETFs
Despite volatile market conditions, Morgan Stanley has filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to launch two niche crypto ETFs, one tracking Bitcoin and the other Solana (SOL).
The move comes a day after Bank of America, the second-largest U.S. bank, began allowing advisers in its wealth management business to offer exposure to four Bitcoin ETFs.
Magazine: How crypto rules have changed in 2025 — and how they will change in 2026
