US Bitcoin spot ETFs recorded $142 million in net outflows on December 22 (ET), according to data from SoSoValue. This marks the third consecutive day of withdrawals, reflecting a cautious sentiment as Bitcoin trades sideways near the $88,000 level. Despite broader weakness in Bitcoin, BlackRock’s IBIT bucked the trend by recording the largest single-day inflow among Bitcoin funds with $6 million. The move reinforces IBIT’s position as the dominant institutional vehicle within the Bitcoin landscape.
Ethereum ETFs Draw Strong Demand
While Bitcoin funds saw capital outflows, the Ethereum spot ETF recorded total net inflows of $84.59 million, indicating a clear shift in institutional preference. Investors appear increasingly confident in Ethereum’s long-term utility, particularly after ETF approvals and growing on-chain activity. The capital rotation extended beyond Ethereum, with Solana spot ETFs attracting $7.47 million and XRP spot ETFs recording $43.89 million in net inflows. These entries highlight growing institutional exposure to alternative Layer 1 and payments-focused blockchain assets.
ETF approvals reshape institutional strategy
Inflows into the Ethereum, Solana, and XRP ETFs are closely tied to their SEC approvals in early 2025, which opened regulated access for traditional investors. As a result, institutions are diversifying beyond Bitcoin rather than abandoning cryptocurrencies entirely. Bitcoin’s consolidation near $88,300 appears to be encouraging profit rotation rather than aggressive risk-off behavior. With Bitcoin’s total assets still hovering near $115 billion, the outflows suggest a rebalancing rather than a loss of conviction.
Market implications in the future
This divergence between Bitcoin and altcoin ETF flows points to a more nuanced market phase. Institutions no longer treat cryptocurrencies as a one-time trade, but rather actively allocate them based on network fundamentals, growth narratives, and risk-adjusted returns. Sustained Ethereum ETF inflows, Bitcoin price stability, and continued diversification into altcoins will be key signals to monitor. If this rotation persists, it could mark a structural shift in how institutional capital approaches the cryptocurrency market in 2026 and beyond.
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