U.S.-listed Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) recorded $260 million in net inflows over May 7 and 8, signaling a fresh wave of institutional confidence. The resurgence follows a recent slowdown after record-breaking inflows in late April. According to data from Farside Investors, the renewed buying pressure comes as Bitcoin trades above $100,000 for the first time in history.
The inflows, while smaller than the $400–$600 million daily average seen last week, demonstrate continued demand for crypto-linked financial products despite broader market caution. Analysts attribute the bullish sentiment to both macroeconomic factors and regulatory clarity emerging in key jurisdictions.
Notably, Standard Chartered reports that spot Bitcoin ETFs have amassed $5.3 billion in inflows over the past three weeks.
Fidelity Gains ETF Momentum Over BlackRock
A key development in the latest inflow trend is the shifting dynamic between ETF heavyweights BlackRock and Fidelity. While BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) led the market in April—hitting a one-day inflow high of $971 million—recent data suggests that dominance is fading.
This week:
- IBIT’s daily inflows dropped to $30–70 million
- Fidelity’s Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund (FBTC) attracted $75 million over two days
Fidelity’s rising numbers are particularly notable, considering it had negative flows in the previous week. The rebound suggests a recalibration of investor sentiment and potentially a new phase in competition among top ETF issuers.
Market experts believe this trend reflects shifting investor allocation strategies as the ETF space matures and Bitcoin stabilizes above key psychological thresholds.
Macro Tailwinds Fuel Crypto Optimism
Beyond ETF flows, Bitcoin’s recent rally has been supported by several favorable developments:
- Three U.S. states passed Bitcoin reserve laws within 24 hours
- Easing U.S.-China trade tensions restored broader market confidence
- Inflation data released this week was in line with expectations
These catalysts, combined with growing institutional demand, have lifted investor sentiment across the crypto landscape. Prominent figures like Arthur Hayes forecast Bitcoin could reach $150,000 by month’s end, fueled by continued inflows and macro tailwinds.
As regulatory frameworks evolve and capital continues to pour into Bitcoin ETFs, market participants are closely watching how Fidelity and BlackRock maneuver to dominate this new frontier.
With Bitcoin now holding above $100,000, all eyes are on whether institutional momentum can carry prices even higher—or if a correction looms.
