U.S. spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds delivered their strongest weekly performance since the October crypto selloff, signaling renewed institutional interest as 2026 gets underway. According to data from SoSoValue, Bitcoin ETFs recorded $1.42 billion in net inflows last week, marking their best showing in more than three months.
The rebound followed a sharp recovery in Bitcoin prices, which climbed close to $98,000 during the week, up from below $90,000 at the start of the year. That rally helped lift total net assets held by U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs to $124.5 billion, representing an asset ratio of 6.53% of Bitcoin’s total market capitalization.
Despite the positive flow data, sentiment remains fragile. Renewed trade tensions between the United States and the European Union have reintroduced macro uncertainty, triggering a pullback in Bitcoin prices and raising questions about the durability of the ETF-driven rally.
BlackRock and Fidelity Lead Inflows
Large asset managers dominated last week’s ETF inflows, underscoring the role of institutional capital in shaping near-term market dynamics. BlackRock accounted for more than 71% of total inflows, with its iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) attracting approximately $1.04 billion in new capital. The strong demand came despite speculation that some large holders were reducing direct Bitcoin exposure.
Fidelity’s Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund (FBTC) ranked second, posting $194 million in net inflows, while smaller issuers recorded more modest activity. The concentration of flows highlights how a handful of dominant funds continue to drive the ETF market’s direction.
Ethereum ETFs also participated in the rebound. U.S. spot Ether funds saw $479 million in weekly inflows, their largest since last year’s crash, with BlackRock once again leading contributions. The synchronized inflows suggest broader confidence in crypto-linked investment vehicles, even as price volatility returns.
Key ETF market figures at a glance:
- Bitcoin ETF weekly inflows: $1.42 billion
- BlackRock IBIT inflows: ~$1.04 billion
- Total Bitcoin ETF assets: $124.5 billion
- Ethereum ETF inflows: $479 million
Futures Data Signals Cautious Recovery
Beyond ETFs, derivatives markets are showing early signs of stabilization. Bitcoin futures open interest has risen roughly 12% since the start of the year, reversing part of the deleveraging seen between October and December. Data shows open interest climbing from an eight-month low of $54 billion on January 1 to around $61 billion by January 19, after peaking near $66 billion on January 15.
Analysts note that futures positioning often provides insight into trader conviction. The recent increase suggests capital is returning, though not without hesitation. With global markets facing key economic and political events, some strategists warn that ETF inflows could slow if risk appetite deteriorates.
For now, Bitcoin ETFs have delivered a powerful start to the year. Whether that momentum holds will likely depend on how investors balance improving crypto-specific fundamentals against rising macroeconomic headwinds.
