Key Takeaways
- Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs ended a streak of outflows with significant inflows on Dec. 30, 2025.
- This reversal happened after weeks of institutional selling.
- Past trends indicate that such inflows often push spot prices higher in the days to come.
Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) exchange-traded funds (ETFs) posted their first day of net inflows in weeks, breaking a persistent outflow streak just days before year-end.
The reversal came even as spot prices remained under pressure, with Bitcoin trading below $90,000 and Ethereum below $3,000.
Bitcoin Sees $354 Million Inflow, ETH Records $68 Million
On Dec. 30, Bitcoin ETFs recorded a net inflow of $354.8 million, ending a 7-day outflow period that had seen consistent redemptions.
Similarly, Ethereum ETFs saw $67.8 million in net inflows, snapping a 4-day outflow streak.
The latest inflow follows a difficult mid-to-late December period, during which total withdrawals from both assets totaled approximately $1.13 billion between Dec. 15 and 19.
Bitcoin ETFs alone lost $751 million net during that time, while Ethereum lost about $564 million.
The outflows in late December were primarily attributed to year-end de-risking by institutions, poor holiday liquidity, and tax-loss harvesting methods, in which investors sell positions to offset profits elsewhere.
For example, on Dec. 29, Bitcoin ETFs experienced $19.3 million in outflows and Ethereum $9.6 million, driven by redemptions from large players such as BlackRock’s IBIT and ETHA.
The trend reversal appears to be driven by increasing buying interest, potentially from bargain hunters or the expectation of a “January effect” in which markets bounce after the holidays.
Although BTC and ETH ETFs reversed, altcoin ETFs, such as Solana and XRP, continued to attract inflows, indicating a rotation away from the majors.
Historical Correlation Between ETF Flows and Spot Prices
Historically, ETF flows have shown a positive correlation with spot Bitcoin and Ethereum prices, as inflows compel issuers to acquire the underlying assets on the open market, thereby creating direct buying pressure.
A statistical analysis reveals a correlation coefficient of approximately 0.79 between Ethereum ETF flows and price changes, showing efficient price discovery, with inflows frequently leading to upward momentum.
According to preliminary findings, unexpected ETF flows have resulted in prolonged price increases for Bitcoin, peaking 3-4 days later.
The introduction of spot Bitcoin ETFs in early 2024 had a substantial, favorable impact on returns and volatility for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other assets, such as Litecoin, with event studies indicating that spot returns increased around launch dates.
In 2025, ETF inflows absorbed approximately 5.2% of the Bitcoin supply increase, helping to maintain price stability during rallies.
Outflows, on the other hand, create selling pressure when ETFs liquidate holdings to redeem shares, often exacerbating short-term downside swings, showcasing rapid price declines, and signalling less institutional confidence in the long term.
For example, continuous withdrawals in December contributed to sideways trading, although historical patterns indicate that reversals, such as this week’s, may precede recoveries, as witnessed after ETF debuts.
Prashant Jha is a seasoned crypto journalist based in Delhi, India, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science Engineering. Passionate about the evolving world of blockchain and cryptocurrencies, he has been a dedicated voice in the industry since 2018. Prashant’s expertise lies in regulatory reporting, where he unravels complex legal and financial developments with clarity and precision. Before joining CCN in 2024, he honed his craft at Cointelegraph, establishing himself as a trusted name in crypto journalism.
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