Bitcoin ETFs Post Sharp Weekly Outflows
U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded a volatile week of flows between May 11 and May 15, with strong midweek selling pressure outweighing brief rebounds as institutional sentiment weakened alongside the broader crypto market.
Summary:
- Bitcoin ETFs saw nearly $630 million in outflows on May 13 alone.
- BlackRock’s IBIT recorded the largest single-day withdrawal of the week
- Bitcoin fell 2.86% on the week to around $78,039.
Bitcoin traded around $78,039 during the selloff, slipping below the key $79,000 level as risk appetite deteriorated.
The sector posted net outflows of roughly $995 million across the five-day stretch, driven primarily by heavy withdrawals from major funds managed by BlackRock, Fidelity Investments and ARK Invest.
BlackRock, Fidelity Lead Midweek Selling
According to FarSide Investors, the sharpest move came on May 13, when spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded combined outflows of approximately $630 million.
BlackRock’s IBIT lost $284.7 million during the session, while Fidelity’s FBTC saw $133.2 million leave the fund. ARKB and Bitwise’s BITB also posted sizable withdrawals.
The selling followed a strong start to the month, which previously saw Bitcoin ETFs attract more than $1.6 billion in combined inflows between May 1 and May 6.
Despite the pullback, market participants noted that institutional positioning remains significantly stronger than during prior correction cycles, with most large issuers still maintaining positive net monthly flows.
Ethereum ETFs Continue to Lag
Spot Ethereum ETFs also struggled during the week, posting cumulative outflows of roughly $245 million between May 11 and May 15. Ethereum traded near $2,175, down more than 6% on the week as demand for ETH-linked products continued weakening.
BlackRock’s ETHA accounted for a significant portion of the withdrawals, including a $102 million outflow on May 12 and another $50.4 million on May 15.
Fidelity’s FETH also remained under pressure throughout the week as investor demand for Ethereum exposure lagged behind Bitcoin products.
Even so, analysts pointed to growing interest in staking-enabled ETF structures as a potential longer-term catalyst for Ethereum funds, particularly after recent regulatory shifts surrounding staking integration.
Solana ETFs Hold Positive Momentum
Unlike Bitcoin and Ethereum products, spot Solana ETFs maintained relatively stable flows during the week. Solana traded around $86.06 after falling roughly 8% over the past seven days, making it one of the weakest-performing major digital assets during the correction.
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The category recorded consistent inflows between May 11 and May 14, led by Bitwise’s BSOL and Fidelity’s FSOL products, before flows flattened on May 15.
Although total volumes remain smaller than Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs, the steady inflows reinforced growing institutional appetite for alternative Layer-1 exposure and staking-linked yield products.
XRP ETFs Extend Winning Streak
Meanwhile data from Coinglass shows, XRP investment products continued attracting capital throughout the week. XRP traded near $1.41 and outperformed most major cryptocurrencies during the downturn, declining less than 1% over the seven-day period.
Daily inflows accelerated from $3.6 million on May 12 to $12.99 million on May 14 before moderating to $7.32 million on May 15.
The consistent demand came as traders increasingly positioned for potential regulatory clarity in the U.S., with XRP-related products emerging as one of the strongest-performing ETF segments during May.
Institutional Demand Remains Selective
The week’s flow data highlighted a growing divide inside the digital asset ETF market.
While investors reduced exposure to large-cap Bitcoin and Ethereum products amid market weakness, capital continued rotating into selective altcoin and thematic funds tied to staking, yield generation and regulatory momentum.
Analysts said the divergence suggests institutional investors are becoming increasingly tactical rather than treating crypto ETFs as a single broad risk trade.
The information presented in this article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as financial, investment, or trading advice. Coinspress.com does not promote or advocate for any particular investment strategy, asset, or cryptocurrency project. Cryptocurrency markets are highly volatile and unpredictable – always perform your own research and seek guidance from a qualified financial professional before making any investment decisions.
Alexander Zdravkov
Reporter at CoinsPress
Alexander Zdravkov is a market analyst and crypto journalist with interests in economics, broader financial markets and digital assets. His journey into crypto began more than four years ago, driven by a fascination with the rapid evolution of blockchain technology and the transformative potential of decentralized finance. He began analyzing market cycles and identifying emerging trends before they reach the mainstream. He holds a degree in International Relations - a background that helped shape his broader perspective on global economics, geopolitics, and the interconnected nature of modern financial markets. Whether covering the latest developments in the crypto sector or exploring broader macroeconomic themes, Alexander focuses on giving readers context rather than simply repeating headlines. During his career, he has authored more than 10,000 articles covering cryptocurrencies, traditional finance, and global market developments. His work spans everything from Bitcoin and altcoins to macroeconomic trends influencing risk assets worldwide.
