Bitcoin ETFs Bleed $290M as ‘Risk-Off’ Mood Deepens
Bitcoin ETFs saw outflows of nearly $296 million last week, predominantly from BlackRock’s IBIT, reflecting a broad risk-off mood in global markets. The largest single-day outflow, $225.5 million, occurred Friday, reversing Monday’s $167.2 million inflow. Factors driving sentiment include inflation concerns from surging oil prices, postponed expectations for Federal Reserve rate cuts, ongoing geopolitical risks such as escalations in Iran, and the fifth consecutive weekly loss for the S&P 500. While some analysts see the ETF outflows as consistent with routine rebalancing and not structurally significant, all point to persistent risk aversion amid failed ceasefire talks and defensive investor positioning. Bitcoin’s relative resilience is noted, but it remains vulnerable to indiscriminate selling during market stress. Market participants are increasingly pricing in potential Fed rate hikes, and on the Myriad prediction market, sentiment is bearish. As of Monday, Bitcoin trades at $67,574, up 1.4% on the day but down from earlier highs.
