Bitcoin ETFs Bleed $1.22 Billion in One Week: BlackRock, Fidelity, Grayscale Hit Hard

• What Triggered the $1.22 Billion Bitcoin ETF Exodus?
• Who's Still Betting Big on Crypto Despite the Chaos?
• Why Are Smart Money Flows So Contradictory Right Now?
• How Does This Impact Bitcoin's Price Outlook?
• Frequently Asked Questions

Talk about a crypto carnage! U.S. spot bitcoin ETFs just witnessed their worst week since launch, with a staggering $1.22 billion fleeing these institutional products. While traditional markets wobble under macro pressures, crypto's shiny new investment vehicles aren't immune either. BlackRock's iShares Bitcoin Trust led the exodus with $268.6 million in outflows, followed by Fidelity ($67.2M) and Grayscale ($25M). The bleeding coincided with Bitcoin's price plummeting from $115K to $104K - a $10K haircut that had traders reaching for the antacids. But here's the plot twist: Charles Schwab's CEO just revealed their clients hold 20% of all U.S. crypto ETPs, proving some big players are still betting long on digital assets. Grab your popcorn, folks - this institutional drama's just getting started.

What Triggered the $1.22 Billion Bitcoin ETF Exodus?

Last week wasn't just bad - it was "break glass in case of emergency" terrible for spot Bitcoin ETFs. The outflows weren't some gradual trickle either; Friday alone saw $366.6 million vanish like a magician's assistant. I've been tracking ETF flows since the January launches, and this marks the most concentrated institutional retreat we've seen.

The numbers tell a brutal story:

• BlackRock's IBIT: $268.6 million out (their worst week since February)
• Fidelity's FBTC: $67.2 million fleeing
• Grayscale's GBTC: Another $25 million gone

CoinMarketCap data shows Bitcoin's price collapse perfectly mirrored these outflows - from Monday's $115,000 high to Friday's $104,000 low. That's a 9.5% drop that turned the "digital gold" narrative into "digital fool's gold" real quick.

Who's Still Betting Big on Crypto Despite the Chaos?

While most institutions were hitting the sell button, Charles Schwab was busy doubling down. Their CEO Rick Wurster dropped a bombshell on CNBC: "Our clients own 20% of all crypto ETPs in America." Let that sink in - one-fifth of the entire institutional crypto market sits with Schwab investors.

Even crazier? Their crypto education site saw 90% more traffic this year. As Wurster put it: "It's a topic of high engagement." Meanwhile, Schwab's quietly preparing to launch spot crypto trading by 2026. Talk about playing the long game while everyone else panics!

Why Are Smart Money Flows So Contradictory Right Now?

Here's where things get fascinating. On one hand, you've got massive ETF outflows suggesting institutional cold feet. On the other, Schwab's data shows deep-pocketed investors accumulating through other channels. This isn't just market noise - it's a fundamental divide in how big players approach crypto volatility.

Nate Geraci, president of The ETF Store, nailed it with his tweet: "Hope you're paying attention." Because while short-term traders flee, strategic players like Schwab are building infrastructure for the next bull run. Reminds me of 2018's "crypto winter" when the real OGs were quietly stacking sats.

How Does This Impact Bitcoin's Price Outlook?

Let's be real - $1.22 billion in ETF outflows creates serious downward pressure. But here's what most headlines miss: these products still hold over $50 billion in assets. That's why Bitcoin only dropped 9.5% instead of 30% like in pre-ETF days. The market's maturing before our eyes.

TradingView charts show critical support at $100K held strong. If that breaks? Buckle up. But with Schwab's revelation about hidden institutional demand, I wouldn't bet against a surprise rebound. October's historically bullish for Bitcoin - this might just be the shakeout before the next leg up.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much did Bitcoin ETFs lose last week?

U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs suffered net outflows totaling $1.22 billion during the week ending October 18, 2025, marking their worst performance since launch.

Which Bitcoin ETF saw the biggest outflows?

BlackRock's iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) led the exodus with $268.6 million in outflows, followed by Fidelity's FBTC ($67.2M) and Grayscale's GBTC ($25M).

Is institutional interest in crypto declining?

Not according to Charles Schwab - their clients own 20% of all U.S. crypto ETPs, and their crypto education site traffic grew 90% year-over-year.

What caused Bitcoin's price to drop last week?

The combination of massive ETF outflows and broader macroeconomic uncertainty pushed Bitcoin from $115,000 to $104,000 - a 9.5% decline.

When will Schwab offer spot crypto trading?

Charles Schwab plans to launch spot crypto trading for clients by 2026, according to recent company statements.