Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs Back in the Green: $1.7 Billion Pours into BTC Funds This Week
- Why Are Bitcoin ETFs Seeing Such Massive Inflows?
- Ethereum ETFs: A Slower but Steady Recovery
- Market Context: What’s Driving the Rally?
- Historical Comparison: How Does This Week Stack Up?
- FAQ: Your Top Questions Answered
The crypto ETF rollercoaster continues as Bitcoin and ethereum funds rebound sharply in early 2026. Bitcoin ETFs alone attracted a staggering $1.7 billion in net inflows this week, while Ethereum funds saw a more modest $310 million. This resurgence comes after months of volatility, with institutional investors clearly signaling renewed confidence in crypto assets. Below, we break down the key movements, analyze the driving factors, and explore what this means for the broader market.
Why Are Bitcoin ETFs Seeing Such Massive Inflows?
The first three trading days of this week (January 12-14, 2026) saw bitcoin ETFs net $1.7 billion in inflows—a dramatic reversal from the outflows dominating late 2025. The standout performer was January 14, when a single-day record of $840 million flooded into BTC funds, the highest since October 2025. Leading the charge were the iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) and Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund (FBTC), which collectively absorbed over 80% of the inflows. Data from Farside Investors reveals IBIT pulled in $920 million net, while FBTC captured $780 million. This surge coincides with Bitcoin reclaiming the $96,000 level, suggesting institutional players are doubling down ahead of anticipated market moves.
Ethereum ETFs: A Slower but Steady Recovery
While Ethereum funds avoided the extreme outflows plaguing Bitcoin ETFs last quarter, their rebound has been quieter. Over the same three-day period, ETH-focused funds gathered $310 million in net inflows. Surprisingly, Grayscale’s products dominated here: the Ethereum Staking Mini ETF (GSEM) attracted $190 million, and the Grayscale Ethereum Trust (ETHE) added $120 million. BlackRock’s ETH fund, typically a heavyweight, trailed with just $45 million. Analysts speculate that staking rewards and Ethereum’s recent upgrade (which boosted transaction efficiency) are drawing cautious but growing interest.
Market Context: What’s Driving the Rally?
Several factors are fueling this ETF resurgence:
- Macro Shifts: With the Fed hinting at rate cuts, risk assets like crypto are back in favor.
- Technical Breakouts: Bitcoin’s reclaim of $96k and Ethereum holding $3,300 created bullish momentum.
- Institutional FOMO: After months of sidelined capital, funds are scrambling to re-enter.
As noted by the BTCC research team, "This isn’t retail-driven—it’s institutions rebalancing portfolios. The speed of inflows suggests many are under-allocated to crypto and playing catch-up."
Historical Comparison: How Does This Week Stack Up?
To appreciate the scale of this rebound, consider:
| Period | BTC ETF Net Inflows | ETH ETF Net Inflows |
|---|---|---|
| Oct-Dec 2025 | -$2.1B | -$480M |
| Jan 12-14, 2026 | +$1.7B | +$310M |
Source: Farside Investors, CoinMarketCap
FAQ: Your Top Questions Answered
Which Bitcoin ETF saw the most inflows this week?
iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) led with $920 million, followed by Fidelity’s FBTC at $780 million.
Are Ethereum ETFs a safer bet than Bitcoin ETFs now?
Not necessarily. While ETH funds are less volatile, their lower liquidity can amplify risks during sell-offs.
Could these inflows reverse again?
Market sentiment remains fragile. A drop below $90k for BTC or $3k for ETH could trigger outflows.
