BlackRock’s Spot Bitcoin ETF (IBIT) Hits Record 6-Week Outflow Streak as BTC Struggles Near $90K

• What's Driving IBIT's Historic Outflow Streak?
• How Does Fidelity's FBTC Compare?
• Is This Just Seasonal Volatility or Something More?
• What Does the Technical Picture Show?
• How Are Other Market Players Reacting?
• What's Next for Bitcoin ETFs?
• Q&A: Understanding IBIT's Record Outflows

BlackRock's iShares bitcoin Trust (IBIT) is making headlines for all the wrong reasons - the fund just notched its sixth consecutive week of net outflows, marking its longest withdrawal streak since launching in January 2024. With over $2.7 billion exiting IBIT in this period, the bleeding reflects growing retail investor caution as Bitcoin wobbles near $90,000 after peaking at $126,000 in October. While Fidelity's FBTC shows tentative signs of recovery, analysts warn this institutional cold shoulder could signal deeper structural shifts in crypto markets.

What's Driving IBIT's Historic Outflow Streak?

Since hitting its all-time high on October 6, 2025, Bitcoin has shed nearly 30% of its value, creating ripple effects across spot ETF markets. IBIT's outflow streak hit $2.7 billion over five weeks as of December 5, with preliminary data suggesting a sixth week of withdrawals. "This marks a dramatic reversal from the persistent inflows supporting prices earlier this year," notes Glassnode. The withdrawals primarily come from retail investors, who dominate IBIT's shareholder base compared to more stable institutional holders.

Source: Cryptoast

How Does Fidelity's FBTC Compare?

While IBIT bleeds, Fidelity's FBTC tells a different story - after $534 million in outflows during the same five-week period, it's seen $270 million in net inflows over the past two weeks. This divergence suggests investors might be rotating between funds rather than abandoning Bitcoin ETFs entirely. "The appetite for crypto exposure remains, but investors are becoming more selective," observes a BTCC market analyst.

Is This Just Seasonal Volatility or Something More?

The current situation has analysts scratching their heads. Bitcoin's traditional halving cycle patterns appear broken, while its correlation with traditional assets keeps increasing. Bloomberg analysts caution that "institutional appetite for the world's largest cryptocurrency remains weak, even as prices stabilize." Some speculate we're seeing year-end portfolio rebalancing, while others warn of fundamental shifts in crypto market structure.

What Does the Technical Picture Show?

TradingView charts reveal Bitcoin has formed a descending triangle pattern since October, with the $90,000 level acting as precarious support. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) sits at 42 - neither oversold nor overbought - suggesting more sideways action could follow. Volume patterns show weakening buying interest during rallies, a concerning sign for bulls.

How Are Other Market Players Reacting?

Goldman Sachs recently announced plans to expand its crypto ETF offerings in 2026, betting on long-term institutional adoption. Meanwhile, derivatives data from CoinGlass shows short positions on Bitcoin futures hitting three-month highs, indicating professional traders are hedging against further downside.

What's Next for Bitcoin ETFs?

The coming weeks will prove critical. If IBIT's outflows continue into 2026, it could signal deeper problems for crypto's institutional adoption narrative. However, history shows Bitcoin often surprises when sentiment turns overwhelmingly negative. As one veteran trader quipped, "The market always climbs a wall of worry."

This article does not constitute investment advice.

Q&A: Understanding IBIT's Record Outflows

How much has flowed out of IBIT recently?

IBIT has seen approximately $2.7 billion in net outflows over six consecutive weeks as of December 5, 2025.

Why is Fidelity's FBTC performing differently?

FBTC saw outflows early in the period but has attracted $270 million in net inflows over the past two weeks, suggesting investor preference shifts rather than wholesale Bitcoin abandonment.

What does this mean for Bitcoin's price?

While ETF flows influence short-term price action, Bitcoin's long-term trajectory depends more on macroeconomic factors, adoption trends, and its evolving correlation with traditional markets.