Bitcoin and Ether ETFs Lose $152M as BlackRock Drives Friday Selloff

The contrast highlighted diverging investor appetite across different crypto assets

U. S. crypto exchange-traded funds closed Friday under renewed selling pressure, with Bitcoin-linked products losing $82.39 million and Ether ETFs shedding $69.68 million in a single day. The outflows occurred amid broader market volatility and renewed investor caution toward digital assets. Solana, XRP, and Zcash ETFs also ended lower, while NEAR-based funds saw fresh inflows. BlackRock’s i Shares Bitcoin Trust was a notable driver of the selloff, reflecting shifting sentiment even among major institutional players. The selloff marked one of the largest single-day withdrawals for U. S. crypto ETFs in recent weeks, reversing earlier gains tied to optimism around spot Bitcoin ETF approvals. Analysts noted that profit-taking after a brief rally, combined with macroeconomic uncertainty, contributed to the retreat. Despite the outflows, some analysts pointed to continued long-term interest in blockchain exposure, particularly in niche areas like NEAR, which bucked the trend with new capital inflows.

While major Bitcoin and Ether funds faced pressure, inflows into NEAR-based ETFs indicated ongoing interest in ecosystems beyond the two largest cryptocurrencies. This pattern mirrors earlier shifts seen during market cycles, where investors reallocate within crypto rather than leaving the asset class entirely. Fund providers noted that demand for diversified crypto exposure remains, though it is increasingly sensitive to short-term price movements and narrative shifts. The episode underscores that crypto ETF flows are becoming more nuanced and reactive to sub-sector developments. Frequently Asked Questions What caused the $152 million outflow from Bitcoin and Ether ETFs on Friday? The outflows were driven by renewed selling pressure, profit-taking after a short rally, and broader market caution, with BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF seeing significant redemptions amid rising yields and risk-off sentiment.

Did all crypto ETFs lose value on Friday?

Did all crypto ETFs lose value on Friday? No, while Bitcoin, Ether, Solana, XRP, and Zcash ETFs declined, NEAR-linked ETFs attracted fresh capital, showing divergent investor preferences across different digital assets.

Is this a sign of long-term weakening demand for crypto ETFs? Not necessarily; analysts view the move as selective profit-taking and sector rotation rather than a loss of confidence, with continued interest in specific blockchain ecosystems beyond Bitcoin and Ether.