BTC & ETH spot ETFs added ~$500M last week but prices stayed flat
Spot Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) ETFs recorded roughly $500 million in combined net inflows between Dec 8–12, 2025, continuing a modest recovery after large November outflows. Bitcoin ETFs drew about $287M—led by BlackRock’s IBIT—while Ethereum ETFs added roughly $209M with inflows concentrated in BlackRock’s ETHA and Fidelity’s FETH. Total spot ETF assets remain sizable (Bitcoin ETFs ~ $118.3B AUM; Ethereum ETFs ~ $19.4B AUM). Despite steady capital entering ETFs, BTC and ETH prices were largely unchanged over the week (BTC near $89.6k, ETH around $3,127), which market participants attribute to a fully priced-in Fed rate cut, persistent resistance for BTC around $92k–$94k, and cautious risk sentiment. The flows signal improving investor sentiment and gradual, structural shifts toward long-term ETF allocation dominated by large asset managers—especially BlackRock—where ownership is quietly transferring into ETF wrappers. For traders, the key implications are that ETF inflows provide potential price support and indicate institutional accumulation, but muted price reaction suggests limited immediate bullish momentum; continued low volatility with steady inflows could set the stage for abrupt price moves if flows accelerate or liquidity tightens.
Neutral
The combined ~$500M net inflows into BTC and ETH spot ETFs are a constructive sign of renewed investor demand and institutional accumulation—factors that can provide price support over time. However, the muted price response despite sizable inflows, plus recent large November outflows and clear resistance near BTC $92k–$94k, indicate limited immediate buying pressure. Large asset managers (notably BlackRock) dominate flows, meaning ownership shifts can be significant but gradual. In the short term this news is neutral: it reduces downside risk by adding structural demand but does not yet signal a strong bullish breakout. Over the medium-to-long term, consistent ETF inflows could be bullish if they persist and outpace selling; conversely, if inflows stall or macro risks re-emerge, the positive effect may fade. Traders should watch ETF flow pace, BTC resistance levels, and liquidity/volatility — sustained accelerating inflows amid low volatility would increase the chance of abrupt bullish moves, while continued muted price action keeps the outlook neutral.