Bitcoin (BTC-USD) ETFs Record $4B Inflows as IBIT Surges Past $100B AUM

The momentum behind Bitcoin ETFs has intensified, with capital surging into spot products at an unprecedented pace. BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) now holds over 800,000 BTC, equivalent to nearly 4% of total circulating supply, pushing its assets under management above $100 billion for the first time. This record milestone follows $4 billion in new inflows over the past week, extending a nine-day streak of positive entries—a clear indication that institutional appetite for BTC-USD exposure continues to grow even as the spot price consolidates around $117,600, down 2.56% on the day and nearly 4% week-to-date.

Blackrock’s ibit dominates inflows as institutional positioning defines market structure

Data from SosoValue shows that BlackRock’s IBIT captured the bulk of inflows—$255 million on October 9 alone—bringing cumulative net inflows to $65.19 billion since its launch. Bitwise’s BITB added $6.58 million, maintaining its second straight positive day, while Grayscale’s GBTC recorded another $45.5 million in outflows as investors continue to migrate toward lower-fee options. Despite mixed flows elsewhere, overall Bitcoin ETF net inflows reached $198 million on the session, bringing total net assets across all BTC ETFs to $164.8 billion, representing 6.83% of Bitcoin’s total market capitalization. This marks the most sustained inflow streak since March 2024 and positions IBIT among the top five ETFs globally by AUM, overtaking traditional equity funds like the SPDR Financial Sector ETF.

Macro and policy tailwinds drive rotation into bitcoin as investors seek protection from tariffs and liquidity risk

The macro backdrop has added fuel to institutional accumulation. Investors are preparing for the Federal Reserve’s October 29 policy meeting, where a 25-basis-point rate cut is now priced at 62% probability, down from 71% earlier in the week after hotter labor data. The U.S. government shutdown, entering its second week, has delayed critical inflation readings, pushing more portfolios toward defensive real assets such as gold and Bitcoin, which both benefit from policy uncertainty. BTC-USD continues to trade inversely to the U.S. Dollar Index, while correlation with the NASDAQ-100 has fallen to 0.43, signaling diversification appeal. Meanwhile, President Trump’s renewed tariff threats on Chinese imports—potentially affecting over $250 billion in goods—have amplified global liquidity fears, prompting several sovereign and hedge funds to increase digital exposure through ETFs rather than unregulated exchanges.

Sustained inflows reinforce bitcoin’s status as a regulated institutional-grade asset

The consistent inflow streak underscores the transformation of Bitcoin ETFs into an established institutional asset class. The nine-day positive flow period, totaling over $1.6 billion, has absorbed nearly 3,500 BTC daily from the open market. Analysts estimate that at this pace, ETFs could cumulatively hold 1 million BTC by mid-2026, effectively locking up 5% of supply and tightening liquidity across exchanges. The daily trading volume for BTC ETFs now averages $5.3 billion, up 14% month-over-month, while spot exchange activity remains flat—further evidence of migration toward compliant, custodial instruments. BlackRock’s IBIT alone accounts for $2.1 billion in daily turnover, reflecting strong participation from pension funds, insurance companies, and sovereign institutions that previously avoided direct crypto exposure.

Short-term volatility persists as btc consolidates near $117,000–$118,000 resistance zone

While inflows continue, price action remains in consolidation mode following the September rally that pushed BTC-USD to $121,657, its highest level since 2021. The recent 2.7% weekly decline mirrors earlier corrections seen in prior bull phases, typically lasting 9–14 days before new highs. Technical indicators confirm near-term indecision: Relative Strength Index (RSI) sits at 54, suggesting neutral momentum, while support lies between $112,000 and $115,000. A clean break above $125,000 could confirm renewed institutional demand, especially if options markets unwind short gamma positions ahead of next week’s $5 billion expiry. Conversely, a failure to hold $115,000 may open room for retracement toward $105,000, aligning with the lower Bollinger band and the 100-day moving average at $104,850.

Bitcoin etf inflows surpass ethereum’s performance as altcoin rotation begins

Contrary to Bitcoin’s inflow streak, Ethereum ETFs saw $8.5 million in outflows after eight consecutive days of gains, indicating a rotation of capital toward Bitcoin-led exposure. BlackRock’s ETHA ETF still managed $39.2 million in inflows, offset partially by outflows from Fidelity’s FETH (-$30.2 million) and Bitwise’s ETHW (-$8.0 million). The net result was a modest decline in total ETH ETF AUM to $29.9 billion, while BTC ETF holdings continue to expand. This divergence highlights investor preference for the liquidity and market depth of BTC-USD, particularly during macro uncertainty. Analysts view the rotation as a structural reallocation rather than a temporary trade, noting that funds are positioning for a prolonged Bitcoin-led dominance cycle reminiscent of early 2020.