Glassnode reports sustained Bitcoin and Ether ETF outflows, signaling institutional pullback and declining investor confidence in crypto.
Glassnode, a leading blockchain analytics platform, has reported significant outflows from Bitcoin and Ether exchange-traded funds (ETFs).
The data suggests that institutional investors are pulling back from the crypto market. This shift has raised concerns, as institutional participation has been a key driver of the market’s growth in recent years.
Extended Outflows Reflect Weakening Institutional Sentiment
Bitcoin and Ether ETFs have experienced prolonged outflows since early November. The 30-day simple moving average of net flows has turned negative.
This suggests that institutional investors are becoming less active in the crypto space.
According to Glassnode, the consistent outflows indicate a “muted participation” from institutional investors. This is seen as part of a broader contraction in liquidity across the crypto market.
The pullback of institutional capital could have long-term effects on market stability and growth.
Since early November, the 30D-SMA of net flows into both Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs has turned negative and remained so.
This persistence suggests a phase of muted participation and partial disengagement from institutional allocators, reinforcing the broader liquidity contraction… pic.twitter.com/1aglRpQqD9— glassnode (@glassnode) December 23, 2025
As the market continues to struggle, the outflows from crypto ETFs reflect growing caution.
Institutional investors appear to be re-evaluating their positions amid declining market conditions. This could signal a more cautious approach toward crypto investments in the coming months.
Crypto ETF Selling Pressure Returns
Crypto ETF selling pressure has returned, with Bitcoin ETFs showing consistent outflows. According to Coinglass, Bitcoin ETFs have recorded outflows for four consecutive trading days. However, there are still some positive signs in the market.
BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) has seen minor inflows in the past week, despite the broader trend of outflows. This has drawn attention, as it contrasts with the general market sentiment.
Still, overall selling pressure from crypto ETFs reflects a shift in investor behavior.The $952 million in outflows recorded last week further signals that institutions are pulling back.
Six out of the last ten weeks have seen outflows from crypto funds. This indicates that investor sentiment is weak, and there may be further declines in the market.
Related Reading: Bitcoin Faces Resistance at $88K After Losing Key Support Level
BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF Defies Broader Trend
Despite the broader outflow trend, BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) continues to perform well. While it has recorded a negative return for the year, the fund has attracted significant inflows.
BlackRock’s fund even surpassed the SPDR Gold Shares fund (GLD) in terms of capital inflows.
Bloomberg’s ETF analyst, Eric Balchunas, pointed out the impressive performance of IBIT despite its negative return. “If you can do $25 billion in a bad year, imagine the flow potential in a good year,” he said.
This highlights the long-term potential of IBIT, even in less favorable market conditions.
$IBIT is the only ETF on the 2025 Flow Leaderboard with a negative return for the year. CT's knee-jerk reaction is to whine about the return but the real takeaway is that is was 6th place DESPITE the negative return (Boomers putting on a HODL clinic). Even took in more than $GLD… pic.twitter.com/68uq3HFRuO
— Eric Balchunas (@EricBalchunas) December 19, 2025
While the general crypto ETF market faces outflows, IBIT stands as a strong exception. Its performance suggests that some institutional investors still see potential in Bitcoin.
This shows that while the market is facing challenges, some investors continue to place confidence in Bitcoin’s future.
