Home
chevron
News
chevron
Bitcoin
chevron
Bitcoin ETFs Stuck in Neutral : What’s Holding Back the Rally ?
Copié

Bitcoin ETFs Stuck in Neutral : What’s Holding Back the Rally ?

US Bitcoin ETFs see a 40% drop in inflows, mirroring concerns of stagflation. With worrisome economic signals and institutional caution, the crypto market holds its breath. Explore the reasons and implications of this slowdown.

Written by Charles Ledoux

Translated on May 5, 2025 at 12:35 by Sarah

Bitcoin ETF concept with currency symbols
Copié

Significant Decrease in Weekly ETF Flows

Institutional investors are closely monitoring the American economic indicators, leading to a 40% decrease in inflows into Bitcoin ETFs in cash last week. This increased caution is due to growing concerns about a stagflation scenario.

Bitcoin ETF volumes chart

According to CheckOnChain data, Bitcoin ETFs in the United States recorded $1.81 billion in net inflows last week, compared to $3.06 billion the previous week. This 40% decrease reflects investors’ concerns regarding:

  • Disappointing results of the April ADP employment report
  • Unexpected contraction of the American GDP in the first quarter
  • New protectionist measures announced by Donald Trump

These negative signals reinforce expectations of an explosive mix of sluggish growth and stubborn inflation, in other words, a sustainable “stagflation.”

For your information, stagflation is an economic phenomenon characterized by the combination of three elements:

  • Economic Stagnation: Weak or no economic growth, often marked by a declining GDP or sluggish economic activity.
  • High Inflation: Persistent rise in prices of goods and services, reducing purchasing power.
  • High Unemployment: High unemployment rate, contrary to what one might expect in an inflationary context.

Division of Flows between Major and Minor ETFs

Despite this overall decline, some ETFs have continued to attract capital:

  • The flagship ETF from BlackRock (IBIT) has garnered $2.48 billion
  • VanEck (HODL) and Invesco (BTCO) funds also reported positive flows
  • However, Fidelity (FBTC), ARK Invest (ARKB), as well as Grayscale (GBTC) and Bitwise (BITB) recorded net outflows

This dynamic reflects a concentration of flows on market leaders, to the detriment of smaller managers.

While last week saw a significant slowdown, the month of April as a whole remains positive with nearly $3 billion in net inflows. This demonstrates renewed institutional interest despite economic turbulence. As Crypto_birb indicates, ETF volumes have almost returned to levels not seen since the March crash.

Impact on Bitcoin Price: Expected Monetary Status Quo

Faced with these macroeconomic uncertainties, the price of Bitcoin has fluctuated between $93,500 and $96,000 in recent days. Investors are now closely watching the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy decision, which is expected to keep its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 4.5%.

This is compounded by Trump, and even Warren Buffet, casting doubt on a potential imminent market recession with a weakening dollar.

In conclusion, the sharp decrease in flows in Bitcoin ETFs reflects an increased nervousness among institutional investors regarding alarming economic signals. However, the fundamental appeal for cryptocurrency remains strong, as evidenced by the positive balance in April.

The coming weeks will be crucial for the future of Bitcoin ETFs, which will have to deal with limited economic visibility across the Atlantic. Their ability to overcome this phase of uncertainty will be crucial for their widespread adoption.

Related Topics:

Charles Ledoux

Charles Ledoux

Charles Ledoux is a Bitcoin and blockchain technology specialist. A graduate of the Crypto Academy, he has been a Bitcoin miner for over a year. He has written numerous masterclasses to educate newcomers to the industry and has authored over 2,000 articles on cryptocurrency. Now, he aims to share his passion for crypto through his articles for InvestX.

DISCLAIMER
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as investment advice. Some of the partners featured on this site may not be regulated in your country. It is your responsibility to verify the compliance of these services with local regulations before using them.

DISCLAIMER

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as investment advice. Trading cryptocurrencies involves risks, and it is important not to invest more than you can afford to lose.

InvestX is not responsible for the quality of the products or services presented on this page and cannot be held liable, directly or indirectly, for any damage or loss caused by the use of any product or service featured in this article. Investments in crypto assets are inherently risky; readers should conduct their own research before taking any action and invest only within their financial means. This article does not constitute investment advice.

Risk Warning : Trading financial instruments and/or cryptocurrencies carries a high level of risk, including the possibility of losing all or part of your investment. It may not be suitable for all investors. Cryptocurrency prices are highly volatile and can be influenced by external factors such as financial, regulatory, or political events. Margin trading increases financial risks.

CFDs (Contracts for Difference) are complex instruments with a high risk of rapid capital loss due to leverage. Between 74% and 89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. You should assess whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

Before engaging in financial or cryptocurrency trading, you must be fully informed about the associated risks and fees, carefully evaluate your investment objectives, level of experience, and risk tolerance, and seek professional advice if needed. InvestX.fr and the InvestX application may provide general market commentary, which does not constitute investment advice and should not be interpreted as such. Please consult an independent financial advisor for any investment-related questions. InvestX.fr disclaims any liability for errors, misinvestments, inaccuracies, or omissions and does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information, texts, graphics, links, or other materials provided.

Some of the partners featured on this site may not be regulated in your country. It is your responsibility to verify the compliance of these services with local regulations before using them.