Bitcoin opened the new week with steady momentum, stabilizing around the $87,000 mark. The influx of $129 million into spot ETFs slightly bolstered investor confidence. Despite a continuous outflow trend throughout the month, this influx may indicate a cautious return by institutional investors.
Fragile Balance Through ETF Inflows
According to SoSoValue data, $129 million flowed into U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs on November 25. This influx helped the market maintain its footing at lower levels, even in the face of ongoing outflow pressures in November. The inflows into Ethereum and Solana ETFs of $79 million and $58 million, respectively, suggest that investor interest is not solely limited to Bitcoin.
Timothy Misir, Research Director at BRN, highlighted that fund flows provided short-term buying support but not yet an enduring turnaround signal. Misir indicated that Bitcoin’s consolidation between $84,000 and $90,000 is bolstered by selective buying from long-term investors. He also noted that one-third of market participants remain at a loss, indicating persistent fragility in price movements.
Uncertainty prevails on the macroeconomic front as the recent U.S. Producer Price Index aligned with expectations, leaving the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy path unclear. Misir stated, “The data does not compel the Fed to relax or tighten, forcing the market to price in both directions.”
Institutional Stress Testing in Cryptocurrencies
Gabe Selby, head of research at CF Benchmarks, a Kraken subsidiary, identified this period as the first genuine institutional stress test for Bitcoin. Selby noted that while the ETF market accelerates price discovery, it also tests institutional resilience during volatile periods. He mentioned that the current month marked the weakest in terms of ETF flows, suggesting that the sales observed are profit-taking rather than a panic response.
Coinbase UK CEO Keith Grose reported that European institutions are adopting a more methodical and controlled approach towards cryptocurrencies. Grose pointed to examples such as the Czech National Bank’s limited cryptocurrency portfolio trials, which strengthen the foundations for long-term adoption.
Experts highlight that the biggest short-term risks are a resurgence in ETF outflows and volatility driven by a data-packed macroeconomic calendar. A dip below $84,000 could weaken the fragile foundation, whereas regaining $92,000 or sustaining persistent inflows into BTC, ETH, and SOL funds could confirm recovery.