Spot Ethereum exchange-traded funds recorded their second straight week of outflows as investor demand cooled. According to reports, Ether products posted $243.9 million in net redemptions for the week ending Friday. This followed the previous week's $311 million outflow based on SoSoValue data.
Bitcoin ETFs showed renewed strength during the same period, recording $446 million in net inflows. On Friday alone, Bitcoin products added $90.6 million. BlackRock's ETHA ETF led Ethereum withdrawals with $100.99 million in outflows. Meanwhile, BlackRock's IBIT and Fidelity's FBTC gained $32.68 million and $57.92 million respectively.
Total assets under management for Ether-focused ETFs now stand at $26.39 billion. This represents approximately 5.55% of Ethereum's market cap. Bitcoin ETF assets reached $149.96 billion, accounting for 6.78% of Bitcoin's market cap.
Rotation Toward Bitcoin Reflects Safe Haven Preference
The diverging flows between Ethereum and Bitcoin ETFs reveal shifting institutional priorities. Vincent Liu, chief investment officer at Kronos Research, stated that current flows suggest a rotation into Bitcoin. Investors are doubling down on the digital gold narrative as global uncertainty persists.
Ethereum's outflows come after a period of strong inflows that began following the ETF launches earlier this year. Reports indicated that Ethereum ETF momentum collapsed in September. Monthly inflows dropped from $3.9 billion in August to just $285 million in September. This represents one of the steepest reversals since ETH ETFs launched.
It was recently reported that Bitcoin ETFs accumulated $3.24 billion in weekly inflows as the October rally began. That surge demonstrated renewed institutional appetite for Bitcoin exposure through regulated products. The current week's $446 million inflow maintains this pattern of steady Bitcoin demand.
Institutional investors appear to be waiting for new catalysts before re-entering Ethereum positions. Liu noted that Ethereum's ongoing ETF outflows reflect cooling demand and softer onchain activity. Bitcoin's appeal as a store of value during uncertain times continues to attract capital.
Institutional Asset Allocation Trends Reshape Crypto Markets
The ETF flow divergence reflects broader institutional strategy shifts in digital asset allocation. Bitcoin's established position as digital gold makes it the preferred choice during volatility. Traditional financial institutions increasingly view Bitcoin as a hedge against monetary debasement and economic instability.
Ethereum faces different dynamics despite its strong technology platform and smart contract capabilities. The network's transition to proof-of-stake and layer-two scaling solutions have not yet translated into sustained ETF demand. Institutional investors require clear narratives and regulatory frameworks before committing significant capital.
Rate cut expectations from the Federal Reserve have improved sentiment toward risk assets like Bitcoin. However, Ethereum has not benefited equally from this macro tailwind. Liu expects Bitcoin inflows to remain robust as traders position for potential monetary easing. Ethereum and other altcoins could regain momentum only if network activity increases or new catalysts emerge.
The ETF structure has fundamentally changed how institutions access cryptocurrency markets. These products provide regulated exposure without direct custody requirements. Bitcoin ETFs now generate between $5 billion and $10 billion in daily trading volume on active days. This institutional infrastructure continues to mature and attract traditional finance capital primarily into Bitcoin rather than alternative cryptocurrencies.