Published: January 5, 2026
U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs kicked off 2026 with a powerful rebound, recording $471 million in net inflows on January 2—the first trading day of the year. Combined with $174 million into Ether ETFs, total crypto ETF inflows reached $646 million, ending a multi-week outflow streak from late 2025 and signaling renewed institutional appetite.
Bitcoin ETF Inflows Highlight: January 2, 2026
The strong start reversed December trends:
- Bitcoin ETFs Net Inflows: $471 million (largest since mid-November).
- Top Performers: BlackRock IBIT $287 million, Fidelity FBTC $88 million.
- Context: Ended 7+ day outflow streak with modest December redemptions.
This “January effect” reflects fresh capital and rebalancing.
Ethereum ETF Flows Join the Rebound
Ether ETFs contributed positively:
- Net Inflows: $174 million.
- Leaders: Grayscale ETHE and ETHA.
- Reversal from late-2025 weakness.
Combined BTC/ETH flows show broad crypto ETF strength.
Why the Inflow Reversal Happened
Key drivers for the shift:
- Year-end tax harvesting and rebalancing complete.
- Fresh institutional allocations in new fiscal year.
- Stable macro backdrop encouraging risk-on positioning.
- ETF maturation drawing consistent demand.
Outflows in November-December (~$4-6B combined) were largely seasonal.
2025 Recap: Strong Year Despite Late Pullback
Annual totals remain impressive:
- Bitcoin ETFs: ~$21-46 billion net inflows YTD.
- Ethereum ETFs: ~$9-10 billion.
- Total Crypto ETFs: Over $30 billion.
Late-year outflows minor relative to yearly gains.
What It Means for Crypto Investors in 2026
The rebound offers insights:
- Institutional commitment intact despite volatility.
- Potential for sustained flows if macro supportive.
- Altcoin ETFs (XRP, SOL) showing diversification.
Early-year momentum often sets quarterly tone.
Conclusion
Bitcoin ETF inflows of $471 million on January 2, alongside Ether’s $174 million, mark a robust 2026 start—snapping late-2025 outflow trends. With combined $646 million, the data underscores enduring demand for regulated crypto exposure. As markets stabilize, these flows could support broader recovery.
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FAQs
Did Bitcoin ETFs have inflows in December 2025?
Mixed—strong earlier, outflows late-month (~$1B+ net redemptions).
What was the highest Bitcoin ETF inflow day in 2025?
Peaks in October/November with $500M+ sessions.
Why do ETF flows matter for crypto?
Represent institutional demand, often leading price trends.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. ETF flows fluctuate rapidly.
