Published & Updated: January 30, 2026
On January 28, 2026, U.S. spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) recorded $19.64 million in net outflows — continuing a multi-week redemption trend that has already removed billions in institutional capital since the start of the year. The figure marks the latest in a string of negative sessions for Bitcoin products, with total cumulative outflows since mid-January now exceeding $2.8 billion according to aggregated SoSoValue and Farside data. In contrast, spot Ethereum ETFs posted $28.1 million in inflows on the same day, highlighting a clear divergence in institutional sentiment: Bitcoin faces persistent profit-taking and de-risking, while Ethereum benefits from selective re-allocation and growing staking/ETF absorption narratives.
This article examines the latest ETF flow numbers, the broader liquidity drain effect on crypto markets, why Ethereum is bucking the trend, technical and on-chain signals for both assets, and how traders can navigate the environment using Tapbit’s zero-fee spot trading and high-leverage perpetuals.
Latest ETF Flow Data – January 28, 2026
| Asset | Net Flow (Jan 28) | 7-Day Cumulative | Leading Products | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bitcoin Spot ETFs | –$19.64 million | –$1.14 billion | IBIT –$11.2M, GBTC –$8.9M | 18th consecutive outflow day in streak |
| Ethereum Spot ETFs | +$28.1 million | +$142 million | ETHA +$19.6M, others scattered | First meaningful inflow week since Dec 2025 |
| Solana Spot ETFs | +$3.24 million | +$18.7 million | Smaller funds dominant | Selective altcoin rotation |
Source: SoSoValue, Farside Investors, Bloomberg ETF data (Jan 28 flows reported Jan 29).
Why Persistent Bitcoin ETF Outflows Are Draining Crypto Liquidity
The multi-week Bitcoin ETF redemption streak has several compounding effects on overall market liquidity:
- Direct Spot Selling Pressure — Authorized Participants (APs) redeem creation units → physical BTC sold into spot market
- Reduced Institutional Bid — Large allocators (pensions, RIAs, family offices) remain on sidelines or trim positions → thinner order books
- Leverage Unwind Cascade — Lower spot liquidity → higher funding rates → forced liquidations in perpetual futures → further downward pressure
- Stablecoin Parking Surge — Traders rotate into USDT/USDC → volumes up 35–45% during outflow periods → capital sidelined
- Altcoin Rotation Divergence — Ethereum and select L1s (SOL, SUI) see relative inflows → capital moving within crypto rather than exiting entirely
Result: Bitcoin faces **downward price pressure** and **elevated volatility**, while selective altcoins can decouple and outperform during the same macro environment.
Ethereum ETF Inflows – Counter-Trend Strength
While Bitcoin ETFs bleed, Ethereum products showed resilience:
- January 28 inflows of $28.1 million led by BlackRock’s ETHA
- 7-day net inflows ~$142 million — first positive weekly print since mid-December 2025
- Staking narrative gaining traction — ETH ETFs now allow staking yield pass-through in several products
- Institutional re-allocation → ETH viewed as higher-beta play on L2 scaling and DeFi recovery
This divergence suggests smart money is rotating within crypto rather than fully de-risking — a classic late-cycle behavior seen in previous cycles.
Technical & On-Chain Signals – Where BTC & ETH Stand
Bitcoin (current ~$88,950–$89,300)
- Support cluster: $87,500–$88,000 (prior breakout)
- Critical support: $86,000–$86,400 (recent swing low)
- Next resistance: $90,000–$91,000 (psychological + 50-day EMA)
- RSI (daily): ~42 → oversold, bounce potential
Ethereum (current ~$2,940–$2,980)
- Support: $2,850–$2,900 (50-day MA)
- Resistance: $3,050–$3,100 (round number + prior high)
- ETH/BTC ratio: Showing relative strength vs BTC
On-chain: Exchange balances continue declining, long-term holder supply at ATH → limited spot panic despite ETF headline pressure.
Trading Strategies & Positioning on Tapbit
- Sign Up on Tapbit (0% maker fees)
- Deposit USDT via bank/SEPA/P2P (instant, low/no fees)
- Stablecoin parking: Hold USDT/USDC → earn yield via Tapbit Earn while waiting for reversal signal
- Selective dip buy: DCA ETH/USDT on pullbacks (stronger relative structure)
- BTC hedge: Long BTC/USDT perpetuals (20–50x) only on reclaim of $90,000
- Risk control: Isolated margin, max 1–2% account risk per trade
Conclusion & 2026 Liquidity Outlook
The $19.64 million Bitcoin ETF outflow on January 28, 2026 — part of a multi-week drain totaling billions — continues to exert downward pressure on BTC liquidity and price, pushing the asset toward the $86,000–$88,000 support cluster. Ethereum’s $28.1 million inflow on the same day highlights divergent institutional flows and selective altcoin rotation during risk-off periods. Stablecoins remain the dominant safe haven, with USDT/USDC volumes surging as traders park capital.
Deposit USDT & trade safely on Tapbit:
- Sign Up on Tapbit (0% maker fees)
- Login & Deposit Instantly
- Live USDT Pairs, BTC/USDT & ETH/USDT Charts
Disclaimer: Cryptocurrency trading involves significant risk of loss. ETF flows are estimates and subject to revision. Stablecoin and market liquidity conditions can change rapidly. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Always conduct your own research (DYOR) and never invest more than you can afford to lose completely.
