Bitcoin ETFs See $681 Million in Net Outflows as Institutional Caution Grows
Written by Ohris M. Greyoon, Blockchain & Crypto Expert
- Significant Outflows: Spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded $681 million in net outflows during the first full trading week of 2026, particularly highlighted by a single-day withdrawal of $486 million on Wednesday, indicating a growing caution among investors towards risk assets.
- Market Reversal Signals: Despite attracting $471.1 million and $697.2 million on January 2 and January 5 respectively, the subsequent outflows have negatively impacted the overall weekly performance, showcasing the rapid shifts in market sentiment.
- Deepening Institutional Engagement: Morgan Stanley has filed to launch two spot cryptocurrency ETFs, becoming the first major U.S. bank to seek approval, which indicates that institutional investors are still actively engaging in the digital asset market despite short-term volatility.
- Macro Economic Impact: As monetary policy expectations shift, investor risk appetite has decreased, with 68% of institutional investors having invested or planning to invest in Bitcoin ETPs, reflecting sustained long-term confidence in digital assets.
About the author

Ohris M. Greyoon
Ohris M. Greyoon holds a Master’s in Computer Science from MIT and has 10 years of experience in blockchain technology and cryptocurrency markets. A pioneer in decentralized finance (DeFi) analysis, he leads Intellectia’s Crypto News, offering cutting-edge insights into digital assets.






