Bitcoin ETFs See $697 Million Surge in Single-Day Inflow

U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs experienced a significant capital shift during the first complete trading week of 2026, recording a net inflow of about $697 million on January 5. This marks the largest single-day inflow since October 2025, indicating renewed institutional interest following a quieter fourth quarter.

Key Takeaways

U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs experienced approximately $697 million in net inflows on January 5, the highest since October 2025.
Bitcoin’s price surged past $93,000, reaching highs of $94,745, attracting renewed investment interest.
BlackRock’s IBIT ETF led the inflows with $372 million, while Fidelity’s FBTC brought in $191 million.
Spot Ethereum ETFs also saw a notable increase, adding over $168 million on the same day, suggesting a broader positive sentiment in the crypto market.

Bitcoin Breaks Out as ETF Demand Soars

January 5 marked a noteworthy day for Bitcoin (BTC) as the value of the cryptocurrency surged beyond $93,000, achieving a peak of $94,745. This rise in price was paralleled by a significant uptick in institutional investment, as Bitcoin ETFs absorbed a combined net inflow of approximately $697 million. The day represented the largest inflow since October 7, 2025, and indicates a resurgence of institutional interest after a relatively quiet end to the previous year.

Leading the inflows was BlackRock’s IBIT ETF, which captured an impressive $372 million—making up more than half of the total inflow for the day. Following closely was Fidelity’s FBTC, which gained $191 million. Broader market participation was seen with nine distinct Bitcoin ETF products posting positive inflows, showcasing strong interest across various funds, including those managed by Bitwise, Ark, and Invesco.

The bullish trend was not limited to Bitcoin. Spot Ethereum ETFs also demonstrated a substantial recovery, pulling in over $168 million in net assets as well. This parallel growth in the top two cryptocurrencies reflects a wider risk-on sentiment within the digital asset sector as the year begins.

Insights from the Inflows

The inflow observed on January 5 should not be considered a mere coincidence. It signals a deliberate return to risk-taking among institutional investors along with a rebalancing of their portfolios as they navigate the new year.

Following a phase of tax-loss harvesting and risk minimization toward the end of 2025, asset managers are now ready to redeploy their capital. BlackRock’s IBIT, capturing over 50% of the inflow, emphasizes its role as a crucial entry point for major institutional investors.

Moreover, the synchronized investments in both Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs imply that strategic decisions are being made to increase exposure across the entire cryptocurrency spectrum, rather than merely seeking safety in Bitcoin alone. This trend points to a more calculated and broader optimism in the digital asset arena as 2026 unfolds.