 ▲ BlackRock Bitcoin / ChatGPT-generated image © |
BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, has net sold $374 million worth of cryptocurrencies over the past week, signaling a clear shift toward risk aversion among institutional investors.
According to cryptocurrency media outlet Finbold on February 14 (local time), approximately $374 million flowed out of BlackRock’s Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) exchange-traded funds (ETFs) over the past five trading days. As the crypto market continues its downward trend, institutional investors appear to be actively adjusting their positions.
BlackRock’s spot Bitcoin ETF, the iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), recorded net outflows of $261.3 million during the period. Notably, $157.6 million exited on February 12 alone, marking the largest single-day outflow of the week. Additional outflows included $73.4 million on February 11, $20.9 million on February 9, and $9.4 million on February 13. Although $26.5 million flowed in on February 10, it was not enough to offset the weekly losses.
The spot Ethereum ETF showed a similar pattern. BlackRock’s iShares Ethereum Trust (ETHA) posted net outflows of $112.7 million over the same period. After $45 million left on February 9, another $29.4 million and $29 million exited on February 11 and 12, respectively. While there were modest inflows on February 9 and 10, weekly figures remained firmly negative.
Across the broader industry, the entire spot Bitcoin ETF market saw net outflows exceeding $400 million on February 12 alone. Although strong inflows were recorded earlier in the week on February 9 and 10, funds rapidly exited midweek, increasing volatility. Spot Ethereum ETFs also experienced significant redemptions on February 11 and 12. This suggests that institutional investors may have taken profits during short-term rebounds or reduced risk amid ongoing macroeconomic uncertainty.
As of the time of reporting, Bitcoin was trading at $69,867, rebounding about 1.6% over the past 24 hours but remaining below the $70,000 level. Ethereum rose roughly 2% to $2,088, attempting to defend the $2,000 support line. However, analysts note that it is premature to conclude that institutional inflows have fully recovered unless ETF fund flows turn positive again.
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