A Surge in Crypto Market as Spot Bitcoin ETFs Scoop Up $654M of BTC in Just 3 Days

In recent days, the cryptocurrency market has witnessed a surge in investment through United States-listed spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Investors have poured over $650 million into these ETFs, signaling a growing interest in Bitcoin as an asset class. 

The Inflows and Total Picture

Since July 5, Bitcoin ETFs have seen substantial net inflows. On July 9 alone, per Farside Investors report, a total of $216.4 million flowed into these funds, equivalent to approximately 3,760 Bitcoin. Among the key players, BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust led the way with $121 million in inflows, followed closely by Fidelity’s Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund, which attracted $91 million. In the span of three business days, a total of $654 million flowed in, with $294.8 million on July 8 and $143.1 million on July 5.

These substantial investments reflect institutional confidence in Bitcoin’s long-term potential. However, it’s essential to understand the broader context.

When we consider the cumulative impact over the past three trading days, the numbers become even more impressive. A staggering $654 million has entered the market through spot Bitcoin ETFs. However, it’s essential to note that Bitcoin has struggled to regain its footing above the $60,000 mark since July 4, leaving some investors cautious. As of now, the cryptocurrency is trading at approximately $59,165, reflecting a nearly 15% decline over the past month, according to TradingView.

Yet, the ETFs’ inflows suggest optimism that they could help drive up Bitcoin’s value, as they did in the months leading up to March, when Bitcoin reached an all-time high.

ETFs and Bitcoin’s Price Action

Analysts are closely monitoring the ETF inflows, drawing parallels to previous market movements. Sina G, co-founder and COO of Bitcoin custody consultancy firm 21st Capital, highlights the role of ETFs in Bitcoin’s price trajectory. He notes that the run-up from $16,000 to $73,000 was largely driven by ETFs, following a “buy-the-rumor, buy-the-news” phenomenon. However, ETF flows have slowed since mid-March, and outflows have weakened the price, pushing it down to $56,000. The hope is that renewed ETF interest could potentially drive Bitcoin’s price upward again.

While the ETF inflows are significant, they haven’t outpaced Germany’s recent Bitcoin selling spree. The Bundeskriminalamt (BKA), Germany’s federal criminal police, seized nearly 50,000 Bitcoin in mid-January during an investigation into a movie pirating website. Since July 5, the BKA has reduced its BTC holdings by more than $850 million. The BKA’s wallet now holds 23,960 Bitcoin worth $1.4 billion, less than half the total initially seized from the film piracy site Movie2k. These large-scale transactions have implications for the overall market dynamics.