Investors in ETFs Withdraw from Bitcoin and Ether as Altcoin Funds Defy the Trend

US spot Bitcoin and Ether exchange-traded funds (ETFs) began 2026 facing challenges, as investors withdrew nearly $750 million from the two largest crypto-related ETF categories during the initial full trading week of the year.

Key Takeaways:

• Bitcoin and Ether ETFs experienced outflows close to $750 million during the first full week of 2026.
• Bitcoin funds led the downturn despite a robust inflow at the week’s onset.
• XRP and Solana ETFs defied the trend, drawing in new capital as investors shifted towards altcoin funds.

Simultaneously, newer funds associated with XRP and Solana moved in a contrasting direction, attracting new investments and exhibiting increased trading activity.

Bitcoin and Ether ETFs Experience $750M Outflows Despite Strong Start

Data from SoSoValue indicates that spot Bitcoin and Ether ETFs recorded combined net outflows of $749.6 million from January 6 to January 9.

Bitcoin funds comprised the majority of the decrease, losing $681 million after four consecutive days of redemptions.

This decline occurred despite a strong start to the week, when Bitcoin ETFs received nearly $700 million in inflows on January 5, marking the only positive trading session during this timeframe.

Midweek selling pressure escalated. Outflows on January 7 alone totaled $486.1 million, representing the largest single-day decline of the week.

BlackRock’s IBIT, the largest spot Bitcoin ETF by assets, saw $252 million withdrawn on January 9.

Bitwise’s BITB experienced smaller losses, while Fidelity’s FBTC stood out as an exception, showing modest inflows on the same day.

GM
CryptoQuant highlights that the $79,000 level serves as a significant support zone for Bitcoin.
This level aligns with the average acquisition price (realized price) of investors in American Bitcoin ETFs.
If BTC hits $79,000, most of the ETF holders will find themselves at the… pic.twitter.com/N80IiO4U1H

— Captain GM (@g13m) January 10, 2026

In spite of the retreat, spot Bitcoin ETFs continue to be a substantial influence in the market. The 12 approved funds now manage approximately $116.9 billion in net assets, which is about 6.5% of Bitcoin’s total market capitalization.

Since their inception in January 2024, cumulative net inflows have still surpassed $56 billion.

Spot Ether ETFs exhibited a similar trend, although on a smaller scale. The group concluded the week with $68.6 million in net outflows after strong inflows earlier in the period were negated by significant selling during the last three trading days.

BlackRock’s ETHA led the outflows, followed by Grayscale’s ETHE. The nine Ether ETFs currently oversee $18.7 billion in assets, representing just over 5% of Ether’s market capitalization.

XRP ETFs Defy Market Downturn With Record Volume and New Inflows

While investors reduced their exposure to the two largest cryptocurrencies, interest in altcoin-linked ETFs displayed signs of growth.

Spot XRP ETFs achieved $38.1 million in net inflows during the week and reached their highest weekly trading volume since their launch at $219 million.

This increase suggests rising institutional interest as these products gain popularity following their introduction in late 2025.

Canary Capital’s XRPC remains the largest XRP fund by assets, closely followed by offerings from Bitwise and Franklin Templeton.

In total, XRP ETFs have amassed over $1.2 billion in net inflows, with total assets nearing $1.5 billion.

Solana ETFs also garnered new capital, attracting $41.1 million during the same timeframe.

Bitwise’s BSOL continues to lead the category, maintaining a significant advantage over competing products as investors selectively shift towards alternative crypto investments.

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