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Bitcoin ETFs Record Third-Largest Outflow of 2026 as BlackRock Loses $448 Million
Funds investing in Bitcoin recorded the third-largest daily outflow of 2026, signalling a sharp deterioration in institutional investor sentiment. Ethereum ETFs extended their losing streak to six consecutive sessions, while products tied to $XRP and Solana managed to attract only modest inflows amid the broader market sell-off.
Key Takeaways:
- Bitcoin ETFs lost $648.64 million, with BlackRock’s IBIT accounting for $448.36 million in outflows.
- Ethereum ETFs recorded outflows of $86.31 million, extending a six-day losing streak led by BlackRock’s ETHA.
- Solana and $XRP ETFs remained in positive territory, indicating selective buying amid broader crypto weakness.
Solana ETFs Stay Positive While Bitcoin and Ethereum Funds Face Heavy Selling Pressure
On Monday, 18 May, cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds (ETFs) experienced a broad risk-off wave as institutional investors aggressively withdrew capital from Bitcoin- and Ethereum-linked products amid renewed volatility and growing market caution.
Spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded net outflows of $648.64 million, marking one of the sharpest single-day declines of the year. The sell-off was widespread and relentless, with no fund reporting inflows during the session.
The largest hit came from BlackRock’s IBIT, which lost $448.36 million in capital. It was followed by ARKB from Ark & 21Shares with outflows of $109.64 million, while Fidelity’s FBTC lost another $63.42 million.
Additional outflows were reported from Bitwise’s BITB ($9.16 million), VanEck’s HODL ($7.59 million), Franklin’s EZBC ($6.65 million), and Invesco’s BTCO ($3.82 million).
Despite the sharp capital withdrawals, trading activity surged significantly. Total Bitcoin ETF trading volume climbed to $3.14 billion, reflecting heightened investor activity and aggressive portfolio rebalancing. Total net assets in the category dropped to $100.49 billion, bringing the market closer to a psychologically important threshold.
Over the Last Five Trading Sessions, $1.8 Billion Has Been Withdrawn from Bitcoin ETFs
Ethereum ETFs faced similar pressure, extending their outflow streak to a sixth consecutive session. The category posted net outflows of $86.31 million amid continued weakening institutional demand.
BlackRock’s ETHA once again led the declines with outflows of $55.40 million, while Fidelity’s FETH lost $14.70 million. Grayscale’s Ether Mini Trust and ETHE products recorded outflows of $10.08 million and $3.96 million respectively. BlackRock’s ETHB also slipped further into negative territory with outflows of $2.17 million.
Trading volume in Ethereum ETFs reached $742.40 million, while total net assets declined to $12.20 billion.
Outside the Two Dominant Crypto Assets, Sentiment Was More Stable — Though Still Cautious
Solana ETFs posted modest net inflows of $2.06 million. Fidelity’s FSOL led gains with $2.98 million, while smaller inflows were recorded for Bitwise’s BSOL and 21Shares’ TSOL. These gains were partially offset by $1.12 million in outflows from VanEck’s VSOL, though the category still ended the day in positive territory.
Trading activity in Solana ETFs totalled $63.45 million, while net assets at the close stood at $957.12 million.
$XRP ETFs also remained positive, albeit marginally. The category recorded net inflows of $750,440, entirely driven by Franklin’s XRPZ product. Total trading volume reached $21.22 million, while net assets remained at $1.14 billion.
The contrast across the market is becoming increasingly clear. Bitcoin and Ethereum continue to bear the brunt of institutional risk reduction, while products tied to smaller digital assets are attracting selective — though cautious — inflows.
For now, market sentiment has shifted decisively towards defence. Whether Monday’s massive withdrawals represent panic selling or merely a temporary reset may depend on how quickly institutional buyers return to the market in the coming days.
See also: "Bitcoin Drops $6,000 Amid Iran Deadlock and Inflation Fears Crushing Crypto Markets"
