Spot Bitcoin ETFs lose $681M in first week of 2026 as risk appetite fades

Spot Bitcoin ETFs reversed early inflows in 2026 and posted four straight days of outflows as fading rate-cut hopes and rising geopolitical risks pushed investors into risk-off positioning.

Spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) started 2026 with sharp outflows, shedding a combined $681 million over the first full trading week of the year.

According to data from SoSoValue, spot Bitcoin (BTC) ETFs recorded four consecutive days of net outflows between Tuesday and Friday, outweighing inflows earlier in the week. The largest daily redemption occurred on Wednesday, when products shed $486 million, followed by $398.9 million on Thursday and $249.9 million on Friday.

The reversal came after 2026 opened with brief strength. On Jan. 2, Bitcoin ETFs attracted $471.1 million, followed by another $697.2 million inflow on Jan. 5.

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