The honeymoon phase for Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in the United States appears to be over, at least for now. BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), the leading Bitcoin ETF by assets under management, recorded its first day of zero inflows on April 24th, marking a significant shift from its previous stellar performance.
Since its launch in January, IBIT had consistently attracted millions of dollars daily, accumulating a staggering $15.5 billion in just over two months. However, this impressive streak came to an abrupt halt on April 24th. The slowdown wasn’t unique to IBIT; most other Bitcoin ETFs also experienced a dry spell. Only Fidelity’s Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund (FBTC) and ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF (ARKB) managed to record inflows, albeit modest ones at $5.6 million and $4.2 million respectively.
This lack of investor interest is particularly concerning when considering the continued outflows plaguing the Grayscale Bitcoin Trust ETF (GBTC). GBTC, which predates spot Bitcoin ETFs, witnessed a net outflow of $130.4 million on April 24th. Combined, the net outflow for all spot Bitcoin ETFs on that day amounted to $120.6 million.
While the lack of inflows is a first for IBIT, it’s not entirely unexpected. Fidelity’s FBTC, for example, has also experienced periods of zero inflows. However, the overall slowdown raises questions about the future of the fledgling Bitcoin ETF market in the US.
Despite the recent lull, the Bitcoin ETF market has still managed to accumulate a net $12.3 billion in Bitcoin holdings. However, this figure is partially offset by the significant outflows from GBTC, which have now surpassed $17 billion since January.
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Adding to the uncertainty surrounding the market is the delay in approvals for Ether (ETH) ETFs. Several applications for these products have been put on hold by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), with a decision on Grayscale’s ETH Trust conversion to a spot ETF on NYSE Arca pushed back to June 23rd.
These developments suggest a period of cautious evaluation by both investors and regulators. Whether the Bitcoin ETF market regains its initial momentum or enters a period of consolidation remains to be seen.
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