TL;DR
- Inflows Momentum: U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded $996.4 million in weekly inflows, their strongest level since mid‑January, extending a three‑week streak of positive momentum.
- Institutional Positioning: BlackRock’s IBIT led Bitcoin ETFs with $906 million, while Morgan Stanley’s MSBT added $71 million, supported by institutional expectations for easing U.S.‑Iran tensions.
- Market Context: Ethereum ETFs posted $275.8 million in inflows, and Bitcoin traded at $75,006 as BTSE’s Jeff Mei said retail interest is improving.
U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded their strongest weekly performance since mid‑January, extending a three‑week stretch of positive momentum that has drawn renewed attention from institutional and retail investors. Fresh data showed nearly $1 billion in weekly inflows, reinforcing the view that appetite for Bitcoin ETFs is recovering even as geopolitical tensions continue to shape broader market sentiment.
Surge in Weekly Inflows Highlights Renewed Demand
According to Farside, spot Bitcoin ETFs attracted $996.4 million in inflows last week, marking their largest weekly total since the period ending Jan. 16. The latest figure pushed cumulative inflows above $1.8 billion over the past three weeks, signaling a clear shift in demand. BlackRock’s IBIT led all Bitcoin ETFs with $906 million in weekly inflows, maintaining its position as the largest fund by net assets. Morgan Stanley’s MSBT completed its first full trading week since launching on April 8 and logged $71 million in inflows, adding to the sector’s broader strength.
Ethereum ETFs Join the Upswing
Spot Ethereum ETFs also saw a notable boost, posting $275.8 million in weekly inflows, their highest level since Jan. 16. The synchronized rise across Bitcoin ETFs and Ethereum products suggested improving sentiment across major crypto assets. Market participants pointed to a combination of institutional positioning and expectations for easing macroeconomic conditions as contributing factors.
Geopolitical Tensions Shape Institutional Positioning
Jeff Mei, COO of BTSE, said institutions are increasing long exposure to Bitcoin ETFs based on expectations that tensions between the U.S. and Iran may soon ease. The two‑week ceasefire between the countries is set to expire on Wednesday, and recent developments, including the U.S. seizure of an Iranian‑flagged cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz, have added uncertainty. U.S. President Donald Trump said negotiators are heading to Islamabad for potential talks, though Iranian officials reportedly insist that the U.S. must lift its blockade of Hormuz before joining discussions.
Market Reaction and Outlook
Bitcoin slipped 0.25% in the past 24 hours to $75,006, while ether declined 0.6% to $2,301. Mei noted that retail demand is improving, but said sustained momentum for Bitcoin ETFs will depend on additional Federal Reserve rate cuts. He added that monetary policy was a key driver of crypto inflows before the U.S.‑Iran conflict and remains influential for mid‑ to long‑term sentiment.
