On December 30, a significant shift occurred in the cryptocurrency market as institutional investment returned to crypto exchange-traded products (ETPs). Bitcoin spot ETFs experienced a remarkable net inflow of approximately $355 million, marking a notable reversal after a week of consecutive outflows.
Leading the charge in this resurgence was BlackRock”s IBIT, which alone contributed around $144 million to the total inflows, as reported by ETF flow trackers utilizing data from SoSoValue. This influx propelled the total net asset value of U.S. Bitcoin spot ETFs to an estimated $114.4 billion, while also increasing the cumulative ETF inflows for the year.
Moreover, the newly launched spot ETF market for Ethereum also garnered significant interest on the same day. All nine U.S. spot ETH funds recorded net inflows, collectively adding roughly $67.84 million. This phenomenon indicates that money managers were ready to increase their exposure to ether, with no single fund reporting any outflows.
The emergence of nine products in the U.S. market for Ethereum spot ETFs represents a recent milestone, shedding light on the growing attention these flows receive from traders and analysts alike. In addition, Solana”s spot ETFs recorded smaller yet positive inflows, totaling about $5.21 million on December 30. Although these figures are modest compared to Bitcoin and Ethereum, they contribute to a broader narrative that liquidity is expanding beyond the two dominant cryptocurrencies.
The market response to these ETF flows was relatively subdued. At the close of the year”s penultimate trading session, Bitcoin was priced near $88,000, reflecting a 1.4% increase on December 30 as ETF inflows solidified demand. Traders noted that ETF activities served as one of several factors sustaining Bitcoin”s price amid a quiet macroeconomic backdrop.
During this period, Ethereum was trading within the $2,900 to $3,000 range, in line with modest intraday fluctuations, while Solana was hovering in the low $120s. These price levels illustrate a market that absorbed the new ETF allocations smoothly, without dramatic price adjustments.
Analysts suggest that inflows into spot products can be indicative of market sentiment, as they provide funds with increased purchasing power for the underlying assets. Steady buying from large, regulated investment vehicles can also entice more cautious investors back into the cryptocurrency space. This dynamic has been evident throughout the year as spot crypto ETFs have emerged as a vital entry point for traditional investors.
However, it”s important to note that inflows can be volatile. The month of December has seen varied behavior in inflows across different days and products, and some experts caution that month-end rebalancing and tax-related strategies may cause temporary fluctuations in demand.
In summary, the significant inflows into Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana spot ETFs on December 30 serve as a reminder of the resilience of institutional demand in influencing market sentiment, even as the amounts vary widely between Bitcoin”s leading funds and those of smaller altcoins. Observers will be keen to see if this uptick signifies a sporadic rebound or the onset of a more sustained bullish trend as we move into 2026.
