- US spot Bitcoin ETFs are near $3 billion in net outflows for November, with BlackRock alone accounting for roughly $2.1 billion
- Capital flowing into spot Bitcoin ETFs served as the main force behind Bitcoin’s price surge this year
- Since ETFs still represent a major pathway for big investment firms to put money into crypto, heavy outflows reduce demand and increase supply pressure for the underlying asset (in this case, Bitcoin)
BlackRock’s spot Bitcoin ETF, the IBIT (iShares Bitcoin Trust), registered a record single-day outflow of about $523 million on 18 November, its largest since launch in January 2024.
In total, US spot Bitcoin ETFs are near $3 billion in net outflows for November, with BlackRock alone accounting for roughly $2.1 billion. These outflows coincide with a drop in Bitcoin’s price to around $90,000, which is its lowest in more than half a year.
Considering that November historically has been a strong month for Bitcoin (average return of approximately 41% in prior years), this makes the current outflows and weak performance especially noteworthy.
Capital flowing into spot Bitcoin ETFs served as the main force behind Bitcoin’s price surge this year.
The Liquidity Drain: Why Institutions Are Exiting
However, large withdrawals from ETFs mean that institutional investors are pulling back from Bitcoin. This could mean they are becoming more cautious, rebalancing their portfolios to hold less crypto, or closing out speculative bets.
When a big fund like BlackRock’s IBIT sees heavy selling, it signals a withdrawal of large-scale capital, moving beyond mere retail investor anxiety. When an industry leader like BlackRock is at the forefront, it’s a rather notable warning sign for the market.
The ‘Vicious Cycle’: Why Falling Prices Trigger More Selling
Since ETFs still represent a major pathway for big investment firms to put money into crypto, heavy outflows reduce demand and increase supply pressure for the underlying asset (in this case, Bitcoin).
The fact that we’re witnessing big withdrawals while the price is already falling suggests a vicious cycle is at play. A negative mood causes more people to pull out, which makes the price drop further. In turn, it makes everyone even more cautious, and the cycle repeats.
Bitcoin Breaks 50-Day Moving Average as Bearish Signals Mount
Generally speaking, the larger crypto market is showing bear market signs. BTC dropped substantially from its October highs, there is weaker liquidity, and technical indicators like the death cross are appearing.
BTC’s current price is slightly above $90,000, representing a 13% drop in the last 7 days. If this continues, Bitcoin could pull down the prices of other cryptocurrencies even more. This is especially true for tokens related to blockchain infrastructure and DeFi, as their value often depends heavily on a bullish, optimistic market mood.
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