US spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) experienced a difficult week between Oct. 5 and Oct. 9, 2026, as institutional investors pulled hundreds of millions of dollars from the products.
According to the ETF flow data, the funds recorded approximately $678.9 million in net outflows over the five trading days, with the heaviest selling concentrated on Wednesday and Thursday.
Bitcoin ETFs Record Nearly $679 Million in Weekly Outflows
The week began on a negative note after spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded $89.9 million in net outflows on Monday, Oct. 5. However, sentiment briefly improved on Tuesday, when the funds attracted $118.8 million in fresh capital. That recovery proved short-lived.
BTC ETF flows (Source: Farside Investors)
Wednesday, Oct. 7, saw a big $484.9 million in net withdrawals, and was the worst trading day of the week. Selling continued on Thursday, with another $244.1 million leaving the funds.
Friday brought some relief, as Bitcoin ETFs returned to positive territory with $21.1 million in net inflows. Nevertheless, the modest recovery was not enough to offset the week's earlier losses.
BlackRock's IBIT experienced particularly volatile flows, including $207.7 million in outflows on Wednesday, before recovering with $22.4 million in inflows on Friday. Fidelity's FBTC also faced selling pressure, and recorded $197.1 million in withdrawals on Thursday alone.
What Do the Outflows Mean for Bitcoin's Price?
The sharp reversal in ETF demand raises some questions about the sustainability of Bitcoin's October momentum, particularly as investors reassess their exposure to risk assets.
Spot Bitcoin ETFs have become an important indicator of institutional appetite for BTC. However, ETF flows are only one factor influencing Bitcoin's price. Overall market sentiment, macroeconomic developments and derivatives positioning can also contribute to volatility.
The return to positive ETF flows on Friday offers a tentative sign of stabilization, although one positive session does not establish a lasting recovery.
Investors will now be watching whether institutional demand rebounds this week.
Bitcoin's price reflected the weakness in institutional demand. BTC started the week close to $86,480 before falling to approximately $82,546 by Friday's close. At press time, BTC was down by more than 3% over the past week.