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On March 18, US spot bitcoin ETFs saw net outflows of $163.5 million, ending seven consecutive inflow sessions, even as BTC fell below $71,000 after breaking above $75,000 earlier in the week. The halt comes as the year-to-date commodity was just $100 million away from turning positive.
In short
- U.S. spot bitcoin ETFs posted net outflows of $163.5 million on March 18, ending seven consecutive inflow sessions.
- This reversal comes as Bitcoin fell below $71,000 after breaking above $75,000 earlier in the week.
- Before that break, ETFs were just $100 million from turning positive year-to-date, highlighting the extent of the stop.
- Outflows were dominated by FBTC and IBIT, while GBTC and BITB also ended the session in the red.
Spot Bitcoin ETF Ends Seven Tidal Sessions
After seven consecutive bull sessions, U.S.-listed spot bitcoin ETFs posted net outflows of $163.5 million on March 18, ending their longest positive streak since October 2025. In one week, the products absorbed $1.2 billion, signaling a significant revival in investor interest.
Prior to this decline, ETFs were only about $100 million away from turning positive year-to-date. The breakout came when Bitcoin fell below $71,000 after crossing $75,000 a few days earlier. This congruence between price declines and flow reversals highlights how reactive the market remains during periods of volatility.
- U.S. spot bitcoin ETFs end streak of seven consecutive bull sessions after accumulating $1.2 billion;
- The break came on Wednesday with a net outflow of $163.5 million;
- Specifically, FBTC had an outflow of $103.8 million, followed by IBIT with $33.9 million;
- GBTC lost $18.8 million, while BITB fell $7 million during the same session;
- ETFs “end their bull streak amid bitcoin decline”.
Market weakness goes beyond bitcoin
The decline was not limited to Bitcoin. Spot Ether ETFs also ended the session in the red with nearly $55.7 million in net outflows, including $37.1 million for FETH and $8.9 million for ETHE.
The decline was milder for Solana, with a loss of close to $300,000, while XRP ETFs saw no net inflows. Meanwhile, the Crypto Fear & Greed Index fell from 26 to 23 and moved from “fear” zones to do so “extreme fear”which signals a significant return of nervousness among investors.
Capital.com Principal Analyst Kyle Rodda sums up the session in a straight sentence: “Price dynamics clearly indicate that the market is running out of breath”. His analysis reflects a tighter macroeconomic context, which encourages investor caution.
The FOMC kept its key rate unchanged at a range of 3.5% to 3.75%, while the Federal Reserve noted inflation still slightly high and pointed to uncertainties linked to conflicts in the Middle East.
The session reminds us that ETF momentum remains fragile once the market tightens. Between capital outflows, the return of fear and an uncertain macroeconomic environment, the price of Bitcoin is becoming a market anchor that is rapidly changing course.
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A graduate of Sciences Po Toulouse and holder of the blockchain consultant certification issued by Alyra, I joined the Cointribune adventure in 2019. Convinced of the potential of blockchain to transform many sectors of the economy, I committed myself to raising awareness and informing the general public about this ever-evolving ecosystem. My goal is to enable everyone to better understand blockchain and take advantage of the opportunities it offers. I strive every day to provide an objective analysis of current events, decipher market trends, convey the latest technological innovations, and put into perspective the economic and social issues of this ongoing revolution.
DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY
The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and should not be taken as investment advice. Before making any investment decision, do your own research.
