Bitcoin ETF inflows snap 9-day run as Coinbase premium turns negative ahead of major U.S. data and Fed decision

Bitcoin (BTC) traded at $76,967.78, down 1.01% over the past 24 hours, as sentiment turned cautious after spot ETF flows flipped to net outflows and the Coinbase Premium Gap moved into negative territory ahead of a heavy macro calendar. BTC hit an intraday high of $78,270.43, with market capitalization near $1.54 trillion. U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded $263.18 million in net outflows on April 27, ending a nine-day streak of net inflows. All 12 ETFs posted zero net inflows, pointing to a pause in institutional accumulation. Ethereum ETFs also saw $50.48 million in outflows, while Solana and XRP ETF flows were flat. Even so, total net assets in Bitcoin ETFs remain elevated at $101.23 billion, suggesting a cooling-off period rather than a sustained exit. Another caution flag came from the Coinbase Premium Gap, which turned negative for the first time in nearly 20 days. The indicator tracks the price difference between Coinbase—often seen as more U.S.-investor driven—and major global exchanges. A negative reading typically signals softer U.S. demand or increased selling pressure, aligning with the latest ETF outflows and near-term price weakness. Attention now shifts to a high-stakes week for U.S. macro releases and central bank decisions: Tuesday, April 28 - S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Index - Consumer Confidence Wednesday, April 29 - Durable Goods Orders & Housing Starts - FOMC Interest Rate Decision (2:00 pm ET) - Fed Chair Powell Press Conference (2:30 pm ET) Thursday, April 30 - PCE Price Index (the Fed's preferred inflation gauge) - Q1 GDP Growth Rate (Advance) - Personal Income & Spending - Jobless Claims Friday, May 1 - S&P Global & ISM Manufacturing PMI The Federal Reserve rate decision and PCE inflation data are expected to be the primary drivers of risk appetite. Bitcoin has been consolidating in the mid-$70,000 range after a strong rebound earlier this year. The combination of ETF outflows, a negative Coinbase premium, and a packed macro schedule points to higher volatility risk in the near term. A dovish Fed tone or softer-than-expected inflation could support a renewed push higher in BTC. More hawkish signals or sticky inflation could prompt additional profit-taking and downside pressure. FAQ - Why did Bitcoin ETF inflows stop? Flows paused amid uncertainty and profit-taking ahead of major macro events. - What does a negative Coinbase Premium mean? It suggests weaker U.S. buying interest or greater selling pressure on Coinbase versus global venues. - What events are impacting Bitcoin this week? The Fed rate decision, PCE inflation data, and Q1 GDP figures. - Is Bitcoin turning bearish? The move signals short-term caution, not a confirmed bearish trend. - What could push BTC higher again? A dovish Fed stance or lower-than-expected inflation could act as bullish catalysts.