U.S. Spot Bitcoin ETFs Post Biggest Daily Outflow Since January

According to Huo Xing Finance, U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs saw a net outflow of about $648.6 million on May 19, the largest single-day withdrawal since January 29, 2026. The move extends last week's outflow trend, which totaled roughly $1 billion. BlackRock's iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) led the exits, with around $448.3 million pulled in one day. ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF (ARKB) and Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund (FBTC) followed. Products from Bitwise, VanEck, Invesco, and Franklin Templeton also recorded net redemptions. Analysts point to renewed geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and Iran, rising oil prices, and higher yields on long-term U.S. Treasuries as drivers of inflation concerns, prompting some institutions to rotate into risk-off positioning and take profits. The climb in Treasury risk-free yields has also reduced the relative appeal of Bitcoin ETFs for institutional investors. Despite elevated near-term volatility, some analysts argue Bitcoin's broader structural trend remains intact. They add that continued growth in stablecoin market capitalization suggests off-chain capital is still on the sidelines, waiting for potential entry points at lower levels.