On March 19, 2024, United States-based Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) recorded their most significant outflow to date, as Bitcoin’s value plummeted, briefly touching $62,000. This mass withdrawal amounted to $326 million across ten funds, underscoring the escalating investor concern amidst the cryptocurrency’s price volatility.
Grayscale’s Bitcoin Trust (GBTC), the largest of these ETFs, saw a staggering $443.5 million exit in a single day, diminishing its assets under management to $23.7 billion. At this rate, Grayscale’s holdings are projected to deplete by late July, signaling potential trouble for Bitcoin ETF investments.
In contrast to the general trend of outflows, ETFs managed by BlackRock, Fidelity, and Bitwise attracted net inflows, painting a complex picture of the current market dynamics. Specifically, BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust led with a $75.2 million inflow, followed by Fidelity’s Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund, which added $39.6 million. Bitwise’s Bitcoin ETF experienced a minimal increase of $2.5 million, marking its least successful day, apart from those with zero inflows.
This record outflow day surpasses the previous record of $158.3 million withdrawn on January 24, indicating a heightened sense of investor apprehension. This nervousness is compounded by Bitcoin’s recent price drop to $62,400 on March 19, a significant decrease from its March 14 peak of $73,835.
Moreover, Grayscale’s GBTC saw its largest net outflow on March 18, totaling $642.5 million. Since converting from a trust to an ETF on January 11, GBTC has experienced nearly $12.9 billion in outflows. These sustained withdrawals pose serious questions about investor confidence in Bitcoin ETFs amid the ongoing market fluctuations.
The relationship between Bitcoin’s price trends and ETF outflows highlights the impact of market sentiment on investment strategies. As Bitcoin’s price wavers, investors seem to be recalibrating their stakes, leading to notable outflows from these funds, reflecting broader concerns over the cryptocurrency’s future stability.