U.S.-listed exchange-traded funds focused on bitcoin and ether recorded billions in net inflows last week, marking their strongest weekly performance in three months.
Data from TradingView shows the 11 spot bitcoin ETFs brought in a net $1.42 billion, the largest amount since the second week of October. BlackRock's IBIT alone saw inflows of $1.03 billion.
Ether spot ETFs also drew significant demand, with $479 million in net inflows, their highest weekly total since early October. BlackRock's ETHA secured $219 million of that.
Year-to-date, bitcoin ETFs have attracted $1.21 billion and ether ETFs $584.9 million.
Experts observed that most of these inflows represent bullish positions, signaling a return of "sticky" institutional capital to the market. This shift moves away from "cash and carry" arbitrage strategies, as their yields have reportedly become less appealing.
CoinDesk data indicates bitcoin's price increased 6% this month to $92,600, while ether rallied nearly 8% to $3,200.
"The correlation between ETF inflows and price action suggests institutional capital is actively driving market structure rather than passively following retail sentiment. This pattern differs markedly from late 2025, when Bitcoin struggled despite moderate ETF interest," CoinDesk's market insights model stated.
"The current dynamic indicates institutions are positioning ahead of potential regulatory clarity and macroeconomic shifts expected in Q1 2026," it added.
For bitcoin and ether prices to rise meaningfully in the coming months, ETF inflows must maintain this momentum, following billions in outflows in late 2025.