Bitcoin ETFs Shatter Records with $697M Inflows—Largest Daily Haul Since October

Wall Street's crypto cash machine just hit overdrive.

### The Floodgates Are Open

Forget drip-feeding—institutional money is now gushing into Bitcoin ETFs. A single day saw nearly $700 million pour in, marking the most aggressive buying spree in months. That's not a trend; it's a statement.

### Reading the Tape

This surge isn't happening in a vacuum. It signals a profound shift in risk appetite. Traders are bypassing speculative altcoins and piling directly into the blue-chip digital asset, treating Bitcoin less like a moonshot and more like a strategic reserve. The old guard might call it FOMO—we call it capital reallocation in real-time.

### What the Big Money Knows

The smart money isn't betting on hype. It's positioning for scarcity, regulatory clarity, and Bitcoin's hardening role as a macro hedge. While traditional finance debates rate cuts, these flows show a segment of the market has already made its decision. They're voting with their wallets, and the tally is overwhelmingly bullish.

### The Bottom Line

When institutions move, they move in size. A $697 million daily inflow isn't a blip; it's a momentum signal that often precedes sustained rallies. It turns out the most cynical finance jab of all might be watching traditional asset managers finally pay a fee to access what they spent a decade dismissing.

The tide has turned. Again.

TLDR

• Spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded $697 million in net inflows on January 5 which was the highest daily total since October 2025.
• BlackRock’s IBIT led the ETF inflows by adding $372 million while Fidelity’s FBTC followed with $191 million.
• Bitcoin gained 7.4 percent over the week and traded around $93,800 showing renewed strength in early 2026.
• CryptoQuant reported that Bitcoin remains below the cost basis of coins moved 6 to 12 months ago.
• Analysts believe Bitcoin needs to break above $100,000 to confirm a bullish market structure.

Spot Bitcoin ETFs saw their strongest daily net inflows since October 2025, logging $697 million on January 5, 2026. This marked a sharp reversal from recent weakness, showing a sudden spike in institutional demand for digital asset exposure. Bitcoin also posted a 7.4% weekly gain, reinforcing positive sentiment across the market.

Bitcoin ETFs Lead Strong Recovery in Capital Inflows

Bitcoin ETFs recorded a combined net inflow of $697 million on January 5, marking the highest single-day total in months. BlackRock’s iShares bitcoin Trust (IBIT) led the flows, attracting $372 million from investors. Fidelity’s FBTC followed with $191 million in net inflows, data from SoSoValue confirmed.

The renewed inflows arrived after a weak fourth quarter where Bitcoin ETFs saw limited activity on only eight trading days in December. That period saw sluggish investor interest, particularly as BTC dropped to lows of $85,000. Analysts now see this rebound in flows as a shift in short-term sentiment.

Trading volumes ROSE across the board as Bitcoin prices opened 2026 on a strong note with 7.4% weekly gains. Institutional allocations appear to be driving the rally, with long-term investors returning to the market. “Spot ETF flows are a bellwether of sentiment,” said Rachael Lucas, analyst at BTC Markets.

Bitcoin Faces Technical Resistance Despite Gains

Bitcoin traded around $93,800 at the time of writing, up 1.53% over the last 24 hours and 7.4% over the week. However, CryptoQuant data shows BTC remains below the cost basis of coins moved 6 to 12 months ago. That basis is NEAR $100,000, and this level remains a critical resistance.

Analysts suggest a clear break above $100,000 WOULD flip the trend to bullish, otherwise downside pressure may persist. Ted, a well-followed analyst, said Bitcoin must overcome resistance near $93,000 for any further gains. “Price action remains rangebound, but momentum is returning,” he said.

Glassnode’s latest report supported this view, noting a shift in holder conditions and reduced realised losses across the network. Fewer forced sell-offs are now observed, suggesting improved sentiment compared to late 2025. However, on-chain demand continues to lag ETF interest.

Bitcoin’s price continues to respond to ETF flows, which now support a constructive structure for the asset in the short term. Yet volatility may increase as traders target profit-taking zones and critical resistance levels. Daily performance and institutional flows will likely remain key market drivers.

XRP, Ether Extend Gains as Altcoins Follow Bitcoin Momentum

Ethereum gained 2.8% in the last 24 hours to reach $3,226, building on its 7-day rise. Bitcoin ETFs remain a driving force in crypto markets, but altcoins are also seeing renewed activity. XRP rose 12.56% daily and 29% weekly, trading near $2.38 at press time.

Crypto market capitalization has increased to $1.87 trillion as trading activity rebounds in early 2026. According to market data, 24-hour crypto volume stood at $50.29 billion. This uptick in liquidity reflects stronger investor confidence entering the new year.

Rachael Lucas explained that institutional investors continue to make long-term allocations to Bitcoin, Ether, and other leading assets. “Inflows require ETFs to buy underlying BTC and ETH, which can lift prices,” she said. Retail traders, however, remain more cautious and tactical in their approach.

Glassnode said Bitcoin has moved from a correction phase into a tight consolidation range. ETF flows remain dominant while on-chain demand still lags behind. Price swings and positioning will continue as investors react to macro and technical triggers.