After a period of heightened volatility, institutional funds are gradually making their way back into cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Both spot Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs have started to see new investments as the market attempts to stabilize.
On November 25, spot Bitcoin ETFs attracted $129 million in net inflows, with Fidelity’s Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund (FBTC) leading the way by securing $170.8 million. Ethereum ETFs also experienced positive momentum, bringing in $78.58 million, largely due to BlackRock’s iShares Ethereum Trust (ETHA) with $46.09 million and Fidelity’s FETH with $47.54 million. These inflows represent a notable shift from the significant outflows earlier in November, when over $3.5 billion was withdrawn from Bitcoin ETFs amid economic uncertainty and market swings.
Although these inflows are modest compared to previous surges, they indicate that institutional investors are cautiously re-entering the market. Timothy Misir, director at BRN Research, highlighted that recent ETF activity has provided much-needed support for Bitcoin, helping the asset maintain a trading range between $84,000 and $90,000. However, he pointed out that significant on-chain selling pressure persists, with about one-third of Bitcoin’s supply still held at a loss and much of the recent selling coming from short-term holders.
Ethereum ETFs have mirrored this cautious optimism. On November 24, net inflows reached $96.67 million, with BlackRock contributing $92.6 million. Despite this, the broader altcoin sector remains subdued. Ethereum’s price has stayed above $2,900, supported by large institutional wallets, while technical indicators suggest a neutral to slightly bullish short-term outlook. Meanwhile, XRP ETFs have stood out, amassing $643.92 million in their first month, with Franklin Templeton’s XRPZ and Grayscale’s GXRP leading the charge.
The recovery has not been uniform. Smaller Bitcoin ETFs, such as Bitwise’s BITB and ARKB, experienced net outflows, reflecting uneven investor confidence. Dogecoin ETFs have also underperformed, with Grayscale’s GDOG attracting only $1.4 million at launch, falling short of expectations. Analysts suggest that institutions continue to favor Bitcoin and Ethereum over other cryptocurrencies, even as new ETF products enter the market.
Broader economic conditions remain a key influence. The U.S. Federal Reserve’s uncertain policy direction, fluctuating inflation data, and changing expectations for interest rate cuts have all contributed to ongoing volatility in capital flows. Gabe Selby of CF Benchmarks, a Kraken subsidiary, described November 2025 as the most challenging month for ETF flows, but noted that the downturn was driven by profit-taking rather than panic selling. He also observed that many institutions are adopting a cautious, wait-and-see stance, recalling that significant outflows in February 2025 preceded Bitcoin’s eventual record highs.
Market participants are closely watching for potential catalysts. A year-end resurgence in Bitcoin ETF inflows could help correct the supply-demand imbalance caused by November’s sell-off. Continued investment in Ethereum and XRP ETFs may also contribute to greater market stability. However, risks such as renewed outflows, economic uncertainty, and ongoing on-chain distribution pressures remain. As Misir noted, the market appears to be establishing a base rather than entering a breakout phase, with a sustained move above $92,000 for Bitcoin or consistent inflows into major ETFs needed to confirm a lasting recovery.