US spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds extended their losing streak into Christmas Eve, posting another $175 million in net outflows during a shortened trading session. The latest withdrawals brought total BTC ETF outflows to roughly $825 million over five consecutive days, marking one of the weakest periods since early November.
Market participants attributed the selling primarily to year-end dynamics rather than structural demand shifts. Tax-loss harvesting, reduced holiday liquidity, and a large quarterly options expiry were cited as key factors weighing on institutional positioning. Data also showed persistent selling during US trading hours, reinforcing the view that domestic investors have been driving recent outflows.
The trend highlights a broader pause in institutional crypto activity following months of volatility. While ETF flows have remained negative since November, some analysts view the pattern as temporary, reflecting inactive liquidity rather than a lasting exit. The episode underscores how macro timing and derivatives markets continue to shape near-term crypto investment flows.
