Crypto markets are entering a potentially volatile phase after BlackRock transferred roughly $600 million worth of Bitcoin and Ether to Coinbase Prime. This move coincided with renewed exchange-traded fund outflows and a dense macroeconomic calendar. The transfers occurred hours before the release of US personal consumption expenditures inflation data, a key input for Federal Reserve policy expectations.
Blockchain data from Arkham Intelligence shows BlackRock deposited approximately 3,970 Bitcoin and 82,813 Ether to Coinbase Prime. While such transfers do not guarantee an imminent sale, market participants often view large movements to prime brokerage platforms as a signal of potential liquidity events, particularly when aligned with broader fund outflows.
ETF Flows Add to Market Sensitivity
The transfers followed notable redemptions from BlackRock’s spot crypto ETFs earlier in the week. Data from SoSoValue indicates that the firm’s Bitcoin ETF, IBIT, recorded a net outflow of about $357 million, while its Ethereum ETF saw roughly $250 million in redemptions. Across the market, Bitcoin ETFs posted net outflows of approximately $708 million, with Ethereum ETFs losing around $297 million.
Institutional ETF flows have become a central driver of short-term crypto price action since their approval, often amplifying reactions to macroeconomic signals. When combined with direct asset transfers by large asset managers, these flows tend to heighten trader sensitivity to downside risks, even in the absence of confirmed selling.
Macro Data and Policy Expectations
The market focus is now squarely on US inflation data, with the personal consumption expenditures index scheduled for release later today. Economists expect core PCE inflation to rise 0.2% month over month and 2.8% year over year, figures that could influence expectations ahead of next week’s Federal Open Market Committee meeting.
Earlier macro releases already weighed on risk assets. Revised US GDP data showed third-quarter growth of 4.4%, slightly above expectations, while initial jobless claims came in lower than forecast, reinforcing the view of a resilient economy. Together, the data reduced expectations for near-term interest rate cuts, prompting Bitcoin to briefly dip below the $90,000 level.
Global and Political Backdrop
Beyond US data, global monetary policy remains in focus. The Bank of Japan is widely expected to hold interest rates steady, a stance that could provide some support for risk assets following its December hike. Meanwhile, easing trade tensions after US President Donald Trump withdrew proposed tariffs on some European nations helped stabilize equity markets, offering limited relief to digital assets.
Bitcoin later recovered to trade near $89,500, tracking a rebound in broader risk sentiment. Still, the convergence of institutional flows, ETF dynamics, and macroeconomic uncertainty suggests that volatility risks remain elevated.
As inflation data, central bank decisions, and institutional positioning converge, crypto markets appear set for continued sensitivity to both policy signals and large-scale capital movements in the days ahead.
Disclaimer: Disclaimer: CoinScreamer is an independent media brand owned by NuvexMedia LLC, providing news, research, and market insights. NuvexMedia LLC invests in and collaborates with various companies across the digital asset and technology industries. Despite these partnerships, CoinScreamer operates with full editorial independence to deliver accurate, timely, and objective information about the crypto market. Below are our current financial and business disclosures. © 2025 NuvexMedia LLC. All Rights Reserved. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, investment, financial, or any other form of professional advice.
