Bitcoin and Ether ETFs Start 2026 With $646M Inflows

US-based spot Bitcoin and Ether ETFs started 2026 strongly, even as the wider crypto market remained cautious.

On the first trading day of the year, the two ETFs recorded a combined net inflow of about $646 million, showing renewed interest from investors. Spot Bitcoin ETFs led the way, attracting $471.3 million in net inflows.

This was their largest single-day inflow in 35 trading days, last seen in mid-November. Spot Ether ETFs also performed well, adding $174.5 million, their strongest daily inflow in about two weeks.

ETF inflows are often seen as a sign of institutional and mainstream investor confidence. When inflows rise, it usually means large investors are buying, even if prices are not moving much in the short term.

This strong start comes after a weak December for crypto. Over the past month, Bitcoin and Ether prices are down about 1.5% each, as traders stayed cautious following heavy market volatility in October. That volatility was caused by large liquidations in the crypto derivatives market, which shook investor confidence.

Big Investors Buy as Crypto Market Remains Fearful

Market sentiment remains fragile. The Crypto Fear & Greed Index has stayed in the “Fear” zone since early November and recently dropped back to “Extreme Fear”, showing that many traders are still nervous.

Despite this, some crypto executives believe institutions are returning. Tonso’s marketing chief said many investors sold Bitcoin in late 2025 for tax reasons and are now buying again. He believes the recent ETF inflows are just the beginning.

Even though prices remain under pressure, the strong inflows into Bitcoin and Ether ETFs suggest that big investors are slowly rebuilding positions. This could help support the market and improve sentiment as 2026 continues.