In a notable institutional shift, BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) experienced remarkably strong activity on Wednesday, recording net inflows of $643 million. This figure represents the trust’s largest single-day increase since January 21.
Research firm SosoValue reported that this significant influx contributed to an overall $917 million entering U.S.-listed spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in a single day.
Source: SosoValue
To provide perspective, the last four days have seen a total of $2.3 billion invested into these funds, which is twice the amount raised in a similar 10-day period in March.
This resurgence is largely attributed to a revival of investor confidence amid ongoing macroeconomic uncertainties, with analysts pointing out Bitcoin’s growing status as a safeguard against inflation and geopolitical instability.
On the same day, IBIT also received the esteemed title of “Crypto ETP of the Year” by etf.com.
Winner of the “Crypto ETP of the Year” award goes to iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT). Congratulations, @iShares and @BlackRock! #etfcomAwards pic.twitter.com/A5auFcdf0f
— etf.com (@etfcom) April 24, 2025
This recognition coincided with IBIT’s assets under management surging to $53.77 billion, affirming its position as the largest among eleven spot Bitcoin ETFs introduced in January 2024.
It wasn’t just BlackRock celebrating; ARK & 21Shares’ ARKB fund attracted $129.5 million, while Fidelity’s FBTC garnered $124.37 million. VanEck’s HODL ETF also enjoyed positive net flows, although Bitwise’s BITB stood out negatively with a $15 million outflow.
IBIT’s Awards Day and Bitcoin ETF Inflows Signal Institutional Maturity
April 23 was not only a significant day for IBIT’s inflows but also for its acknowledgment within the broader ETF sector. The fund was recognized with two prominent awards: “Best New ETF” and “Crypto ETP of the Year.”
Winner of the “Best New ETF” award goes to iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT). Congratulations, @iShares and @BlackRock! #etfcomAwards pic.twitter.com/NNY4TGOn0r
— etf.com (@etfcom) April 24, 2025
Bloomberg analyst Eric Balchunas affirmed the honor, expressing confidence in the fund’s achievements through a post on social media. “It feels right to me. I’m pretty sure this is how I voted,” he remarked.
Feels right to me. I’m pretty sure this is how I voted. Both of them did things no one has seen before. https://t.co/UMnivxtDEV
— Eric Balchunas (@EricBalchunas) April 24, 2025
IBIT’s $643.2 million inflow on that day was its highest since the January 21 figure of $661.9 million, which correlated with Bitcoin reaching an all-time high of $109,000 following President Trump’s inauguration.
The fund maintains its dominance as a primary vehicle for institutional Bitcoin investment, with over 45 million shares traded daily, each share currently valued at $53.20.
In contrast, VanEck’s HODL ETF, while less substantial in assets, garnered attention by winning the “Best New ETF Ticker” award, contributing to the rich tapestry of the emerging ETF scene.
Winner of the “Best New ETF Ticker” award goes to VanEck Bitcoin ETF (HODL). Congratulations, @vaneck_us! #etfcomAwards pic.twitter.com/YrueH3vHkV
— etf.com (@etfcom) April 24, 2025
While these inflows are certainly significant, some analysts urge caution, questioning whether this marks the onset of a fundamental shift or a fleeting departure from equity markets.
In a report dated April 23, Bitfinex analysts commented, “We’re not quite there yet, but if Bitcoin sustains its strength through upcoming CPI announcements and the associated volatility from Powell’s policies and equity earnings, the narrative could shift from ‘temporary divergence’ to a more permanent ‘regime change.’”
The recent increase in Bitcoin’s value, surpassing the short-term holder realized price of $91,000, has incited further discussion among market observers.
Currently priced near $93,754, Bitcoin has gained 5.6% within the last 24 hours and nearly 8% over the past month, outpacing both the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq.
Source: Finance Newso
Double Top Concerns and Liquidity Headwinds
Despite the generally optimistic sentiment around ETFs, skepticism remains among some analysts regarding the sustainability of the current rally.
CryptoQuant contributor Avocado_onchain has cautioned that an increase in short-term holders (1-3 months) is evident, a trend often seen before market corrections.
비트코인 1-3개월 투자자의 실현가격 돌파, 더블탑 혹은 불마켓의 신호일까?(Bitcoin Breaks Above the Realized Price of 1–3 Month Holders — A Signal for a Double Top or a Bull Market?)
비트코인의 가격이 반등하며 1~3개월 투자자들의 평균 실현가격인 91,000달러를 돌파했습니다.… pic.twitter.com/PHNmLeLwNl
— Avocado (@avocado_onchain) April 23, 2025
Historically, this group has transitioned to longer-term holders only after sharp price corrections, suggesting a potential double top scenario may be developing.
“When Bitcoin peaked at $109,000 in January 2025, it significantly surpassed this realized price level, indicating that it could have marked the initial top of a possible double top formation,” the analyst warned. “It might be prudent for current holders to adopt a more cautious stance rather than chasing after the rally.”
Meanwhile, looming macroeconomic uncertainties continue to pose challenges. Recent comments from President Trump indicating that tariffs on Chinese imports would be “substantially” lower than previously suggested triggered a rally in riskier assets, yet some analysts, like Xanrox, warn this could be a “whale-driven trap.”
Source: TradingView
Going forward, the April Consumer Price Index (CPI) release on May 13 is poised to be a crucial event. The March CPI indicated a cooling trend at 2.4%, the lowest rate observed since February 2023.
With significant ETF inflows and growing institutional interest suggesting a potentially transformative period for Bitcoin, the underlying risks and macroeconomic pressures also highlight the necessity for caution.
The post BlackRock’s IBIT Sees $643M Daily Inflow as Bitcoin ETFs Hit $917M High; Ethereum ETFs Blee appeared first on Finance Newso.
