Bitcoin ETFs Post $1B Outflows, Ending Six-Week Inflow Run as Price Holds for Golden Cross Breakout

US spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded roughly $1 billion in net outflows for the week ending May 15, marking the end of a six-week inflow streak that had brought in over $3.4 billion. The reversal comes as Bitcoin holds near $78,000–$80,000 amid rising Treasury yields and persistent inflation concerns, even as technical patterns suggest potential for a significant upside move.

On the final trading day of the week, all 11 Bitcoin ETFs posted outflows totaling $290 million. This followed a $635 million single-day exit on May 13 — the largest daily outflow since late January. The weekly total represents the biggest redemption since that period and ends the longest positive run for the products since July 2025.

Macro Pressures Weigh on Flows

April delivered the strongest monthly inflows of 2026 at nearly $2 billion, led heavily by BlackRock’s IBIT. Early May continued that momentum before turning negative. Ethereum ETFs also saw outflows of $255 million for the week, adding to the broader caution across digital asset products.

Market watchers point to hotter-than-expected inflation data and rising bond yields as key drivers. The 10-year Treasury yield climbed toward recent highs while CPI and PPI readings reinforced expectations of tighter monetary conditions. Despite the pullback, cumulative inflows for Bitcoin ETFs since launch remain above $58 billion with assets under management near $104 billion.

Solana ETFs Hold Strong

While Bitcoin and Ethereum products faced selling pressure, Solana ETFs stood out with consistent positive flows. The products have recorded no outflow days in May and attracted more than $90 million so far this month. This resilience comes as other altcoin ETFs, including those for XRP and Chainlink, showed mixed or flat results.

Newer offerings also performed well. The 21Shares Hyperliquid ETF posted positive flows in its first sessions following launch, adding to the selective strength in parts of the altcoin space.

Technical Setup Supports Higher Targets

Bitcoin price action has remained constructive despite the ETF flows. The asset continues to hold above the $78,000–$80,000 zone after defending key support levels. Market participants are watching for a potential golden cross on the daily chart as the 50-day simple moving average nears a crossover above the 200-day SMA — a pattern often associated with extended bullish phases.

Analysts highlight resistance between $85,000 and $88,000 as the next major test. A clear break above that area could open the path toward $100,000. On the downside, a loss of $78,000 support might test the $75,000–$76,000 region.

Supporting factors include progress on the proposed CLARITY Act in the Senate, which could bring greater regulatory certainty, and signs of capital rotation from traditional assets like gold and silver into Bitcoin amid ongoing concerns over debt and currency strength.

Market Context and Outlook

Derivatives data shows clusters of liquidity above current levels, suggesting room for upside if momentum builds. Oil prices moving higher added some inflation pressure across markets, but Bitcoin has shown relative resilience compared to certain equity benchmarks.

While short-term volatility remains, the combination of institutional product flows turning mixed, selective altcoin strength, and improving technical structure leaves the market in a watchful but potentially constructive position heading into the next phase of trading.