Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs recorded a record weekly inflow of $2.6 billion
American spot exchange-traded funds for Bitcoin and Ethereum demonstrated the strongest capital inflow since October 2025. During the trading week from August 17 to 21, total inflows into these instruments reached $2.6 billion, signaling the return of institutional risk appetite.
Bitcoin ETFs bore the brunt of the influx, attracting $1.92 billion. Notably, Ethereum funds also showed impressive momentum: inflows totaled $697.18 million, more than offsetting the $391.96 million outflow recorded the previous week. This is a clear sign of a shift in sentiment among major players who previously preferred to lock in profits.
Ten-Month High and Surge in Trading Activity
Bitcoin funds maintained positive momentum for five consecutive trading days. The peak came on August 20, when $606 million flowed into the instruments in a single day—the highest figure since May. Trading volumes also soared to $22.15 billion for the week, nearly triple the previous week's levels. This indicates not just an influx of new capital but also a significant activation of speculative funds.
Nevertheless, it is worth noting that the cumulative net inflow into Bitcoin ETFs is still 14% below the peak levels of October 2025 ($62.77 billion versus the current $53.71 billion). Ethereum funds, in turn, posted their best result since October: on August 20, they attracted $220.77 million in a single day. However, total assets under management remain 53% below the record set in August 2025.
Asset Growth Outpaced Inflows by 9 Times
It is important to understand that inflows are just the tip of the iceberg. The value of assets under management for both categories of funds rose by approximately $23 billion, while investors injected only $2.6 billion. Excluding new contributions, the market capitalization of Bitcoin funds increased by 22.9%, and Ethereum funds by 29.2%. The main driver is the revaluation of the coins themselves: Bitcoin was trading around $76,230, and Ethereum at $2,406 at the time of analysis.
Altcoin ETFs: Diversification Gains Momentum
Demand is also spreading to other digital assets. The leader among altcoin products was the XRP ETF with inflows of $39.78 million and a record weekly turnover of $271.74 million. Solana funds secured second place with $28.34 million, marking their eighth consecutive week of positive momentum. Chainlink funds attracted $13.35 million—the second-best result since their launch in December 2025. Hyperliquid ETFs collected $3.89 million, with total assets reaching a record $360.39 million. Rounding out the list are Dogecoin funds with a symbolic inflow of $654 thousand.
My take: The current momentum points to sustained institutional interest that is not limited to Bitcoin alone. Asset growth outpacing capital inflows by 9 times confirms that the market is driven not only by new money but also by confidence in the long-term revaluation of digital assets. However, investors should remember: record volumes often precede corrections, and current optimism requires careful risk management.