Spot Bitcoin ETFs Start 2026 Strong with $1.2B in Flows in Two Days
US spot Bitcoin ETFs attract $1.2B in just two days of 2026, with analysts predicting $150B in annual inflows.
Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have made a strong start in 2026, attracting over $1.2 billion in the first two trading days of the year. This surge in inflows has led analysts to project that Bitcoin ETFs could see annual inflows of up to $150 billion if this pace continues.
Besides, this increase represents a 600% rise compared to the total inflows seen in 2025, signaling a strong bullish outlook for the market in the early part of the year.
Bitcoin ETFs See Significant Inflows Early in 2026
US spot Bitcoin ETFs have experienced explosive growth since the start of the year.
In just two days, over $1.2 billion flowed into these ETFs, marking a significant increase in investor interest. According to Eric Balchunas, a senior ETF analyst at Bloomberg, this pace could continue throughout 2026, resulting in $150 billion in total inflows for the year.
Balchunas described this surge as Bitcoin ETFs “coming into 2026 like a lion,” indicating a strong start to the year.
The spot bitcoin ETFs are coming into 2026 like a lion, +$1.2 in flows in first two days of year w/ everyone eating. That’s a $150b/yr pace. Told ya’ll if they can take in $22b when it’s raining, imagine when the sun is shining. pic.twitter.com/YdRaLN0Op7
— Eric Balchunas (@EricBalchunas) January 6, 2026
Despite this impressive growth, not all funds have experienced equal demand.
The WisdomTree Bitcoin Fund (BTCW) saw less inflow compared to other products. However, the overall trend has been overwhelmingly positive, with most Bitcoin ETFs seeing substantial investments.
If this momentum continues, the market could see a massive increase in total inflows compared to previous years.
Largest Inflow Day in Three Months
In January 2026, spot Bitcoin ETFs experienced a record $697 million in inflows, the highest in three months. This followed a period of volatility at the end of 2025 when Bitcoin’s price fluctuated.
After stabilizing above $90,000, the demand for Bitcoin ETFs surged, reflecting growing confidence in the asset. The uptick in inflows is seen as a positive sign of sustained interest from institutional investors.
#Bitcoin spot ETFs saw a strong inflow of $697.25M on Jan 5, 2026, boosting total assets to $123.52B.
Despite $BTC trading around $93,178, the inflow signals renewed institutional interest and growing confidence in spot ETF allocations. @SoSoValueCrypto #CryptoCommunity #BTC pic.twitter.com/Y2VbMc1KJt
— IDO | PRESALE INSIGHTS (@IDO_Insights) January 7, 2026
The largest contributor to these inflows has been BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), which has continued to dominate the Bitcoin ETF market.
However, the total inflows in 2025 ($21.4 billion) were lower than those in 2024 ($35.2 billion). This reduction in inflows compared to 2024 may suggest a cooling period in the market, but the early 2026 figures indicate that the momentum is building once again.
Related Reading: Strategy Boosts Bitcoin Reserves with Latest 1,287 BTC Purchase
Momentum Slows with Early Outflows in 2026
While the start of 2026 was strong, momentum appeared to slow on January 4.
Preliminary data indicated a possible outflow day, especially from the Fidelity fund. Other funds also showed signs of reduced demand. Despite this, the overall inflows during the first two days indicate sustained institutional interest in Bitcoin ETFs.
This brief cooling of momentum may reflect normal market fluctuations, as investor sentiment adjusts. However, the larger trend still points to growing interest in Bitcoin ETFs.
With large institutions continuing to invest in these products, Bitcoin ETFs are expected to remain a key part of the cryptocurrency investment landscape in 2026.
As more institutional players enter the space, such as Morgan Stanley with its upcoming Bitcoin ETF, the competition is likely to intensify. This could further fuel growth and innovation in the Bitcoin ETF market throughout the year.
Despite short-term fluctuations, the long-term outlook for Bitcoin ETFs looks strong.