Bitcoin ETF outflows hit $3.8B as $760M transfer raises investor concern

Jordi Bashirian

Published: February 22, 2026 9:18 PM ET

Bitcoin ETF outflows hit $3.8B as $760M transfer raises investor concern

bitcoin has plunged alongside heavy ETF withdrawals, with U. S. Bitcoin funds facing $3. 8 billion in outflows while a separate $760 million BTC transfer has drawn scrutiny. The combined moves have intensified market attention on whether institutional trimming signals a broader sell-off or selective repositioning.

Bitcoin ETF flows and bitcoin transfer

Market data show U. S. -listed bitcoin spot ETFs recorded $133. 3 million in daily net outflows as of Feb. 18 ET, driven by IBIT at $84. 2 million and FBTC at $49 million. Cumulative net redemptions across U. S. Bitcoin funds contributed to the $3. 8 billion outflow figure noted in key market summaries. Separately, a $760 million BTC transfer has been flagged by market-watchers; details on the sender, recipient and intent are not publicly confirmed.

Altcoin ETFs diverge from the bleed

Other U. S. crypto ETFs painted a mixed picture. Ether spot funds recorded $41. 8 million in net outflows on the day, with one large product losing nearly $30 million, leaving total net assets for ether funds around $11. 1 billion, about 4. 8% of ether’s market capitalization. Ether was trading below $2, 000 during the pullback and struggled to regain momentum.

XRP-focused funds saw $2. 2 million in daily outflows, with total net assets just over $1 billion, roughly 1. 2% of XRP’s market cap; price action for XRP was down over 4% on the day. By contrast, U. S. Solana spot ETFs recorded $2. 4 million in net inflows, pushing cumulative inflows to nearly $880 million, with BSOL among the products attracting fresh capital. Smaller altcoin ETFs, including LINK-focused funds, showed marginal inflows. The pattern suggests rotation within the crypto space rather than blanket selling across all tokens.

Market indicators and a forward look

Price and on-chain indicators point to a fragile base-building phase. Bitcoin slid about 5% and tumbled below $65, 000 as larger holders increased exchange inflows and shorter-term investors realized losses. On-chain analytics show large holders dominating exchange inflows while short-term participants continue to sell at a loss, which aligns with the observed ETF outflows and price weakness.

Short-term implications hinge on the persistence of these flows. If ETF outflows and large-holder exchange inflows remain elevated, downward pressure on prices could continue. If inflows to selective altcoin ETFs hold and short-term selling abates, rotation toward specific tokens could stabilize markets. Market participants will be watching daily fund flows and on-chain transfer activity for near-term cues.

Key takeaways: major U. S. Bitcoin ETFs saw steep outflows; a $760M BTC transfer raised concern; Solana-related funds bucked the broader outflow trend.

Uncertainties remain where details are incomplete: the provenance and intent behind the $760 million BTC transfer have not been disclosed, and broader economic drivers behind institutional trimming were not fully detailed in market summaries. Observed fund flows and on-chain signals provide a real-time read on where conviction is retreating and where it remains, shaping the near-term outlook for digital-asset markets.