US Spot Bitcoin ETFs Bleed for Third Day in a Row, $490 Million Gone

U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs have now recorded their third straight day of outflows, with total withdrawals crossing $490 million. Following this selling pressure, Bitcoin price dropped 3% after the Federal Reserve kept interest rates unchanged, and is now trading at $75,621.

This shows that short-term institutional confidence in Bitcoin is weakening as several market pressures are hitting at the same time.

Three Days, $490 million in $BTC ETF Outflow

It has been a rough week for Bitcoin ETFs. Since the start of this week, money has been leaving these funds for three straight days.

On Monday, April 27, the biggest hit came in the form of $263.2 million in net outflows from ETFs. This was the largest single-day withdrawal of the week. April 28 brought a little relief, but money continued to leave. Another $89.7 million flowed out of the market.

Then on April 29, the day of the Fed’s rate decision, ETFs recorded another $137.6 million in outflows. This confirmed that the selling was not just a one-day event, but part of a growing trend.

Leading the withdrawals was Fidelity’s FBTC, which recorded the largest outflow of $191.5 million. It was followed by BlackRock’s IBIT, the largest spot Bitcoin ETF by assets under management, with $166.9 million in outflows. Ark Invest’s ARKB came next with $73.3 million.

In total, more than $490 million was pulled from U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs in less than 72 hours.

Fed Held Rates, No Hope of Cuts Soon

The main reason behind this week’s ETF outflows is that the Federal Reserve kept interest rates unchanged at 3.50%–3.75%. This was the third straight time rates were left unchanged.

Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s press conference also disappointed markets. He gave no signal of rate cuts anytime soon. There was no softer stance on inflation and no sign that easier financial conditions are coming soon.

Iran and the Strait of Hormuz Tension

Tensions between the United States and Iran have increased sharply in recent weeks, with much of the focus on the Strait of Hormuz.

Recently, Donald Trump said the strait could be blocked again if Iran does not surrender. This has added more fear and uncertainty to global markets.

The rising tension this week is creating a cautious mood among investors, and that fear is clearly showing in the Bitcoin ETF outflow numbers.

What Next For Bitcoin

After falling near $74,000 earlier this month, Bitcoin recovered strongly and moved back toward the $80,000 level.

However, much of that gain now appears to be erased, with Bitcoin trading around $75,621. If ETF outflows continue, $BTC could soon retest the $74,000 support level again.

Even so, many traders still believe Bitcoin can move toward $85,000 to $88,000 in May, as long as macro conditions do not worsen further.