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U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded $1.18 billion in inflows, marking the second-largest single-day inflow ever.
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Bitcoin hit a record high above $126,000 before retreating slightly.
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Institutional purchases via ETFs are fueling the rally amid “Uptober” optimism.
U.S.-listed spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) posted their second-largest single-day inflows on Monday, coinciding with Bitcoin’s surge to a new record above $126,000.
Data from Farside Investors showed the 11 U.S.-listed spot Bitcoin ETFs collectively attracted $1.19 billion on a single day, surpassed only by the $1.37 billion inflow recorded on November 7, 2024, following Donald Trump’s presidential election victory.
Monday’s inflows brought total October inflows to $3.47 billion over just four trading days.
Bloomberg ETF analyst James Seyffart noted on X that Bitcoin ETFs have gathered roughly $60 billion in cumulative inflows since their launch last year — a sign of sustained institutional interest in obtaining Bitcoin exposure.
BlackRock dominates ETF inflows
BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) led the inflows with an extraordinary $970 million on Monday.
The fund has pulled in $2.6 billion since the start of October and is closing in on a historic milestone.
Nova Dius president Nate Geraci said the BlackRock ETF is close to surpassing $100 billion in assets under management (AUM) and currently holds roughly 783,767 BTC, representing about $98.5 billion in Bitcoin and cash.
| Date | STIK | FBTC | BITB | ARKB | BTCO | EZBC | BRRR | HODL | BTCW | GBTC | BTC | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 01, 2025 | 405.5 | 179.3 | 59.4 | 5.9 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 6.6 | 0.0 | 9.2 | 9.9 | 675.8 |
| Oct 02, 2025 | 466.5 | 89.6 | 11.2 | 45.2 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 1.7 | 0.0 | 2.8 | 10.2 | 627.2 |
| Oct 03, 2025 | 791.6 | 69.6 | 24.0 | 35.5 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 26.0 | 0.0 | 18.3 | 20.1 | 985.1 |
| Oct 06, 2025 | 970.0 | 112.3 | 60.1 | 0.0 | 7.5 | 3.6 | 0.0 | 6.0 | 0.0 | 30.6 | 0.0 | 1,190.1 |
“The Vanguard S&P 500 ETF took more than 2,000 days to reach $100 billion in assets, while IBIT is on track to do it in under 450 days,” Geraci observed, highlighting the unprecedented speed of capital accumulation.
He added that only 18 of more than 4,500 active ETFs have ever exceeded $100 billion in AUM.
Other major recipients included Fidelity’s Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund (FBTC) with $112 million in inflows, Bitwise Bitcoin ETF (BITB) with $60 million, and Grayscale Bitcoin Mini Trust (BTC) with $30 million.
Institutional dynamics and the “debasement trade”
Bitcoin’s rally has been strongly driven by institutional participation through ETFs, enabling large investors to gain exposure without direct custody of the asset.
Analysts say retail participation remains limited, underscoring the dominant role of institutional capital in the current bull phase.
The recent surge has also been supported by what traders refer to as the “debasement trade” — a move into non-sovereign assets like Bitcoin and gold amid a U.S. government shutdown that has delayed key economic data and increased political uncertainty.
This shift toward Bitcoin reflects a broader sentiment among investors seeking hedges against potential monetary easing and inflationary pressures.
Bitcoin steadies after record high
After reaching a record high of $126,186 on Monday, Bitcoin pulled back slightly on profit-taking but remained well supported.
On Tuesday the cryptocurrency traded flat near $123,427.9.
U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded $3.2 billion in net inflows for the week ending October 3 — the second-largest weekly inflow since their launch — including $985 million on October 3 alone.
Seasonal optimism, often dubbed “Uptober,” has also contributed to the market’s upbeat tone.
Historically, October has been a strong month for Bitcoin, and investors appear to be positioning accordingly.
Despite modest pullbacks, analysts note that the confluence of ETF demand, macroeconomic uncertainty, and seasonal strength continues to support Bitcoin’s upward trajectory.