The six-day sell-off in US spot Bitcoin ETFs accelerated this week, with net outflows hitting $1.55 billion over the stretch. The sustained pullback has now trimmed total net inflows for 2026 to just $536 million, putting the year on the verge of flipping net negative for the first time since the funds launched.
2026 inflows shrink to $536 million
Before the streak began, year-to-date net inflows sat comfortably above $2 billion. That changed fast. Each of the six trading days through May 22 saw capital exit the products, with the heaviest single-day outflows hitting midweek. By Friday's close, the cumulative damage erased roughly 74% of the year's prior gains.
The $536 million that remains is the smallest year-to-date tally since early February. If outflows continue at even a modest pace for a few more sessions, the entire 2026 net flow figure will turn red.
Net outflows for the year now a real possibility
The math is straightforward. Another $537 million in outflows — less than the current six-day total — would wipe out the remaining net inflow. Given the current velocity, that threshold could be crossed within three to four trading days if the selling doesn't let up.
A negative annual net flow would mark a stark reversal from the first five months of 2026, which had been broadly positive. The streak has already erased the strong March and April inflows that had market participants optimistic about sustained institutional demand.
No single catalyst has been publicly identified for the shift. The outflows coincide with a broader risk-off tone across digital assets this week, but ETF flows have diverged from price action before. Traders will be watching Monday's data closely to see if the streak extends to a seventh day.
