In the United States, Bitcoin ETFs have experienced a 5.5 billion dollar outflow over the past five weeks, marking the longest selling streak to date. With news of a total withdrawal exceeding 5.5 billion dollars from 12 different Bitcoin ETFs in the last five weeks, ETFs traded in the U.S. are undergoing the longest series of outflows since their launch in January 2024. This significant wave of withdrawals began with the return of U.S. President Donald Trump to the White House and is perceived as part of a large-scale selling wave towards risky assets in the markets.

According to data compiled by Bloomberg, the majority of the outflows from Bitcoin ETFs are associated with uncertainties surrounding Trump’s economic and trade policies. Trump’s initiation of new customs tariffs and statements concerning global trade wars have prompted investors to steer away from traditional risky assets, leading to a trend that has also affected Bitcoin.

Expectations in the crypto markets during Trump’s presidency have long been that he might provide a more positive regulatory framework for digital assets. However, recent investor reactions indicate that trade policies and wide-scale macroeconomic fluctuations are suppressing interest in Bitcoin.

BITCOIN STRUGGLES IN 2025: PRICES HAVE DROPPED BY 12% SINCE THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR

Following Trump’s election victory in November, Bitcoin had reached record levels in 2024. However, since the beginning of 2025, the digital asset market has continued to face significant pressure. Bitcoin has lost approximately 12% in value since the beginning of the year, trading at $83,500 as of 10 a.m. London time.

Greg Magadini, director of derivatives at Amberdata specializing in crypto derivatives, stated in a note to investors, “Bitcoin and crypto, in general, are currently entirely steered by macroeconomic developments.” Magadini stressed that Bitcoin will continue to move alongside risky assets and that the likelihood of it charting an independent course from traditional financial markets in the short term is low.

WHAT DO BITCOIN ETF OUTFLOWS MEAN?

Bitcoin ETFs are regarded as one of the most important tools for increasing institutional investors’ access to the crypto market. However, the recent outflows indicate that major investors are changing their risk perceptions regarding Bitcoin and beginning to restructure their portfolios. This development could potentially create a liquidity issue in the crypto market and make Bitcoin price movements more volatile.

While the duration of this outflow series in Bitcoin ETFs remains uncertain, market analysts predict that Bitcoin’s direction will be determined primarily by the economic policies of the U.S. and the overall risk appetite in global markets. Investors are currently focused on the steps the Trump administration will take in terms of regulating cryptocurrencies and trade policies in the upcoming period.