Bitcoin price dips as ETF outflows trigger short-term pullback

Bitcoin price fell on Thursday as investors locked in profits following a strong start to the year. The move came as US spot bitcoin ETFs recorded some of their largest outflows in weeks.

Over the past 24 hours, bitcoin slipped from around $93,000 to just above $90,000. That roughly 2.5% pullback coincided with nearly $500m leaving US-listed bitcoin ETFs.

Data shows that the biggest redemptions came from products issued by BlackRock and Fidelity. Their flagship spot ETFs accounted for the majority of the day’s net outflows.

Ether and XRP ETFs also saw capital exit, suggesting a broader cooling in short-term risk appetite. This points to portfolio rebalancing rather than crypto-specific stress.

Despite the decline, bitcoin price remains more than 3% higher over the past week. Ether is also still up on a seven-day basis, even after falling sharply on the day.

Spot bitcoin ETFs now hold over $118bn in net assets, representing a meaningful share of total bitcoin supply. That level of exposure highlights how influential institutional positioning has become.

Analysts say the recent dip is driven by positioning and profit-taking, not a weakening trend. After a volatile end to 2025, early 2026 price action suggests consolidation rather than reversal.

Near-term resistance is forming in the $95,000 to $98,000 range. Until a clear catalyst emerges, bitcoin price is likely to trade within a defined range.

Longer term, institutional adoption, capped supply, and growing use of ETFs continue to support the bitcoin investment case. However, macro conditions and regulation remain key sources of volatility.

For investors, the message is balance. Bitcoin price weakness may offer opportunity, but disciplined risk management remains essential as institutional flows continue to shape the market.