Record $1.63B Outflows from Bitcoin ETFs Led by BlackRock

In a move reflecting a sharp shift in institutional risk appetite, U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded massive outflows totaling $1.63 billion over five consecutive trading days. According to reports, BlackRock's IBIT ETF led the selling pressure as institutional investors continued to reduce their crypto exposure. This retreat comes as the digital asset struggles to regain key price levels amid broader macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainty.

These outflows coincide with broader selling pressure across the crypto market, with market data indicating that rival funds such as Fidelity's FBTC also saw a decline in assets under management during the same period. Compared to the first quarter of 2026, this shift represents a significant reversal from the robust inflows that previously drove Bitcoin to record highs, signaling a phase of profit-taking or portfolio repositioning away from high-risk assets.

Traders should watch Bitcoin's technical support levels near $65,000, as prices hovered around critical thresholds as of the close on May 22, 2026. Looking at the economic calendar, recent retail sales and industrial production data from China (released May 18) and the U.S. provide context for global liquidity trends, while the market awaits further central bank commentary that could impact the appeal of alternative assets.