BlackRock’s IBIT Sees Second-Largest Bitcoin Inflow Since Launch, Nearing $1 Billion

The BlackRock iShares Bitcoin BTC$73,404.49 Trust ETF (IBIT) saw $970.9 million in inflows, marking its second-largest net inflow since launching in January 2024, according to Farside data.

Monday accounted for $591.2 million in new capital, which saw heavy outflows from competitors: Fidelity’s FBTC lost $86.9 million, Bitwise’s BITB dropped $21.1 million, and ARK’s ARKB saw $226.3 million in outflows.

The rise comes alongside a 7.2% rise in BTC over the past seven days with it now trading at $94,900.

Since April 22, IBIT has amassed over $4.5 billion in net inflows, bucking the market trend.

Industry experts have taken note. Nate Geraci, President of The ETF Store, remarked:

"Nearly $1 billion into iShares Bitcoin ETF today... Second-largest inflow since January 2024 inception. I still remember when there was 'no demand'."

Eric Balchunas, Senior Bloomberg ETF Analyst, added:

"ETFs are in two-steps-forward mode after taking one step back, exactly the pattern we predicted."

Meanwhile, in derivatives markets, open interest (OI) on CME Bitcoin Futures continues to fall, now sitting at 132,750 BTC after four consecutive days of decline, according to CME data.
The recent decline in open interest could be coming to an end, as the annualized basis yield has climbed from around 5% to 9% in April, according to Velo data. This resurgence in basis trade profitability could prompt renewed activity and a short-term rebound in open interest.

Why it matters: In a typical basis trade, investors buy spot bitcoin and short bitcoin futures to lock in the price gap. When the yield is high, demand for futures rises, boosting OI. As the yield shrinks, fewer traders engage in the strategy, leading to declining open interest and signaling reduced leverage in the market.