US Investors Might Be Leaving Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs for International Markets

The US Spot Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs are seeing sustained outflows as investors rotate capital into international equities. Both crypto ETFs have seen only 2 weeks of positive inflows so far in 2026.

The shift comes amid rising Treasury yields, a resilient US labor market, and record inflows into global ex-US stock funds.

Money is Shifting to International ETF Markets

Over the past several weeks, US spot Bitcoin ETFs have moved into clear net outflow territory. Total assets have dropped sharply from recent highs near $115 billion to roughly $83 billion. 

Ethereum ETFs show an even steeper contraction, with assets declining from around $18 billion to near $11 billion.

This is not random volatility. It reflects capital leaving the asset class.

At the same time, international equity ETFs recorded their strongest inflows in years. 

January saw record allocations into global ex-US funds, which absorbed roughly one-third of total ETF inflows despite representing a much smaller share of total assets.

That signals major rotation.

Institutional investors appear to be trimming exposure to crowded US growth trades — including crypto — and reallocating to cheaper overseas markets amid improving macro conditions abroad.

Meanwhile, stronger US jobs data pushed Treasury yields higher. Higher yields tighten financial conditions and increase the attractiveness of bonds relative to risk assets. 

Bitcoin and Ethereum, which trade as high-beta liquidity plays, tend to weaken when capital moves toward safer or yield-generating assets.

The combination creates a structural headwind.

Crypto ETFs were a major source of demand in 2024, amplifying upward price moves through sustained inflows. 

Now that mechanism is reversing. Instead of reinforcing rallies, ETFs are acting as distribution channels.

This does not invalidate the long-term crypto thesis. However, it weakens the short-term liquidity backdrop.

Until capital rotation slows or macro conditions ease, ETF outflows may continue to weigh on Bitcoin, Ethereum, and the broader crypto market.