Digital asset investment products record largest outflows since March

Digital asset investment products record largest outflows since March

By Benson Toti - min read
  • Digital assets investment products saw outflows of $168 million last week, $146 million of which was for Bitcoin.
  • It’s the largest weekly outflows total since March 2023, according to a report by CoinShares.

CoinShares’ latest weekly report on digital asset investment flows shows that the market witnessed its largest funds outflows in nearly six months last week. The outflows come as sentiment across cryptocurrency dips amid recent sell-off.

Crypto sees $168 million in outflows

According to the report, outflows totaled $168 million over the week to mark the largest outflow from crypto products since March 2023 when the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) started its regulatory crackdown on major exchanges.

The outflows in the week ended August 25 saw the monthly outflows stand at $278 million as sentiment continued to trend negative amid “exceptionally low trading volume.” Indeed, CoinShares data shows the investment products market traded $1.3 billion last week, about 16% off the year’s average.

This negative sentiment we believe is due to the increasing acceptance that a spot-based ETF for Bitcoin in the US is likely to take longer than many expect, with recent delays being announced by the SEC,” said James Butterfill, head of research at CoinShares.

Bitcoin continues to lead

The crypto market recently witnessed a sharp sell-off for Bitcoin, the benchmark cryptocurrency falling to lows of $25,350. The struggle to strengthen above $26k has illustrated the market jitters permeating the broader risk assets sector, with this shown in outflows from Bitcoin investment products.

Bitcoin price chart

However, while outflows totaled $149 million last week, the flagship crypto asset’s flows are net positive for the year at roughly $265 million. Meanwhile, investors are increasingly selling their short positions, with $4 million in outflows registered last week for an 18-week streak of outflows. 

Data shows shorts outflows are currently 89% of the total AuM.

In the altcoin market, Ethereum recorded outflows of $17 million, while XRP and Litecoin had minor inflows of $0.5 million and $0.44 million, respectively.