Bitcoin ETFs Post Third-Biggest 2026 Outflow as Blackrock Loses $448M

Solana ETFs Stay Positive as Bitcoin and Ether Funds Face Heavy Selling

A wave of risk reduction swept through crypto exchange-traded funds (ETFs) on Monday, May 18, with institutional investors pulling heavily from bitcoin and ethereum-linked products as volatility and caution returned to the market.

Spot bitcoin ETFs recorded net outflows of $648.64 million, one of the steepest single-day declines of the year. The selling was broad and relentless, with no fund reporting inflows during the session.

Blackrock’s IBIT absorbed the largest hit, shedding a massive $448.36 million in capital. Ark & 21Shares’ ARKB followed with $109.64 million in outflows, while Fidelity’s FBTC lost another $63.42 million.

Additional exits came from Bitwise’s BITB at $9.16 million, Vaneck’s HODL at $7.59 million, Franklin’s EZBC at $6.65 million, and Invesco’s BTCO at $3.82 million.

Despite the sharp withdrawals, trading activity surged. Total value traded across bitcoin ETFs climbed to $3.14 billion, highlighting elevated investor positioning and aggressive portfolio rebalancing. Total net assets across the category fell to $100.49 billion, bringing the market close to a psychologically important territory.

Bitcoin ETFs have seen $1.8 billion in outflows over the past five trading days.

Ether ETFs faced similar pressure, extending their outflow streak to a sixth consecutive session. The category recorded net outflows of $86.31 million as institutional demand continued to weaken.

Blackrock’s ETHA once again led the declines with a $55.40 million exit, while Fidelity’s FETH saw $14.70 million leave the fund. Grayscale’s Ether Mini Trust and ETHE products posted outflows of $10.08 million and $3.96 million, respectively. Blackrock’s ETHB also slipped further into negative territory with a $2.17 million withdrawal.

Trading volume across ether ETFs reached $742.40 million, while total net assets dropped to $12.20 billion.

Away from the two dominant crypto assets, the tone was more stable, though still cautious.

Solana ETFs managed a modest net inflow of $2.06 million. Fidelity’s FSOL led the gains with $2.98 million, while smaller inflows were recorded in Bitwise’s BSOL and 21Shares’ TSOL. Those additions were partially offset by a $1.12 million outflow from Vaneck’s VSOL, but the category still closed the day in positive territory.

Trading activity in Solana ETFs totaled $63.45 million, with net assets ending at $957.12 million.

XRP ETFs also remained in positive territory, though only marginally. The category recorded a net inflow of $750,440, entirely driven by Franklin’s XRPZ product. Total trading volume reached $21.22 million, with net assets holding at $1.14 billion.

The contrast across the market is becoming increasingly clear. Bitcoin and ether continue to bear the weight of institutional de-risking, while smaller digital asset products are attracting selective, though cautious, allocations.

For now, sentiment has shifted decisively toward defense. Whether Monday’s heavy withdrawals represent panic selling or a temporary reset may depend on how quickly institutional buyers return to the market in the days ahead.