$1.05 Billion Net Inflows: Bitcoin ETFs Set the Stage for a Potential Sell-Side Liquidity Crisis

The world of Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) has witnessed a staggering surge in net inflows, with a staggering $1.05 billion recorded yesterday alone.

TLDR

Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) experienced a record-breaking $1.05 billion in net inflows on March 12, a 56% increase compared to the previous record set on February 28.
The surge in net inflows coincides with Bitcoin’s ongoing price rally, with the cryptocurrency hitting a new all-time high of $73,637.
Investors are increasingly seeking exposure to Bitcoin through regulated investment vehicles like ETFs, which offer indirect exposure without the need to directly hold or manage the asset.
CryptoQuant CEO Ki Young Ju predicts that continued institutional inflows into Bitcoin ETFs could create a “sell-side liquidity crisis,” potentially leading to a higher cyclical top for the cryptocurrency.
The Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC) is experiencing daily outflows of around $500 million, but the value of its BTC holdings has remained relatively stable due to Bitcoin’s price appreciation.

This milestone, which represents a 56% increase compared to the previous record set on February 28, coincides with Bitcoin’s ongoing price rally, as the leading cryptocurrency continues to trade near its all-time high of $73,637.

The record-breaking net inflows into Bitcoin ETFs underscore the growing demand for regulated investment vehicles in the cryptocurrency market.

These products offer investors an accessible and convenient way to gain indirect exposure to Bitcoin without the need to directly hold or manage the underlying asset.

By tracking the price of Bitcoin and allowing investors to trade shares on traditional stock exchanges, Bitcoin ETFs have become increasingly popular, attracting significant capital inflows.

According to SoSoValue data, on March 12, the total net inflow into Bitcoin spot ETFs reached $1.05 billion, setting a new record for the highest single-day net inflow since the first trading day of the ETF, representing an increase of approximately 56% compared to the net inflow… pic.twitter.com/om83JbhG0r

— Wu Blockchain (@WuBlockchain) March 13, 2024

In fact, Bitcoin ETFs have experienced the most successful launch in the history of ETFs, accumulating over 30,000 BTC in the previous week alone and currently holding close to $30 billion in assets.

According to Ki Young Ju, CEO of on-chain analytics platform CryptoQuant, the continued institutional inflows into Bitcoin ETFs could lead to a new phenomenon: a “sell-side liquidity crisis.”

This scenario would occur when the demand for Bitcoin surpasses the available supply, effectively limiting the availability of sellers and resulting in a thinner order book.

Ki predicts that if this tipping point is reached, the impact on Bitcoin’s price may exceed market expectations, potentially leading to a higher cyclical top for the cryptocurrency.

[1/4] Bitcoin ETF Flow – 12 March 2024

All data in. Record day with over $1 billion of net inflow. Blackrock with a record $849 million of inflow pic.twitter.com/dKFmM3Qvaa

— BitMEX Research (@BitMEXResearch) March 13, 2024

While the Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC) is experiencing daily outflows of around $500 million, the value of its BTC holdings has remained relatively stable due to Bitcoin’s price appreciation since the ETF launch in January.

As Bitcoin continues to exhibit strong performance and investors increasingly seek exposure through regulated investment vehicles, the record-breaking net inflows into Bitcoin ETFs serve as a testament to the growing mainstream adoption and acceptance of cryptocurrency as a legitimate asset class.