Bitcoin exchange-traded funds saw fresh outflows on Tuesday even as ether and XRP-linked products drew net inflows, suggesting a growing divide in how investors are positioning across major cryptoassets amid the latest bout of market volatility.
U.S.-listed spot bitcoin ETFs recorded about $272 million in net outflows on Feb. 3, according to data compiled by SoSoValue, extending a distribution pattern that has emerged during bitcoin’s recent price swings.
The pullbacks came as bitcoin whipped up sharply, sliding toward $73,000 before surging above $76,000, a move traders attributed to thin liquidity and brisk macro headlines.
In contrast, spot ether ETFs saw net inflows of about $14 million on the day, while XRP-focused products attracted nearly $20 million, suggesting some investors are rotating exposure rather than outright exiting the crypto markets.
The divergence reflects changing risk preferences rather than a wholesale loss of confidence in digital assets.
Bitcoin has increasingly traded as a macro-sensitive risk asset, reacting quickly to stock market stress, tighter financial conditions and concerns about technology valuations.
Tuesday’s selloff coincided with a sharp selloff in U.S. software stocks after Anthropic’s new AI automation tool reignited fears that artificial intelligence could disrupt traditional software business models and pressure broader tech benchmarks.
The flows also reflect a broader theme visible across markets: selective risk-taking rather than general risk-off behavior. While bitcoin ETFs have borne the brunt of short-term de-risking, capital still moves within the crypto complex, favoring assets perceived to offer distinct uses or relative value.
