Bitcoin ETFs see $133M outflows as sentiment stays in ‘extreme fear’

CoinTelegraph

by Helen Partz

February 19, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Bitcoin ETFs have experienced significant outflows, with US-listed spot Bitcoin ETFs losing $238 million this week alone. This marks a notable streak, as it could potentially be the longest five-week outflow period since March 2025. The largest contributor to these outflows was BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), which saw over $84 million leave its holdings. The current market sentiment remains negative, influenced by Bitcoin's brief drop below $66,000 earlier in the week. Despite some analyst predictions suggesting a potential turning point due to reduced outflows, trading volumes have remained sluggish, with daily figures staying under $3 billion. This lack of activity underscores the ongoing challenges faced by the crypto market. The situation is particularly significant for crypto investors and enthusiasts, as sustained ETF outflows could indicate broader investor confidence issues. Additionally, low trading volumes may signal a lack of interest or uncertainty among market participants. These factors collectively suggest that the crypto market is still navigating through a challenging phase, with no immediate signs of recovery or growth in the near term. For those closely monitoring the cryptocurrency space, the performance of Bitcoin ETFs serves as an important indicator of market health and investor sentiment. The continued outflows and subdued trading activity highlight the ongoing risks and uncertainties facing digital assets, which could have broader implications for the crypto ecosystem's development and adoption.

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Originally published on CoinTelegraph on 2/19/2026