“As Bitcoin, Ether, Solana, and XRP ETFs Reach Record AUM, Traders Signal Concern Over an Impending Summer Lull.”

Crypto ETFs Set New Record at $188B as Bitcoin Holds Firm Near $109K Despite Market Jitters

Crypto exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have surged to a record $188 billion in assets under management (AUM), driven by strong investor interest in ether, solana, and XRP products. Last week alone, ether-linked funds attracted $226 million, while solana and XRP products saw inflows of $22 million and $11 million, respectively — signaling sustained confidence in digital assets despite mounting economic uncertainties.

Bitcoin (BTC) remained steady near $108,700, even as global markets reeled from renewed trade tensions. Former President Donald Trump revived concerns by threatening tariffs of up to 50% on certain imports, citing disputes with the European Union over technology regulation.

Asian markets wavered for a third session in a row, copper prices dipped in London trading, and U.S. futures edged lower. However, bitcoin’s resilience suggests that crypto markets may be increasingly seen as a buffer against geopolitical upheaval.

“Bitcoin’s muted reaction to the tariff headlines underscores the conviction of long-term holders and the asset’s inherent strength,” said Han Xu, Director at HashKey Capital, in comments shared via Telegram. “We expect this resilience to persist, though short-term swings are always possible.”

Still, traders remain cautious at current price levels.

“Bulls quickly run out of steam,” noted Alex Kuptsikevich, senior market analyst at FxPro. “Each time bitcoin approaches the $110,000 threshold, sellers appear. Although the 50-day moving average continues to attract dip-buying, resistance remains stiff overhead.”

Kuptsikevich observed that the total crypto market capitalization, while up 1.8% on the week, declined 0.6% over the past 24 hours to $3.35 trillion, reflecting hesitancy as traders navigate high valuations.

Despite this, crypto ETFs continue to see robust demand. CoinShares reported the twelfth consecutive week of positive flows, totaling close to $1 billion last week. Bitcoin-focused funds claimed over $790 million of that figure.

Ether (ETH) led the altcoin ETF space with $226 million in new inflows, while Solana (SOL) and XRP (XRP) added $22 million and $11 million, respectively. Those inflows have helped lift crypto ETF AUM to an unprecedented $188 billion.

Yet there are hints that momentum could be waning. Data from The Block shows bitcoin’s on-chain activity and implied volatility have dropped to levels not seen in nearly two years.

Glassnode analysts have characterized this period as a possible “summer lull,” marked by declining trading volumes and unrealized gains concentrated in the hands of long-term holders — a dynamic that could lead to sudden market shifts if sentiment changes abruptly.

Still, some market watchers remain optimistic.

“Capital continues to rise above the 200-day moving average,” Kuptsikevich said. “Overall market sentiment remains skewed bullish, though traders could swiftly shift to profit-taking if conditions reverse.”