Spot Bitcoin, Ether ETFs See Outflows Amid Rising Trade War Jitters

Even as crypto prices climbed sharply on Wednesday, investors continued pulling money from U.S.-listed spot bitcoin and ether exchange-traded funds (ETFs), highlighting persistent caution amid ongoing trade tensions and macro volatility.

Bitcoin rose more than 8% to hit $83,500, while ether surged 13% to $1,770. But despite the price strength, the 11 spot bitcoin ETFs saw a combined $127.2 million in net outflows, according to Farside Investors. The largest hit came from BlackRock’s IBIT fund, which shed $89.7 million alone.

That marked the fifth day in a row of redemptions, totaling $722 million in losses across bitcoin ETFs. Ether ETFs weren’t spared either — nine funds recorded a net outflow of $11.2 million on the same day.

The pullback comes amid lingering investor uncertainty around President Trump’s evolving trade stance. Earlier this week, his administration rolled back sweeping new tariffs for over 75 countries but left China out of the deal — instead raising duties on Chinese goods to 125%.

This policy shift helped calm broader financial markets. Stocks soared, with the Nasdaq 100 jumping more than 12% in its strongest single-day gain in years, while the S&P 500 added nearly 10%.

Still, the recent volatility — coupled with fears of a prolonged trade battle with China — appears to have spooked ETF investors, many of whom may be rotating into cash or safer assets despite strong performance from digital tokens and equities alike.