Bitcoin exchange-traded funds saw fresh outflows on Tuesday, even as ether and XRP-linked products attracted net inflows, signaling a growing divide in how investors are positioning major crypto assets during the latest bout of market volatility.
U.S.-listed spot bitcoin ETFs recorded roughly $272 million in net outflows on Feb. 3, according to data compiled by SoSoValue, expanding a distribution pattern that emerged during recent bitcoin price swings.
The withdrawals came as bitcoin took a sharp hit, sliding towards $73,000 before bouncing above $76,000, a move traders attributed to tight liquidity and rapid macroeconomic headlines.
By contrast, spot ether ETFs saw net inflows of around $14 million on the day, while XRP-focused products attracted nearly $20 million, suggesting some investors are rotating exposure rather than exiting cryptocurrency markets directly.
The divergence reflects changes in risk preferences rather than a complete loss of confidence in digital assets.
Bitcoin has increasingly been marketed as a macro-sensitive risk asset, reacting quickly to stock market stress, tighter financial conditions and concerns around technology valuations.
Tuesday’s selling coincided with a sharp sell-off in U.S. software stocks after Anthropic’s new AI automation tool reignited fears that artificial intelligence could disrupt traditional software business models, putting pressure on broader technology benchmarks.
The flows also reflect a broader theme visible across markets: selective risk-taking rather than general risk-averse behavior. While bitcoin ETFs have borne the brunt of short-term de-risking, capital still moves within the crypto complex, favoring assets that are perceived as offering distinct use cases or relative value.
