Bitcoin ETFs See $171M Outflows as Iran Tensions Rise

TLDR

• US spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded $171 million in net outflows, marking the largest daily withdrawals in three weeks.
• BlackRock’s IBIT led the redemptions with $41 million in outflows, followed by Fidelity’s FBTC and ARK 21Shares’ ARKB.
• Bitcoin traded below $70,000 during the session and declined 4.7% over the past week.
• Analysts linked the ETF withdrawals to rising geopolitical tensions related to the US-Israeli conflict with Iran.
• President Donald Trump extended the ceasefire on Iranian energy infrastructure by 10 days to April 6.

U.S.-listed Bitcoin ETFs posted $171 million in net redemptions on Thursday, marking the largest daily outflow since March 3. Fund data showed broad selling across major issuers as Bitcoin price slipped below $70,000. The withdrawals followed renewed geopolitical tensions linked to the US-Israeli conflict with Iran.

Bitcoin ETFs face $171 million in withdrawals

US-listed spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded $171 million in outflows on Thursday, according to Farside Investors data. This marked their heaviest redemptions since March 3, when funds lost $348 million. The pullback interrupted steady inflows recorded earlier this month.

BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) led the withdrawals with $41 million exiting the fund. Fidelity’s Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund (FBTC) followed with $32 million in redemptions. ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF (ARKB) posted $30.5 million in outflows, while Grayscale’s Bitcoin Trust (GBTC) lost $24 million.

The withdrawals came after Bitcoin ETFs attracted $1.36 billion in net inflows during March. Sosovalue data showed the funds remain on track for their first net accumulation month since October 2025. That month recorded $3.42 billion in net inflows across US products.

Senior Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas commented on the recent volatility. He said the funds are “one good day away” from reversing year-to-date outflows. He also described the ETFs as showing “incredible fortitude” during Bitcoin’s 46% correction from its October 2025 peak.

Bitcoin traded at $67,780 at the time of reporting, according to CoinMarketCap data. The asset declined 4.7% over the past week and briefly fell below $70,000. Market data showed Bitcoin previously reached an all-time high of $126,198 in October 2025.

Geopolitical tensions weigh on Bitcoin demand

Shawn Young, chief analyst at MEXC Research, linked the ETF redemptions to geopolitical developments. He said investors are “beginning to pull back” as tensions rise in the US-Israeli conflict with Iran. However, he added that ETF flows remain net positive since the conflict began.

Reuters reported that the US Department of Defense is deploying thousands of soldiers to the Middle East. Sources familiar with the matter shared the update earlier this week. The report followed military movements linked to regional security operations.

US President Donald Trump announced a 10-day extension of the ceasefire on Iranian energy infrastructure. He set the new deadline for April 6 and cited constructive negotiations. The announcement came as diplomatic talks continued between the parties involved.

Kyle Rodda, senior financial analyst at Capital.com, addressed market uncertainty. He said participants worry about “another unexpected weekend escalation.” He added that the US is moving assets and personnel toward the Middle East for what appears to be limited ground operations.

Rodda said prior strikes on Feb. 28 caught markets off guard during active negotiations. He explained that renewed troop movements have increased short-term risk perception. Markets responded as traders adjusted positions ahead of potential developments.

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