Bitcoin ETFs lose $774m in two days as bitcoin slips below $81,000

According to Farside Investors' table, $635.6m left US spot bitcoin ETFs on Thursday, 22 October. The biggest losers were BlackRock's IBIT at $254.1m, Fidelity's FBTC at $217.5m and ARK's ARKB at $109.4m. On Friday, 23 October, outflows continued: $137.9m out, including $110.3m from IBIT and $31.8m from FBTC. Friday's figure for VanEck HODL is not in the table yet.

On Wednesday the picture was the opposite. From 19 to 21 October the funds took in about $1.07bn, and we wrote that money was back. Over the next two days about $774m left, so the week is up only about $301m. Since launch, Farside counts about $57.3bn of net inflows.

The price is following. On Wednesday bitcoin neared $85,000, CryptoPotato reports, and by Saturday it fell below $81,000, according to Incrypted. Ether dropped below $2,400.

In futures, this hit those betting on a rise with leverage. CoinGlass data cited by Incrypted show $466.5m of positions force-closed in 24 hours across 179,389 traders. Bets on a rise (longs) lost $319.4m, bets on a fall (shorts) $147.2m. A liquidation is when the exchange closes a position itself because the collateral no longer covers it. The Fear and Greed Index is at 46, in the fear zone.

ETF outflows do not mean the price must fall further. They are one measure of demand and can turn around as soon as Monday. But for two days in a row, big money has been selling more than buying.

Confirmed facts

• Net outflows from US spot bitcoin ETFs: $635.6m on 22 October, $137.9m on 23 October.^[1]
• On 22 October IBIT lost $254.1m, FBTC $217.5m and ARKB $109.4m.^[1]
• On 23 October IBIT lost $110.3m and FBTC $31.8m; VanEck HODL data is not in yet.^[1]
• From 19 to 21 October the funds took in about $1.07bn; the week is up about $301m.^[1]
• Cumulative net inflows since launch in Farside's table are about $57.3bn.^[1]
• On 24 October bitcoin fell below $81,000.^[2]
• In 24 hours $466.54m of crypto positions were liquidated across 179,389 traders: longs $319.36m, shorts $147.18m.^[2]
• The Fear and Greed Index is at 46, in the fear zone.^[2]
• On Wednesday bitcoin neared $85,000; ether fell below $2,400.^[3]

Implications

• ConfirmedAlmost all of the early-week inflow into bitcoin ETFs left within two days.
• Our readingIf outflows continue, the funds will sell bitcoin on the market, which weighs on the price.
• Our readingLeveraged trading is especially risky on days like this: liquidations amplify price moves.

Still unknown

• What Friday's final figure for VanEck HODL will be.
• Whether flows turn around next week.
• What the Fed decides and how crypto reacts.

Who it affects

United States, Worldwide. Those who hold bitcoin or ether, and those who trade leveraged futures

Sources

1. Farside Investors: Bitcoin ETF Flow (US$m) October 24, 2026 · official
2. Incrypted: Crypto Market Lost over $466 Million in 24 Hours: Long Holders Were Hit the Hardest October 24, 2026 · media
3. CryptoPotato: Bitcoin (BTC) Tanks Toward $80K, Ripple (XRP) Loses Key Support: Weekend Watch October 24, 2026 · media