Analysts See a Powerful Start for Bitcoin ETFs, Predicting 600% Annual Growth

Jimmy Aki
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U.S. spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have kicked off the year with unusually strong momentum. In the first two trading days, more than $1.2 billion flowed into these products, indicating strong investor interest from the outset.

Bloomberg analyst Eric Balchunas stated the ETFs entered the year “like a lion.” He noted that if this speed continues, the total 2026 inflows could easily pass 2025’s total.

Bitcoin ETFs Projected to Record $150 Billion in Annual Inflows

In an X post on January 6, Balchunas explained that the early surge in Bitcoin ETFs stood out because nearly every fund was experiencing an influx of capital.

Most Bitcoin ETFs saw simultaneous inflows, indicating industry-wide momentum. Only the WisdomTree fund experienced outflows against this trend.

Balchunas explained that the pace matters more than the headline number. If Bitcoin ETFs continue to attract capital at this speed, annual inflows could reach $150 billion.

That figure would be a sharp increase—roughly six times the $21.4 billion net inflows recorded for 2025. BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust captured most of last year’s demand.

However, the total inflows in 2025 fell short of the roughly $35.2 billion inflows recorded in 2024.

About $697 million in net inflows were recorded on Monday, January 5, the strongest daily figure in three months. This is because almost all Bitcoin ETFs finished the day higher, a pattern that analysts say could signal healthier participation if it continues.

But the rhythm has always been uneven. On Tuesday, Farside market data showed a reversal as Bitcoin ETFs posted combined outflows of $243.24 million.

The pullback served as a reminder that early-year momentum does not move in a straight line. Strong inflows can fade quickly, and short-term demand can cool just as fast.

New ETF Launches Might Come in 2026

Major institutions are already planning ahead. On January 6, Morgan Stanley filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to launch new Bitcoin and Solana ETFs.

The filing outlined a straightforward structure. The Morgan Stanley Bitcoin Trust is designed to track the spot price of Bitcoin. It avoids leverage and derivatives.

This development coincides with broader expectations and market projections across the industry.

In December 2025, Bitwise researcher Ryan Rasmussen argued that crypto exchange-traded products (ETPs) could further expand in 2026.

He pointed to improving regulatory clarity. One of such is the generic listing standards, recently introduced by regulators, have lowered friction for issuers. There is also rising investor interest as one of the main drivers.

The researcher estimated that more than 100 new crypto ETPs could launch next year.

Already, Bitwise has acted on that view. The firm recently filed a new Form S-1 with the SEC to launch a spot Sui ETF, adding to the growing pipeline.

Some market watchers see competition as the real catalyst. More issuers mean tighter fees and broader choice. This could support long-term inflows into Bitcoin ETFs.

Others are more cautious. They warn that too many products in pursuit of the same demand could lead to sharper outflows during volatile periods.

About Jimmy Aki PRO INVESTOR

Based in the UK, Jimmy is an economic researcher with outstanding hands-on and heads-on experience in Macroeconomic finance analysis, forecasting and planning. He has honed his skills having worked cross-continental as a finance analyst, which gives him inter-cultural experience. He currently has a strong passion for regulation and macroeconomic trends as it allows him peek under the global bonnet to see how the world works.