Key Insights:
- BlackRock, Fidelity, and ARK Invest purchased over $575.8 million in Bitcoin on July 3.
- ETF flows show $601.8 million in Bitcoin and $148.5 million in Ethereum added that day.
- BlackRock alone injected $85.4 million into Ethereum, ahead of the spot ETH ETF launch.
BlackRock, Fidelity, and ARK Invest bought hundreds of millions worth of Bitcoin and Ethereum on July 3, adding pressure to an already supply-constrained market. ETF demand is rising despite low retail participation.
Institutions Pour In: $724M ETF Flows Boost BTC, ETH Demand
Bitcoin and Ethereum recorded major institutional inflows on July 3, as ETF issuers led by BlackRock, Fidelity, and ARK Invest bought $724 million worth of the two largest cryptocurrencies.
According to a tweet by @Ashcryptoreal, the trio acquired $575.8 million in Bitcoin, marking one of the largest daily ETF purchases since early June. Meanwhile, @crypto_goos reported that BlackRock alone snapped up $85.4 million in Ethereum, fueling calls to “send ETH to $10,000.”
Further confirmation came from ETF flow trackers, showing $601.8 million worth of Bitcoin and $148.5 million in Ethereum entering funds that day. This came just weeks after spot Ethereum ETFs received final approval from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, with trading expected to begin later in July.
The surge in ETF allocations comes as whale accumulation resumes across the board. The three firms, already among the top ETF managers globally, appear to be capitalizing on current price levels amid low retail activity and compressed volatility.
BlackRock Doubles Down on ETH Ahead of ETF Launch
While Bitcoin absorbed the bulk of July 3’s institutional interest, Ethereum drew separate attention due to fresh inflows from BlackRock.
According to @crypto_goos, BlackRock added $85.4 million in Ethereum in a single session, reflecting rising confidence in ETH ahead of the spot ETF launch. The announcement pushed social media sentiment higher, with traders speculating on a potential ETH rally.
On July 2, BlackRock filed an updated S-1 registration statement for its iShares Ethereum Trust, signaling progress toward a public listing. Other issuers, including Fidelity and VanEck, are expected to follow shortly.
Despite the excitement, Ethereum has underperformed Bitcoin throughout 2024, weighed down by concerns over demand in the DeFi sector and regulatory clarity. That narrative may now shift, as ETF approval provides a regulated channel for institutions to gain exposure.
Glassnode data earlier this week showed exchange balances for Ethereum dropping, suggesting ongoing accumulation. As of July 4, ETH traded near $3,090, up 2.8% on the day.
Whale-Driven Momentum Returns, But Retail Remains Cautious
Institutional activity is starting to dominate crypto flows again, but retail traders remain largely on the sidelines.
Bitcoin’s price hovered around $59,200 on July 4, recovering modestly after last week’s drop below $58,000. The daily gain stood at 1.16%, with much of the upward pressure driven by ETF inflows rather than broader market sentiment.
Whale data suggests continued accumulation. According to CryptoQuant, wallets holding over 1,000 BTC have steadily added to their positions since late June. At the same time, retail open interest in BTC and ETH futures has declined, pointing to reduced leverage and cautious sentiment.
The mismatch between institutional accumulation and low retail interest has led some analysts to caution against interpreting the price move as a full reversal. Bitcoin remains down over 10% from its all-time high of $73,800 reached in March.
Still, with the U.S. Federal Reserve expected to begin cutting rates later this year, macro conditions may soon favor risk assets again. ETF flows could remain a key driver in the coming weeks, especially if broader liquidity trends support upside.
ETF Demand Back on Track as July Opens Strong
The July 3 ETF inflows mark a sharp shift from June, when demand slowed and several sessions saw net outflows.
BlackRock, Fidelity, and ARK Invest appear to be front-running expectations for monetary easing, crypto policy shifts, and ETF-driven growth. Their combined $724 million bet on Bitcoin and Ethereum may reflect both short-term positioning and long-term allocation.
Ark Invest CEO Cathie Wood previously stated her firm sees Bitcoin as a “financial superhighway.” Meanwhile, BlackRock’s Larry Fink has repeatedly emphasized tokenization and blockchain infrastructure as future growth areas.
The July rebound in flows offers a fresh narrative for Q3 2025. However, traders remain wary of short-term volatility, with funding rates and options data still flashing caution signals.
Despite that, ETF accumulation has returned as a leading indicator. If demand persists, Bitcoin and Ethereum may enter a new accumulation phase backed by institutional capital, not retail euphoria.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and provides no financial, investment, or other advice. The author or any people mentioned in this article are not responsible for any financial loss that may occur from investing in or trading. Please do your research before making any financial decisions.
Moses K is a crypto journalist covering markets, regulation, and blockchain trends. He has written for The Coin Republic, Coinchapter, Cryptopolitan, Cryptotale, Coinspeaker, and MPost. Known for his concise, data-driven reporting, Moses focuses on price analysis, on-chain metrics, and policy developments shaping the global digital asset landscape.