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Bitcoin ETFs See Record Inflows as BTC Tops $100K—But Why Are Options Traders Hedging? | Analyzing the Divergence Between ETF Demand and Options Activity

The buy monero instantlycryptocurrency market witnessed a significant milestone this week as spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded their fifth consecutive day of positive flows, perfectly timed with Bitcoin's triumphant return above the $100,000 psychological barrier. This marks the first time since late February that the flagship cryptocurrency has breached this crucial price level, creating renewed enthusiasm among institutional participants.

Thursday's trading session revealed particularly noteworthy activity, with all major ETF providers reporting net inflows rather than redemptions. This unanimous institutional participation suggests growing conviction about Bitcoin's long-term value proposition, even at elevated price levels.

Institutional Capital Floods Bitcoin ETFs

Market data from Thursday shows Bitcoin-backed ETFs collectively absorbed $117.46 million in fresh capital. While this represents a 17% decrease from Wednesday's $142.31 million inflow, the sustained demand demonstrates robust institutional appetite. Analysts observe that the slight moderation likely reflects temporary profit-taking activity following Bitcoin's rapid ascent past the six-figure threshold.

BlackRock's iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) maintained its dominance, capturing $69 million of Thursday's total inflows. This brings IBIT's cumulative net inflows to an impressive $44.35 billion since launch, reinforcing its position as the preferred institutional vehicle for Bitcoin exposure. Fidelity's FBTC product followed with $35.34 million in daily inflows, pushing its lifetime total to $11.67 billion.

The absence of outflows across all twelve ETF providers stands out as particularly bullish, indicating no major institutional players are currently reducing exposure despite Bitcoin's extended rally.

Futures Market Echoes Bullish Sentiment

Bitcoin's breakthrough above $100,000 has created ripple effects across derivative markets. Futures open interest surged to $67.45 billion, marking a 5% increase within 24 hours. Market technicians note that when open interest expands alongside rising prices, it typically signals fresh capital entering to support the uptrend rather than just short covering.

Funding rates tell an even more compelling story, reaching their highest levels since late February at 0.0109%. These elevated rates indicate futures traders are willing to pay substantial premiums to maintain long positions, reflecting strong conviction in continued upside. Such conditions often create self-reinforcing bullish cycles as the cost of maintaining shorts becomes prohibitive.

Options Market Reveals Cautious Undertones

While ETF flows and futures activity paint a uniformly optimistic picture, the options market presents a more nuanced narrative. Trading desks report increased demand for put options, particularly at strike prices below current levels. This hedging activity suggests some institutional players are preparing for potential pullbacks despite the prevailing uptrend.

Derivatives analysts highlight that this divergence between ETF/futures flows and options positioning is characteristic of markets approaching psychologically significant levels. The growing put option interest may represent prudent risk management rather than outright bearishness, as institutions balance participation in the rally with downside protection.

As Bitcoin consolidates above $100,000, market participants will closely watch whether ETF inflows can maintain their momentum and whether options traders continue building protective positions. This interplay between bullish capital flows and cautious hedging strategies will likely determine Bitcoin's near-term price trajectory.