The flow of institutional investment into cryptocurrency is outpacing that of retail investors in this cycle, with data supporting the recent surge in bitcoin's value. Last week, digital asset investment products saw inflows of $1.2 billion, marking the fourth consecutive week of growth, according to data released by CoinShares on Monday. The total assets under management across crypto funds have increased to $155 billion, the highest since February 1, albeit still below the $263 billion peak reached in October 2025.
Bitcoin alone attracted $933 million, bringing the year-to-date total to $4 billion, while Ether saw $192 million in inflows, exceeding $190 million for the third consecutive week. Meanwhile, blockchain equity ETFs, which invest in publicly traded companies generating revenue from crypto infrastructure, such as miners, exchanges, and chip manufacturers, have experienced significant growth, with inflows totaling $617 million over the past three weeks, including a record weekly figure.
This surge, described by CoinShares analyst James Butterfill as an explosion in demand for indirect exposure to the asset class, suggests that investors unable or unwilling to hold bitcoin directly are turning to equity-based investments in the sector. Bitcoin reached $79,399 overnight, its highest level since January 31, before dropping to $77,705. The $80,000 mark is crucial, as buyers from January and February approach breakeven on positions held through the war-driven correction.
The upcoming week will test whether institutional flows can absorb the selling pressure or if a third rejection from $79,000 will define a range rather than precede a breakout. The earnings reports from major tech companies, including Alphabet, Microsoft, Amazon, Meta, and Apple, which account for roughly a quarter of the S&P 500's market capitalization, will determine whether the broader risk-on bid supporting bitcoin and equities continues. Strong earnings could extend the four-week run of crypto inflows, potentially propelling bitcoin above $80,000, while disappointing results could lead to a decline in prices.