Digital asset investment products recorded $1.07 billion in outflows during the week ending May 18, marking the first negative week in seven and the third-largest weekly outflow of 2026, according to CoinShares reporting.
Key Takeaways:
- Digital asset funds saw $1.07 billion in outflows, ending a six-week positive streak on Iran-related tensions.
- Bitcoin recorded $982 million in outflows while XRP and Solana attracted $67.6 million and $55.1 million respectively.
- CLARITY Act progress provided some support, with Thursday recording $174 million in positive flows.
The outflows likely reflect renewed geopolitical risk tied to Iran-related tensions, with losses concentrated in bitcoin, according to CoinShares. Total assets under management fell to $157 billion from $159 billion the prior week, though 11 individual assets still recorded meaningful inflows above $1 million, suggesting progress on the CLARITY Act helped cushion the broader risk-off tone.
Bitcoin products saw $982 million in outflows, bringing year-to-date flows to $3.9 billion, CoinShares data shows. Ethereum recorded $249 million in outflows, its largest weekly decline since January 30.
The week’s volatility highlights bitcoin’s sensitivity to geopolitical shocks after six consecutive weeks of gains. The CoinShares Bitcoin ETF (BRRR ), which tracks bitcoin and its volatility, holds $427.4 million in assets under management and charges a 0.25% expense ratio, according to ETF Database.
See more: Crypto Market Update: Inflation Headwinds & Regulatory Progress
Altcoins Show Selective Strength
While bitcoin and ethereum suffered heavy losses, altcoins held up notably well, according to CoinShares.
XRP recorded $67.6 million in inflows and Solana attracted $55.1 million, both accelerating in recent weeks, according to CoinShares. Smaller but notable inflows came across Ton at $7.7 million, Sui at $4.7 million, Ondo at $4.1 million, Chainlink at $3.9 million and Doge at $3.2 million.
The selective inflows suggest investors are increasingly looking beyond bitcoin and ethereum for exposure to the digital asset ecosystem, according to the report. The CoinShares Altcoins ETF (DIME) provides diversified access to several alternative cryptocurrencies through a portfolio of exchange-traded products.
DIME holds $1.7 million in assets and charges a 0.95% expense ratio, according to ETF Database. The fund’s equally weighted approach positions investors across emerging blockchains including Cosmos, Hyperliquid, Sei, Near, Toncoin and Sui.
Regionally, the U.S. drove the entire outflow story with $1,140 million of outflows, according to CoinShares. By contrast, European appetite held up well, with Switzerland recording $22.8 million of inflows, Germany $22.0 million and Netherlands $7.5 million.
Blockchain equity ETFs were also caught in the risk-off environment, recording $133 million in aggregate outflows, according to the report.
For more news, information, and strategy, visit the CoinShares Crypto ETF Hub.
