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Institutions Reduce Bitcoin ETF Holdings by 23% in Q1

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Disclaimer :
The information provided in this news article is for informational purposes only and reflects publicly available data and opinions at the time of writing. It should not be considered financial or investment advice.
In the first quarter of 2025, institutional investors decreased their exposure to Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) by 23%, reducing holdings from $27.4 billion to $21.2 billion. This decline outpaced the overall 12% reduction in ETF market assets under management and coincided with an 11% drop in Bitcoin's price during the same period.
Hedge funds led this reduction, cutting their Bitcoin ETF holdings by nearly 33%. The diminishing profitability of the basis trade—a strategy that exploits price differences between futures and spot markets—was a significant factor in this decision. As the spread between futures and spot prices narrowed, the appeal of this trade diminished, prompting hedge funds to adjust their positions.
Conversely, Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) increased their Bitcoin ETF allocations during this period. While the dollar value of their holdings decreased due to market conditions, the actual Bitcoin-denominated positions grew. RIAs now represent 50% of all filer assets in Bitcoin ETFs, up from previous quarters.
Despite the overall reduction in holdings, professional investors still account for nearly 23% of Bitcoin ETF assets, a slight decrease from the 26.3% reported in the prior quarter. Analysts interpret this shift as a tactical move rather than a sign of broader market capitulation. The average portfolio allocations to Bitcoin ETFs remain…