Bitcoin spot ETFs have been under pressure in early 2026, with significant outflows reflecting broader de-risking across institutional portfolios.
Yet data from tracking sources like SoSoValue show altcoin-focused products bucking the trend: Solana and XRP spot ETFs recorded notable net inflows on recent trading days, even as the broader market mood stayed cautious.
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Solana and XRP ETF inflows while Bitcoin bleeds
On February 24, U.S. Solana spot ETFs saw a single-day total net inflow of $3.78 million.
The Bitwise Solana Staking ETF led with $2.62 million, pushing its historical cumulative net inflow to $703 million.
This came amid ongoing price softness in SOL but highlights persistent demand for exposure through regulated wrappers.
XRP spot ETFs followed a similar pattern, with a single-day net inflow of $3.04 million reported recently.
Cumulative historical inflows for the category have climbed toward $367 million, with total net assets hovering around $981 million.
Products like Bitwise and Franklin Templeton variants have been key drivers in recent sessions.
Bitcoin ETFs see institutional downsizing
These positive flows contrast sharply with Bitcoin ETF activity.
Institutional investors, including investment advisors and hedge funds, have been reducing exposure, with 13F filings showing net sales of Bitcoin ETFs in late 2025 and continued pressure into 2026.
Outflows from major products like BlackRock’s IBIT have contributed to billions in redemptions over recent weeks, as large holders de-risk amid macro uncertainty and tighter financing conditions.
SEC data and market reports point to concentrated selling from specific categories rather than a uniform exodus.
What this rotation signals
The divergence is not random.
When Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs see outflows, capital doesn’t always leave crypto entirely, it can rotate toward perceived higher-upside or differentiated assets.
Solana’s staking-enabled ETFs offer yield potential alongside price exposure, appealing in a low-rate environment. XRP products benefit from ongoing utility narratives around cross-border payments and regulatory clarity hopes.
For crypto-curious retail and institutional readers, this pattern matters because it shows ETF adoption evolving beyond Bitcoin dominance.
Altcoin ETF inflows persist despite price weakness, suggesting selective allocation rather than broad capitulation.
The bigger picture
U.S. spot ETFs remain a key barometer for institutional sentiment. Bitcoin’s outflows reflect caution, deleveraging, miner sales pressure, and macro headwinds.
But Solana and XRP drawing capital indicates the infrastructure is working: investors can pivot exposure efficiently through familiar, regulated vehicles.
If these altcoin inflows compound while Bitcoin stabilizes, it could mark an early sign of broader market maturity, where rotation within the asset class becomes the norm, not the exception.
Solana and XRP inflows mean we are happy. Bitcoin outflows mean we are not happy that much. But it is, what it is.
For now, the data shows pockets of demand holding firm even in a tough stretch.
Cryptocurrency and Web3 expert, founder of Kriptoworld
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With years of experience covering the blockchain space, András delivers insightful reporting on DeFi, tokenization, altcoins, and crypto regulations shaping the digital economy.
📅 Published: February 26, 2026 • 🕓 Last updated: February 26, 2026
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