Bitcoin nears cycle bottom despite record $8B Spot ETF outflows – Why?

ambcryptoPublished on 2026-07-12Last updated on 2026-07-12

Abstract

Bitcoin (BTC) is recovering near $64,100 after falling below $60,000, but faces headwinds from Middle East tensions and persistent U.S. inflation concerns, keeping the Federal Reserve's interest rate at 3.50%-3.75%. According to CoinShares' James Butterfill, signs suggest Bitcoin may be nearing a cycle bottom despite a record 8-week streak of Spot Bitcoin ETF outflows totaling ~$8 billion. Recent small ETF inflows hint at easing institutional selling pressure. Notably, a large 3,588 BTC sell-off by a specific strategy in early July had minimal market impact. On-chain data shows new buyer support forming in the $60k-$63k range, while the $77k price level has shifted from support to a key resistance zone. Overall, the market is under pressure but not broken, with cautious sentiment prevailing as Bitcoin trades below major historical cost bases.

At press time, Bitcoin [BTC] was trading at $64,099.20, indicating a recovery from the decline below the $60k mark, but there are still concerns lingering. CoinShares’ Head of Research, James Butterfill, in his recent report, emphasized the three-front headwind facing Bitcoin.

One of the main issues, according to Butterfill, is the shaky ceasefire between Iran and Israel, which hasn’t done much to allay worries about a new Middle East war.

He said,

In markets like this, the turn often begins when forced selling is exhausted rather than when the headline backdrop improves.

Concerns were further heightened by the minutes of the most recent Federal Reserve meeting, which concluded that interest rates remained unchanged at 3.50% to 3.75%.

Because of tariffs, disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz, and robust demand for AI, the Fed’s top concern remained inflation, with core PCE inflation at 3.3% in April and an estimated 3.4% in May. However, there was little justification for policymakers to loosen monetary policy, as the U.S. unemployment rate was 4.3% in May and then decreased to 4.2% in June.

Is Bitcoin nearing the bottom?

Butterfill, however, finds preliminary indications that Bitcoin might be approaching a bottom despite these obstacles. The reason behind this is that the Spot Bitcoin ETFs have experienced the longest withdrawal streak on record, with net outflows of about $8 billion over the last eight weeks.

However, recent inflows over the past three trading sessions indicate that institutional selling pressure might be lessening.

Source: Farside Investors

Meanwhile, there are no longer as many worries about Strategy’s Bitcoin sales. A much bigger sale of 3,588 BTC in early July had little effect on the market, with Bitcoin eventually rising toward $63,800.

Regarding regulations, Butterfill notes that there is waning hope for the CLARITY Act, which is still pending a Senate floor vote. The approval is further predicted to push Bitcoin to new heights.

Hence, Butterfill concluded it best when he said,

The market remains under pressure, but not broken.

Final Summary

Meanwhile, the BTC Cost Basis Distribution Heatmap displays that the $77k cost-basis cluster has now become a significant resistance zone after supporting prices in April and May.

Source: Glassnode

Since many holders might sell at break-even, a much larger supply cluster around $84k to $85k also represents significant overhead resistance.

Meanwhile, new accumulation in the $60k–$63k range indicates that buyers are establishing a new support base. While sustained buying above $77k would improve the bullish outlook, overall, Bitcoin is still below significant historical cost-basis levels, indicating cautious sentiment.


Final Summary

  • Middle East tensions and the 3.50% to 3.75% Fed rate are playing a major role behind Bitcoin’s weak momentum.
  • Spot Bitcoin ETF outflows and the BTC sell-off by Strategy suggest that Bitcoin might be nearing its bottom.

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Related Questions

QAccording to James Butterfill, what are the two main reasons Bitcoin might be approaching a cycle bottom despite negative headwinds?

AAccording to James Butterfill, the two main reasons are: 1) Spot Bitcoin ETFs have experienced a record-breaking $8 billion in net outflows over eight weeks, and recent inflows suggest this institutional selling pressure might be lessening. 2) A large sale of Bitcoin by Strategy (3,588 BTC) in early July had little negative impact on the price, indicating that forced selling pressure may be exhausted.

QWhat are the primary macroeconomic factors creating headwinds for Bitcoin, as mentioned in the article?

AThe primary macroeconomic factors are: 1) Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, specifically the shaky ceasefire between Iran and Israel. 2) The Federal Reserve's monetary policy, where interest rates remain unchanged between 3.50% to 3.75% due to persistent inflation concerns, with little justification for policymakers to loosen policy given the low unemployment rate.

QBased on the BTC Cost Basis Distribution Heatmap, what are the key resistance and support levels for Bitcoin's price?

ABased on the Cost Basis Distribution Heatmap, the key resistance level is the $77k cost-basis cluster, which has now become a significant resistance zone. There is also significant overhead resistance in the $84k to $85k range. The key support level forming is in the $60k–$63k range, where new accumulation indicates buyers are establishing a new support base.

QWhat is the status and potential impact of the CLARITY Act, as noted by James Butterfill?

AJames Butterfill notes that hope for the CLARITY Act is waning, as it is still pending a Senate floor vote. He states that approval of the act is predicted to push Bitcoin to new heights.

QWhat is James Butterfill's overall conclusion about the current state of the Bitcoin market?

AJames Butterfill's overall conclusion is that 'The market remains under pressure, but not broken.' He sees preliminary signs of a potential bottom forming despite the various headwinds.

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1.4k Total ViewsPublished 2025.05.13Updated 2025.05.13

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