The Average Spot BTC ETF Holder Is Now in the Red

Bitcoin has fallen below the ETF cost basis, meaning most Spot BTC ETF investors — primarily institutions and traditional funds — are now sitting on unrealized losses.

This can increase selling pressure, though ETF holders are generally less emotional than crypto retail. The key signals to monitor are ETF inflows/outflows, redemptions, and exchange inflows. Rising outflows would raise downside risk.

Historically, when major investor groups enter loss territory, the market often reaches a “maximum pain” zone — a point that frequently precedes local bottoms or reflexive rallies. Selling pressure fades, and smart money starts absorbing supply.

At this stage, ETF holders become highly sensitive:
– Further price drops may trigger heavy outflows
– A rebound encourages them to hold

Breaking the ETF cost basis also signals the market is moving into oversold conditions, typically accompanied by negative funding, SOPR < 1, rising exchange inflows, and falling open interest.
When several of these capitulation metrics align, the probability of a high-timeframe bottom increases substantially.