Quick answer: Ether ETF outflows reached $1.08 billion in October 2026 through Oct. 20, the biggest monthly outflow of the year, per SoSoValue data cited by Cointelegraph. The funds shed $26 million on Oct. 20 alone, a fifth straight day of withdrawals, while spot Bitcoin ETFs took in $527 million on Oct. 19.
Money is leaving Ether funds faster than at any point this year. Ether ETF outflows reached $1.08 billion in October through Oct. 20, even as investors put fresh cash back into Bitcoin funds.
The split matters because ETH just bounced on a short squeeze, not on new spot demand from the funds.
What happened to Ether ETF flows this week?
US spot Ether ETFs posted $26.12 million in net outflows on Tuesday, Oct. 20. That made it the fifth trading day of withdrawals in a row, according to Trader T data cited by Bloomingbit.
BlackRock’s iShares Ethereum Trust (ETHA) did most of the damage, with about $33 million out. Fidelity’s FETH and Grayscale’s mini ether fund, on the other hand, took in $3.63 million and $3.25 million. Other funds saw no flows.
The bigger number is the monthly one. October outflows now total $1.08 billion, per SoSoValue data reported by Cointelegraph. That is the largest monthly outflow since November 2025, and eight trading sessions remain. When we covered the $955 million October drain last week, the year’s worst month was still in doubt. It no longer is.
Why are Ether ETF outflows growing while Bitcoin funds recover?
The two markets are moving in opposite directions. Spot Bitcoin ETFs drew about $527 million on Monday, Oct. 19, their biggest day since Sept. 22. They added another $23 million on Tuesday. Yet on that same Monday, Ether funds lost $103.28 million, per SoSoValue figures cited by The Crypto Times.
Our read is that big allocators are trimming crypto risk down to the asset they know best. Bitcoin has a cleaner story for funds, and new products keep coming, such as BlackRock’s buffered Bitcoin ETF and Switzerland’s first retail spot Bitcoin ETF. Ether has no fresh catalyst of that kind this month. Even so, Wall Street keeps using its rails, as JPMorgan’s move of JPM Coin to Ethereum showed this week.
There is also a yield angle. ETH staking hit a record 43.8 million ETH, about 35.9% of supply, at the end of Q3, according to Bitwise data reported by FXStreet. However, the annualized yield fell to 2.63%. So holding ETH through a plain fund gives up a reward that direct holders can still earn, even if it is shrinking.
What does the data say about the ETH price?
Ether traded at $2,455.37 at 10:54 UTC on Oct. 21, up 3.0% in 24 hours, per CoinGecko. Bitcoin sat at $83,343, up 2.3%.
The bounce came from leverage, not ETF demand. Coinglass data showed about $62 million in short positions liquidated over 24 hours, versus $28 million in longs, The Crypto Times reported. When short sellers are forced to buy back, prices can jump quickly. Those moves often fade unless real buyers follow.
The month as a whole still looks weak. ETH fell about 9.7% in October, from roughly $2,700 to near $2,440, Cointelegraph noted. The flows also erased September’s $832 million of net inflows. Year-to-date totals now differ by provider. SoSoValue puts them near $485 million, while Trader T shows $684.6 million. Either way, the cushion built this year is thinning fast.
What should ETH traders watch next?
First, watch whether ETHA keeps bleeding. Since it is the largest fund, one more week of BlackRock outflows would likely push the October total past $1.2 billion.
Second, watch derivatives. Heavy leverage leaves room for another sharp squeeze in either direction. Third, watch the testnet calendar. The Glamsterdam upgrade is set for the Hoodi testnet on Oct. 26, with no mainnet date yet. A smooth test could give funds a reason to return.
For now, the gap between Bitcoin and Ether flows is the clearest signal in this market. If you want to spend crypto rather than trade it, our crypto cards guide compares the main options.
Ether ETF outflows FAQ
How much have Ether ETF outflows reached in October 2026?
US spot Ether ETFs saw $1.08 billion in net outflows from Oct. 1 to Oct. 20, 2026, per SoSoValue data cited by Cointelegraph. It is the largest monthly outflow since November 2025, with eight trading sessions still left in the month.
Which Ether ETF lost the most money?
BlackRock’s iShares Ethereum Trust (ETHA) led the Oct. 20 withdrawals with about $33 million out, per Trader T data cited by Bloomingbit. Fidelity’s FETH and Grayscale’s mini ether fund recorded small inflows that day.
Why did the ETH price rise if ETF money is leaving?
ETH rose about 3% on Oct. 21 mainly because of a short squeeze. Around $62 million in short positions were liquidated in 24 hours, forcing buybacks. A wider crypto and stock market rebound also helped.
Not financial advice. Crypto prices are volatile; always do your own research.
Sources
- Cointelegraph: Ether ETF outflows continue, pass $1B in October so far (Oct. 21, 2026)
- Bloomingbit: US spot Ether ETFs see $26.12M in net outflows for fifth straight session
- The Crypto Times: Ethereum price today and ETF outflows (Oct. 21, 2026)
- FXStreet: Ethereum staking hits record 43.8M ETH as yields fall
- Ethereum Foundation: Glamsterdam Hoodi testnet announcement
- CoinGecko: Ethereum (ETH) price
