Bitcoin (BTC) traded around $88,600 on January 2 as the cryptocurrency remained range-bound between $85,000 and $90,000.
The total cryptocurrency market capitalization reached $3.08 trillion, up 1.2% from the previous day.
Bitcoin spot ETFs recorded their worst two-month stretch with $4.57 billion in combined outflows through November-December.
The cryptocurrency gained approximately 1.3% over 24 hours following a volatile end to 2025.
What Happened
Bitcoin's price has consolidated within a tight $85,000-$90,000 range for two weeks.
U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs registered $348.1 million in net outflows on December 31.
The 11 spot ETFs posted $1.09 billion in December outflows following $3.48 billion in November outflows.
This marked the largest two-month redemption since the products launched in January 2024.
Bitcoin's price dropped approximately 20% during the November-December period coinciding with ETF outflows.
Ethereum (ETH) traded near $3,000, gaining 1.5% over 24 hours.
Altcoins showed stronger percentage gains with Cardano (ADA) rising 6.3% and Dogecoin (DOGE) climbing 7.1%.
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Why It Matters
The record ETF outflows reflect declining institutional appetite heading into year-end despite Bitcoin ending 2025 approximately 6% lower.
Market volatility measured by Bollinger Bands narrowed to its lowest level since July, suggesting a potential significant price movement ahead.
Total Bitcoin ETF net assets stood at $113.29 billion on December 31, down 33% from an October peak of $169.54 billion.
Despite late-year outflows, Bitcoin ETFs accumulated cumulative net inflows of approximately $56.9 billion since their January 2024 launch.
Analysts suggest the consolidation represents institutional positioning rather than panic selling as markets await fresh catalysts in 2026.
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