BlackRock scooped up over $1 billion of these cryptocurrencies in a week

BlackRock Increases Investment in Digital Assets

 

BlackRock, the world's largest asset manager, recently escalated its involvement in the digital asset space by investing over $1 billion into Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) through its spot exchange-traded funds (ETFs). This substantial investment underscores BlackRock's aggressive buying strategy in 2026, significantly contributing to a short-term upswing for these leading cryptocurrencies.

 

Spotlight on Bitcoin: Massive Inflows

 

The majority of BlackRock's fresh capital was funneled into Bitcoin via the iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT). During the five-day span from January 12 to January 16, IBIT recorded net purchases amounting to around $1.04 billion. Although there was one day where notable outflows were observed, persistent buying during the rest of the period effectively counterbalanced these outflows. Particularly noteworthy was the midweek session when IBIT attracted over $600 million in a single day, aligning with a broader trend of strength across spot Bitcoin ETFs.

 

Ethereum Gains Considerable Attention

 

Similarly, Ethereum witnessed significant investment activity. BlackRock's iShares Ethereum Trust (ETHA) received an influx of approximately $219 million worth of Ether during the same timeframe. Initially experiencing modest net outflows at the beginning of the week, ETHA soon reversed this trend, showcasing a series of robust inflows. The highlight was January 15, when ETHA amassed nearly $150 million in a single day, marking one of its most impressive daily performances in recent times.

 

Combined Impact on Crypto ETFs

 

Collectively, BlackRock's investments in Bitcoin and Ethereum increased their crypto ETF exposure to roughly $1.25 billion within the week. This accumulation coincided with generally positive trends across the broader ETF market. While Bitcoin spot ETFs started the week with powerful inflow days, they experienced a sharp pullback towards the end. In contrast, Ethereum spot ETFs managed to maintain a net positive balance despite fluctuations in daily activity.

 

Bitcoin's Rally Towards $100,000

 

BlackRock's increased investment came as Bitcoin continued its journey towards the $100,000 threshold. At its peak during the week, BTC reached $98,000 before a retracement, stabilizing around the $95,000 support zone. As of the latest reports, Bitcoin was trading at $95,093, reflecting a nearly 5% rally over the past week.

 

Ethereum Holds Strong Above Key Levels

 

Meanwhile, Ethereum maintained its position above the crucial $3,000 support level, valued at $3,309 at the latest update. This represents a gain exceeding 7% over the past week. Both cryptocurrencies' resilience amidst market fluctuations underscores their appeal to institutional players like BlackRock, who continue to see long-term value in these digital assets.