Crypto Spot ETFs Record Net Outflows on January 29 — BTC, ETH, SOL, and XRP All in Red
Major cryptocurrency spot exchange-traded funds (ETFs) experienced broad net outflows on January 29, reflecting a cautious investor sentiment amid ongoing market volatility. Data from asset flow trackers show significant capital withdrawals across Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), and XRP spot ETF products. According to flow summaries for the trading session, these ETFs registered the following outflows: Bitcoin (BTC) spot ETFs: –$817.87 million Ethereum (ETH) spot ETFs: –$155.61 million Solana (SOL) spot ETFs: –$2.22 million XRP spot ETFs: –$92.92 million The figures indicate a broad pullback from crypto ETF products, with institutional and retail investors reducing exposure through regulated funds. Exact sourcing from flow data comes from aggregated market trackers and SoSoValue reports released on January 29. This day’s movement marks one of the heavier single‐session outflows in recent weeks, particularly in Bitcoin and ETH products, which have seen recurring redemption pressure throughout January. Market Context: Weak ETF Flows Amid Price Consolidation The sharp decline in ETF demand coincides with a generally soft performance across major cryptocurrencies. Bitcoin’s price has remained near the mid-$80,000 range, while broader crypto markets have seen a consolidation phase with many top tokens retracing from recent gains. Analysts attribute the outflows to a mix of macro uncertainty, profit-taking, and momentary risk aversion. One local crypto analyst noted that weak ETF flows can weigh on investor sentiment, even if price movements remain relatively stable. This dynamic has been seen as traders reassess positions following sharp swings earlier in the month. ETF Flow Tensions: Altcoins vs. Bitcoin While this particular session showed widespread net outflows across major products, recent weeks had seen intermittent inflows into altcoin-linked ETFs, especially for Solana and XRP products on certain days. Such patterns signal that investors may occasionally rotate capital toward different exposure themes within crypto, though the dominant trend on January 29 was clearly negative across the board. Why ETF Flows Matter Spot ETF flows — capital entering or exiting regulated Bitcoin and altcoin funds — are widely watched because they can provide insights into institutional and large retail positioning. Strong inflows are often interpreted as confidence in an asset’s future price trajectory, while sustained outflows suggest hedging, profit-taking, or short-term risk reduction. Despite the red print on January 29, analysts emphasize that flows are only one piece of the broader crypto market picture, which also includes on-chain data, price momentum, and macroeconomic catalysts like interest-rate outlooks. Investors and traders will continue to monitor ETF flow trends closely in the coming sessions, as further redemptions or renewed demand could offer clues about where sentiment is headed in early 2026. $ETH $SOL $XRP
U.S. Lawmakers “Closer Than Ever” to Crypto Market Structure Bill, Says Senator Cynthia Lummis
🧠 What Lummis (and Other Lawmakers) Are Saying Sen. Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) — a leading advocate for clearer U.S. crypto rules and chair of the Senate’s Digital Assets Subcommittee — has repeatedly signaled that a comprehensive crypto market structure bill is closer to passage than ever before, even as procedural delays have slowed progress in Congress. In recent weeks she and other lawmakers have described ongoing bipartisan talks with Senate Democrats and industry stakeholders, expressing optimism that agreement on text and regulatory frameworks can soon be reached. Lummis has said that “lawmakers are closer than ever to delivering the country’s pending crypto market structure bill”, despite some setbacks in markup schedules and opposition on specific provisions from industry players like Coinbase over draft language. 🏛️ Legislative Progress & Challenges 🔸 A key crypto market structure bill has advanced in some committees — including the Senate Agriculture Committee passing a version in a narrow vote — marking the first committee approval of the measure’s framework. 🔸 However, a crucial Senate Banking Committee markup was delayed, and members are negotiating details across party lines, particularly involving how regulators like the SEC and CFTC would oversee digital asset markets. 🔸 Negotiations continue alongside other crypto policy efforts, including the CLARITY Act passed by the House (aimed at defining digital asset classifications and oversight roles) — and lawmakers are working to reconcile House and Senate versions. 🧩 What “Closer Than Ever” Means in Context When Lummis says lawmakers are closer than ever: It reflects intent and bipartisan negotiations, not yet final agreement or floor votes. Key sticking points include developer protections, stablecoin rules, and the balance of regulatory authority, which have slowed formal Senate action. The Senate is working to align both Republican and Democratic priorities while completing markups and committee votes necessary before a full Senate vote. Lawmakers had hoped to complete legislative work by late 2025 or early 2026, and Lummis herself has previously set similar goals — though the exact timetable remains fluid as Congress navigates procedural hurdles. 📌 Bottom Line Sen. Cynthia Lummis’ statement that lawmakers are “closer than ever” to a crypto market structure bill reflects ongoing bipartisan negotiations and incremental legislative progress on a framework meant to clarify U.S. digital asset regulation. Major hurdles remain, but recent committee actions and continued talks signal that tangible progress is happening — even if the final bill is not yet law. $BTC
Industry Expert Warns Crypto Must Cement Its Role Before Political Backlash Hits
🧠 Context: Crypto Faces Increasing Political Scrutiny Experts and key figures in the crypto world have repeatedly cautioned that now — while digital assets are gaining traction — is a critical window to define their role in the broader economy and influence how regulators perceive them. 🔹 U.S. regulatory push imminent: Industry voices, including influential figures tied to market structure advocacy, stress that waiting for “perfect” crypto regulation risks letting future political shifts lead to harsher, more punitive rules. They argue the industry needs to engage now to help shape legislation before it’s framed under crisis conditions when political pressure is high — similar to past financial rulemaking after market turmoil. 💡 Key point: Acting early can help avoid reactive regulation that might stifle innovation or impose heavy constraints. ⚠️ Political Backlash Risks Highlighted by Experts Several trends and warnings underline why this matters: Political environment shifting around crypto: With evolving government stances — from regulatory rollback under certain administrations to possible future counter-movements — crypto’s trajectory could swing quickly depending on which party or lawmakers gain influence. For example, changes in U.S. Congressional control could delay or block crypto-friendly laws, triggering stricter frameworks later. Market volatility + regulatory gaps = flashpoints: Experts note that without clearer economic roles and regulatory alignment, crypto assets are easier targets for backlash when prices swing sharply or when political narratives turn against perceived risk assets. (While the exact quote isn’t cited here, this theme is widely reflected in ongoing industry discourse around regulation and political risk.) Internal industry engagement matters: Voices within the sector — including executives, lobbyists, and legal strategists — are pushing for constructive engagement with policymakers now to cement crypto’s legitimacy and functional value rather than letting reactionary politics shape outcomes later. 📌 Bottom Line Industry experts warn that crypto must clearly define and communicate its economic, technological, and societal roles now — before political narratives harden against it. The concern is that if crypto waits too long to solidify legitimacy and value, a backlash driven by political cycles or regulatory fear-mongering could result in more restrictive environments that hamper innovation and adoption. $BTC
Jihan Wu Says Maintaining Bitcoin Mining Provides a Hedge Against an AI Bubble
🧠 Who Is Jihan Wu? Jihan Wu is a Chinese-Singaporean entrepreneur, co-founder of Bitmain and current CEO of Bitdeer — one of the largest publicly traded Bitcoin mining companies. 🗣️ What He Said About Bitcoin Mining & the AI Bubble At the Bloomberg New Economy Forum in Singapore (Nov 21, 2025), Wu explained his strategic thinking as technology markets evolve: 🔹 Bitcoin mining provides stable revenue Wu highlighted that continuing efficient Bitcoin mining ensures a steady cash flow, even as some mining firms pivot their infrastructure toward AI computing. 🔹 Hedge against uncertainty in AI demand He noted there’s uncertainty around how quickly and sustainably AI demand will grow, and that mining can supply predictable income while the AI market develops. 🔹 Helps support infrastructure and power partners Keeping mining operations running gives energy suppliers and power infrastructure partners confidence — useful if and when those facilities transition to AI megacenters. 🔹 Strategic flexibility Wu suggested that rather than fully abandoning mining, companies like Bitdeer may continue mining first and convert facilities to AI compute as AI contracts and long-term demand are secured. 🧩 Why This Matters Wu’s comments reflect a broader tech and capital strategy: The AI sector has drawn massive investment, with some observers talking about possible “AI bubbles” (debate exists over whether the trend is a bubble or structural growth). Maintaining Bitcoin mining gives a real business anchor — generating revenue and cash flow independent of AI market dynamics. This can be seen as a hedge (a risk-management tool) against over-valuation or slow AI adoption. 📌 Bottom Line Jihan Wu argues Bitcoin mining isn’t just about cryptocurrency profits — it’s a financial and infrastructure hedge in an era of heavy AI speculation. He believes steady mining revenue and operational flexibility provide a buffer against potential AI market volatility and support long-term shifts into AI data infrastructure. $BTC