Bitcoin Falls Below $81,000 as Spot ETF Outflows Reach $409.2 Million Amid US-Iran Tensions
Bitcoin fell below $81,000, reaching a low near $80,250, as continued withdrawals from U.S. spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and escalating U.S.-Iran tensions added pressure to the cryptocurrency market. Spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded $409.2 million in net outflows between October 12 and 16, 2026, although withdrawals slowed significantly compared with the previous week.
Despite the moderation in ETF selling, Bitcoin has struggled to sustain a recovery above $84,000. Market conditions remain sensitive to institutional fund flows, geopolitical developments, and movements in oil prices and U.S. Treasury yields.
Bitcoin ETF Outflows Slow to $409.2 Million
U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded $409.2 million in total outflows between October 12 and 16, 2026, despite receiving $180.8 million in inflows during the same period.
BlackRock's iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) accounted for approximately $240 million in withdrawals, while Fidelity's Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund (FBTC) recorded around $163.2 million in net outflows. These figures made the two funds the largest contributors to the week's reported withdrawals.
The pace of selling nevertheless eased compared with the previous week. U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded $818.8 million in total outflows between October 5 and 9, representing a decline of about 50% in weekly withdrawals.
Although the reduction suggests that selling pressure from ETF investors has moderated, the continued net outflows indicate that demand has not yet recovered enough to reverse the withdrawal trend. The figures alone do not establish whether institutional investors will return to net buying in the coming sessions.
US-Iran Tensions Add to Market Uncertainty
Geopolitical concerns have added another source of uncertainty for financial markets. Reports described rising tensions between the United States and Iran, including an alleged U.S. request for permission to strike the Pickaxe Mountain nuclear site without retaliation. Iran reportedly rejected the request.
An Iranian official warned that “Trump’s statements today point to war within the next 24 hours,” while also stating that Iran's military forces were “in a state of complete readiness.” The statements underscored the heightened tensions, although the supplied information does not establish whether military action would follow.
Energy and bond markets have also reflected pressure from the geopolitical situation. Brent crude oil remained near $106 a barrel, while the yield on the U.S. 10-year Treasury climbed to 5.25%.
Bitcoin Price Fails to Hold Its Recovery Above $84,000
Bitcoin's recent price movement has remained volatile. The cryptocurrency fell from around $87,000 last week to $80,395 before recovering to $84,352 during the current week. That rebound did not hold, and BTC subsequently slipped below $81,000, reaching a low near $80,250.
The inability to maintain the recovery above $84,000 has left that level in focus as Bitcoin attempts to stabilize. The price decline has continued even as weekly ETF outflows eased from their previous level, showing that slower fund withdrawals have not yet translated into a sustained rebound.
Bitcoin's next move may depend on whether ETF outflows continue to moderate and whether geopolitical and broader economic pressures subside. For now, reclaiming $84,000 remains an important level for stabilization, while continued selling and persistent uncertainty could leave the market vulnerable to further declines.
source: coinpedia
Writer: Ethan Collins
Crypto Journalist
Ethan Collins reports on developments across the cryptocurrency and blockchain sector. His work covers market movements, protocol updates, regulatory changes, and emerging trends in digital assets.
He focuses on presenting complex topics in a clear and accessible manner for a broad readership.
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