Institutions Are Buying Bitcoin – But the Market Isn’t Following
Despite steady accumulation from major players like exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy), Bitcoin’s price is feeling the weight of a wider market slowdown, according to a new report from CryptoQuant.
The research points to a sharp decline in overall demand for Bitcoin—even as institutions continue to buy. Over the past month, ETF inflows and corporate purchases have slowed considerably.
ETFs added around 40,000 BTC in the 30 days leading up to July 3, down from 86,000 BTC in December 2024. Strategy’s Bitcoin intake dropped even more dramatically, falling from 171,000 to just 16,000 BTC over the same stretch.
But the real issue lies beyond the headlines. While ETFs and corporate treasuries keep stacking Bitcoin, the broader market is moving in the opposite direction. CryptoQuant estimates that total demand has contracted by 895,000 BTC in the past month—wiping out any bullish impact from institutional buying.
On an annual basis, the pattern is even more telling: apparent demand is down 857,000 BTC, outpacing the combined 748,000 BTC accumulated by ETFs and Strategy over the same period.
Analysts conclude that institutional inflows, while supportive, aren’t strong enough to fuel a new rally on their own. Without a broader resurgence in demand, Bitcoin is likely to remain stuck in a holding pattern—despite efforts by big-name buyers to push the price higher.
Alex is an experienced financial journalist and cryptocurrency enthusiast. With over 8 years of experience covering the crypto, blockchain, and fintech industries, he is well-versed in the complex and ever-evolving world of digital assets. His insightful and thought-provoking articles provide readers with a clear picture of the latest developments and trends in the market. His approach allows him to break down complex ideas into accessible and in-depth content. Follow his publications to stay up to date with the most important trends and topics.
